dssmith

I worked as a civilian for the United States Army for about seven years.

I have a $39 dollar wristwatch with a US Army Star Logo on the face. I love that watch. Keeps better time than any other watch I own. Got if from ebay on a closeout deal.
I also have a US Army jigger I use to mix my gin. I bought that at one of the base convenience stores.

Am I stealing anyone's valor?

kurttruk

No. Thats just "Army Stuff". You never claimed to be "in" the army. Also you served beside the soldiers.

YeOldeStonecat

IMO stolen valor is more about what runs out of the mouth....not from wearing items that show support of our Military.
I suppose some can go to some extreme to fully dress every day and give off the visual impression...but a watch 'n jigger...nah.

Bfish

It only bothers me when politicians do it. You know lie about heroic things they never did to puff up their image.

TorFed

Nope. Stolen valor is pretending to be a veteran or active duty service. A watch doesn't do that. If you were wearing a uniform, or medals etc... that would be.

Unga Bunga

In CT we call that "doing a Blumie" .

gman5436

Stolen Valor is when someone is trying to benefit from serving our country who never served. Wear your watch and mix your drinks with a very clear conscience.

KBH

I've got a watch from the Clinton Protective Service given to me by an actual Clinton Secret Service member. I'm not stealing anything when I wear it. And I'm pretty sure Bill wouldn't mind.

Brad1

No. Just as long as if people ask, you don't claim to be have been in the Army.

Kenny Powers

I was at Lowes one time. When I opened my wallet the guy saw my CAC (DoD contractor) and applied the military discount. I said "I'm not military, I just work to support the military" he said "well I am military; and that's good enough for me"

Made me question the stolen valor thing too

LI Sound Grunt

You are not stealing valor or anything. I am a combat infantry vet. 10 times as many identify themselves as Vietnam Vets than ever served. Hell 90 % the real Vietnam Vets never saw combat either and those guys tell the best War stories.

It doesnt bother me at all. I look at it as flattery.

autobaun70

Stolen valor for bragging rights with the boys at the bar should be subject to a well deserved ass whipping by legit members/retired members of the military that have served their time. Civilians are welcome to reticule, but shouldn’t get a fist swinging pass.

stolen valor for profit should be subject to criminal charges, and restitution + interest on any financial implications.

Geno67

This ^^ where is the like button?

dssmith

Unique watch!! Does it keep good time?

KBH

Of course. It's an inexpensive Fossil quartz watch. Keeps better time than any of the couple of Rolex watches I have.

dssmith

Thanks for the perspective guys.

I never say I was in the military. I proudly worked along side (in the same unit) with those that did. That's why I got the watch and the jigger.
The uniformed men and women I worked with loved having someone to take their weekend and night call. They all rank me. From the janitor to the General, I respect them all.

I will never refrain from teasing or accusing them of all kinds of irreverent things, but I will always be glad they wore the uniform.

NCSUboater

We have USAA because my wife's father was army. And every time I call them they thank me for my service and it always irks me. Not the fact that they're doing it, I love that they are diligent about it. But there's just no good way to tell them up front.

tinstar4453

I am a veteran US Army Military Policeman
the answer to your question is No.
Simply Owning any "Army " article that You legally obtained ( gift or purchase ) Is Not a Violation.

Stolen Valor statutes can be found in US Code ( criminal ) for impersonating an enlisted person or impersonating an officer
You would have to claim to have been a service member ,such as : name , rank, serial number, Branch of Service , dates of service ETC ETC
There is also a UCMJ Article ( 107 - I think ) for any impersonation of a US service member

phillyg

22 year vet here; wear your watch with pride.

flyau98

The Marines call their civilian employees “Civilian Marines”. All part of the team.