Phony Marine Busted — Too Fat to Be Real

Always be suspicious of someone who talks a lot about their military exploits and their combat experience.

David,
You just answered your own question – that slap in the face to those who do wear the uniform hurts real bad.

What kind of sick pervert would walk around with medals and a uniform trying to convince everyone he is a Hero. I am glad to see the FBI is going after these Wannabee’s.

I agree

What about George Bush playing dress up in that flight suit on the USS Lincoln? Seems worse than this poor guy, since Bush was trying to dupe the whole nation into thinking he was some kind of war hero. This guy was simply looking for a little approval, and is not worthy of a big ABC News expose. Don’t you all have bigger fish to fry as investigative journalists. Like lying, posing public servants and presidents?

Michael Weilbacher is a true hero, a patriot, and someone to whom we should be grateful.

The Navy Cross and Silver Star area medals most men in Uniform die earning. They literally give their lives. We owe it to them, to prosecute guys like this.

I agree with Mike Jones. Put the Slob on a bus to Parris Island.

If we spend more effort and money into pursuing and prosecuting petty criminals who dress up as militia, those currently in uniform may have a much better chance to earning the medals they cherish so much by dying for their country. Semper fi. What, again, is the definition of a terrorist?

If they are going to bust people for dressing up and playing soldier, they can start with George W. Bush

What does a cheat, impostor, and coward have to do with being a “hero, patriot, and someone whom we should be grateful”? Get a life! I say send him to Iraq!

One of the Swift Boaters claimed the medal he gave Kerry, Kerry didn’t deserve. So remember that, medals are given out freely and often unfairly according to the Swift Boat Veterans. And not many soldiers rose to defend his medals. So my conclusion is that medals mean nothing. Thank you, Swift Boat Veterans.

Saying that this Mc Lard-O wearing falsely earned medals is akin to Bush wearing the flight suit aboard the USS Lincoln is logically flawed. As president, he is commander in chief and the head of the military. He wasn’t wearing any undue medals. The mission was indeed accomplished, too bad Durbin, Waxman and the like in their Jane Fonda ways gave a “”mission accomplished” to the insurgents.

As a military wife and mother, I am offended that anyone would think that it is ok to “play dress up”. When my husband and kids put on their uniform they are DEADLY serious about the job that they do.

Don’t you think that anyone joining our armed services thinks more of themselves than that they are represented by a tiny piece of ribbon and tin? Or maybe you think that it is worth dying for your country for a trinket? The question here is between deeds and objects. You would do well to look into the anthropological topic of Material Culture – how things, like little chest-medals (for the military, girl scouts, etc.) take on meaning in a primitive culture (like ours in the U.S.).

Those who have actually done great things for this nation rarely brag or even talk about them in passing. This guy is a true scumbag and pathetic. Real heroes are quiet and humble. It is part of what heroism is all about.
I too believe his sentence should be to spend even one week with a group of boots going through basic. He will probably die or break bones in attempting to complete training. Hell he would stave to death from only eating three square meals a day.
Again, it would be a fair punishment.

David, Edward (etc.):
You have obviously never served in the armed forces, or you wouldn’t have to ask any questions: these fakers need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and the law needs to be toughened. Hopefully the Stolen Valor Act will pass, soon.
I realize that this doesn’t make any sense to you; it couldn’t really, because you’ve never been there. There is no way for someone who has never faced incoming enemy fire to understand any of this. You never had to help bury a really good friend who earned his Silver Star (with cluster) by giving his life for his mates, incidentally saving your own life in the process. As a result, you can’t connect with those who feel great hurt and insult when these frauds, whose “combat” experience is confined to state-side cocktail parties, brag about exploits that never happened, thereby cheapening the acts of those who really earned the decorations.
I feel sorry for all of you who have so little empathy that you can’t understand this; how empty you must be inside. Pitiful.

I am proud to be a former Sailor and proud to have served with some fine Marines. A Marine is a Marine and a Soldier works for the Army.
There is a difference.
There is no difference between a disgusting piece of slime and Weilbacher.

David I agree with you..does the media have nothing better to do then to report this crap. It is nothing more than a grown man playing dress up. No harm no foul. As a person in the military I don’t view this as a slap in the face, just the opposite. You see he wants to be us, many do yet they lack the will and desire to join up and serve with pride, so instead they play dress up and pretend. We serve with pride for him and the many others like him.
Punish him..,,hmmmm how about making him pick up trash on base for a few months. Perhaps that would help him understand a bit more about what we do and why we do it. Not to mention, if he wants to wear the uniform then shape up and wear it with the pride in which it should be worn!!

To you military folks going around calling us civvies “empty” and “pitiful”, you just cheapen what you are trying to protect. Just because we have not been where you are gives you no right to go on and on about how horrible it is and how we could never understand. It is horrible and yet many folks just like you deal with the same idiotic stuff. I am proud of our fighting men and women especially now with the current situation and I just cant believe that some idiots try to cheapen your support base. As to the gentleman in question, he should be sent to a boot camp. Excellent suggestion.

Most fighter pilots would have given their left nut to remain on flying status, Our illustrious “leader” not only bailed on this privilege, he didn’t even bother to fulfill his last year of obligation. Here in Ohio, during that time frame, he would have been declared AWOL and immediately assigned to the Army infantry and dispatched to Vietnam.
I agree that this Butterball should be prosecuted, but those of you who bring up our “wannabee flyboy” who has a propensity for wearing military garb, LET IT GO! Your hero deserted his post during wartime. What should be the penalty for that?

One again the radical fringe has lost the message. For someone to pose as this fool has done is indeed an insult not only to those heros that have been awarded the citations he so boldly wore, but to the very core of those who choose to serve. If he wants to pose as a Marine then let the judge sentence him to 18 weeks at any Marine Corp Recruit Depot i guarntee he’ll be in better shape after that sentence.

I concur with Dave: Michael Weilbacher is a true hero, a patriot, and someone to whom we should be grateful. Somebody give that man a (genuine) medal!

As an active duty Airman I’m humbled to think someone could want so bad to belong to the military that he would cheapen himself to this extent. I hope the shame he’s brought to himself and his family was worth the gratification he felt from putting himself in the place of real hearos was worth it. I’ve been to Iraq and Korea. I’ve never seen a single person in either place boast about the medals they recieved for their actions. I don’t care what your political back ground is but if you’ve never volunteered to serve your country either by enlisting in the military or for public office you are in my eyes a subject. A real citizen believes in the greater good for all not just himself. If you’ve never served than you should be content to accept what others have sacrificed themselves to achieve. If you don’t like it then I suggest you volunteer to serve and make a difference of your own.

I had a run-in a number of years ago with a “wannabe” who claimed combat service in Vietnam as some sort of Special Forces troop. Unfortunately, he made the mistake of doing so in front of a number of ex-SF types. He saw combat right on-the-spot, hand-to-hand, and hasn’t made any similar claims since. To all “wannabes”, war isn’t glorious, combat isn’t a John Wayne movie and the people wearing the real decorations earned them by being willing to sacrifice and even die, not for a medal, but for honor, principles, their fellow combatants and their country. When you’re willing to do the same, step right up, raise your right hand and head off to Iraq or Afghanistan or some other hellish spot.

He might have actually gotten away with this deception if he had been wearing an Air Force Major’s uniform. But, wearing a Marine Corps uniform and weighing 400lbs this guy would have stood out like a turd in a punch bowl.

Mike Jones should be a comedian. I have never laughed so hard in my life. Keep them coming.

Interesting! I wasn’t the one who broached the subject of “The Imposter In Chief”. As a veteran who volunteered, served and honored the terms of my contract with the USAF during the Vietnam war, I consider GWB as much a disgrace to uniform as this 400 lb freak.
It’s ironic how Bush, Cheney, Perle, Wolfowitz, Libby, Lutti, Wurmser, Feith, Shulsky, Rubin and Gringrich all had better things to do during the 60′s and 70′s, but are so eager to send our kids and grandkids to die in a desert war.
Is this political? You’re darned right it is!
Is this discussion over a fat piece of crap really, really stupid? Absolutely! Is the sight of “W” wearing a jacket adorned with military insignia totally disgusting?
I’ll let those of you who served answer that one. If you haven’t walked the walk, don’t talk the talk.

I can see him maybe getting away with it, if he was in the army or the airforce, but the marines? oh please. They are all really thin. I have seen really fat army guys. I guess you can be fat and in the army too.

George Bush served in the National Guard, he’s been in the military. He’s the Commander-in-Chief, he commands the nation’s military. People in uniforms isn’t the issue here, its the act of wearing valor medals AND the intent to pass off as someone who had actually earned those medals. Don’t misconstrue this as something political. I was in Iraq and the comment that we should be spending the money elsewhere presecuting the war is odd. It is demoralizing to the troops to see an imposter touting acts he had not engaged in; we are aiding in prosecuting the war when we prosecute people like this…we aid in the morale of our soldiers over there.

What does it matter? Perhaps you should ask my husband who walked in the blood of his dead comrades at Paitilla Airport in Panama. Or the 12 men who survived the assault on that squad what it would matter if someone impersonated their team member? Or ask the people who are CONSTANTLY DEFRAUDED, CONNED and LIED to. People are HONORED and given positions in the community and in the government based on FRAUDULENT information. It’s so pervasive there are quite a few websites devoted to exposing these losers:
http://www.pownetwork.org/phonies/phonies.htm
As a former sailor myself, I know what we’ve endured and find it despicable that other people reap rewards without sacrifice. If you haven’t been there, you have no clue. My husband even takes issue with the jewelry made for women of the Trident given to men who complete the most arduous training in the world: BUD/s.

I say can you say “moral relativism” boys and girls?

Re: Bush/Kerry comment ~ relevant to this story.

This is a story posted by the media for the sole purpose os sensationalized entertainment and is of no worth or consequence.
I stumble across ridiculous stories like this everywhere these days, as do you.
Why even care?

I am a “typical right wing federalist” who thanks the “typical left wing socialist” for they’re respect of my brothers and sister in arms!! You get it, and I’m proud of you, reguardless if you’re wrong on your political stance, just kiddin’!

JOhn Kerry is just as big a fake.Oh,Im sorry,I forgot he tossed “his” medals away.Thats how much they meant to him.

Why in the hell are people comparing this fat guy’s behavior to President Bush wearing a flight
suit? Bush was a pilot in the military– NOT a case of “dress up.” What’s wrong with you? Just
another chance to take a shot at the President, I guess.

As I remember years ago…. Admiral Borda commited suicide for a single medal he was wearing which he should not have….He arise from Seaman to Admiral, the highest rank in the Navy….To me he is a hero who’s life was tragically ended. The point is: The medal he wear is so sacred to him and it come to a point that he ended his life for it. The truth is he brought so much in the Navy since he became the CNO. Civilians and military people honor him, but some “individual” accused him that he knowingly wear this unauthorized “medal” and destroyed his image. To me Admiral Borda earned all his medal with honor, courage, professionalism, pride and dignity. He truly serve his country unto death…. Not like this fat slob….. He think its a joke to wear those medals… I am retired sailor, and yes I received medals…and proud of them…

This is in one way a great piece of news in a time when good news is hard to come by. Those medals he was wearing…are worn today by men and women who dared to face death in the face…who realized “not thiers to wonder why, but thiers to do and die”…I recall a story I followed while still in training of a marine First Sergeant, now a Sergeant Major, who was up for the Medal of Honor, but instead was given a Naval Cross. To Marines the Naval Cross is as close to sacred as you could get. This Marine was shot seven times and covered the body of another fellow Marine to shield him from a grenade blast. These are the thing Marines do to earn such medals. We have a blessed amount of freedom in this country. And, it is a great tragedy that men are profiting and alienating this freedom. Those medals represent the blood spilled for Country, for Freedom, and for Fellow Man. It warms my heart to see a scoundrel caught. Semper Fi.

THAT FAT DUDE NEEDS 2 BE TAUGHT A LESSON!

400 lbs and claiming to be just out of the marine corps? I can imagine a big fat slob getting medals from Iraq running around breaking some Iraq’s balls. He could probably just sit on them to crush them.

I have a comment on this kind of comment: “You have obviously never served in the armed forces, or you wouldn’t have to ask any questions: these fakers need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and the law needs to be toughened. Hopefully the Stolen Valor Act will pass, soon.”
First, you are implying that one who has served in the armed forces would necessarily agree with you. I dare say you ought to be more cautious in evoking such generalizations. I am a former Marine Corps officer, and while I find the impersonator’s behavior foolish, it’s equally foolish to spend money on the Stolen Valor Act. Second, I don’t find it disrespectful at all. I find it indicative of deep psychological problems, problems that have little or nothing to do with patriotism, money, and so on. Put different, this fellow is crazy. Money should be spent on investigating the neurosis behind it, not on trying to ‘protect’ the honor of those who really earned such medals. Their honor doesn’t need protection: it’s rock solid and will always be.
With that said, I think it’s great that this news agency brought it to our attention.

Posers like this create a problem for all American people by the simple fact that you don’t know the real deal when he/she comes along. I would say that most of you who think that the FBI is spending too much time on this situation and ones like it have never served in the Armed Forces. Wannabes cheapen the real men and women that are fighting and have fought for our freedom.
Tell the families of the fallen military personal that it is a waste of time. Go to the Wall in Dc and the other monuments and see the real ones that gave all for this country and express your ideals to them.
There is a saying ” If You Were Not There Then Shut Your Mouth”
Semper Fi
Ron (Sarge)

Give him a choice, four year in prison or four years in the Corps and send him to boot camp, if he can’t make through, send him to prison.

The idea of a person, whether it be a person who looks the part or this fat man who definitly doesnt, to go around galivanting something that is not his to galivant about. It seems to me that people like this are whats wrong with the world today, and the reason we are still in Iraq and Afghanistan, they are to scared to just go in and bomb, because it may harm someone. Yet we will keep sending troops over there to be placed in harms way. And earn medals they rightly deserve. If those who tarnish the US Armed Forces by stating these are only medals and are not important, tell that to the men and women serving in hostile areas now, and those who served in those area prior, and then go and talk to those in Walter Reed Army Medical Center or the Naval Medical Center in Bethesda and find out how they feel about giving pieces of themselves for the country they believe is behind them 100%. Its a shame that we Armed forces personnel are not treated with the respect and dignity that we have earned. Instead we get people like this fat imposter.
And as for the Air Force we aren’t as fat as this guy and its would be impossible to even come close to pass as anything below General looking like that.
Aim High.

I have served in the Navy for 16 years, 6 of which have been with 4 Marine Division. Mr. Weilbacher has dishonored himself and the Corps by wearing the uniform and decorations. I’m glad that there will be legislation in place to prosicute those dishonorable people. A true hero is humble and does not brag about his heroics. Allthough I served in Kuwait with the 1st MEF, 1st Medical Battalion, in 2003, when I returned to the states, was called a hero, I do not consider myself a hero. I did my duty when called. SEMPER FI

If you knew how many phony combat soldiers are drawing VA benefits for PTSD based on altered DD-214′s you would really be mad.
A bill currently before Congress, “The Stolen Valor Act of 2005,” would also make it against the law to make verbal or written fraudulent claims of having been awarded medals or decorations.
Write your congress-person. Pass the bill and save the USA a ton of money.

As a veteran, this kind of act is one of the most offensive acts a person can commit. I spent countless told month upon month away from my family in some of the most God aweful conditions you can imagine to earn the right to wear my uniform and my medals and anyone who thinks they can just put on the uniform and they are a Marine is sadly sadly mistaken. Too many men has shed blood and lost their lives wearing that uniform for it to be cheapened to the level of satisfying someone misguided ego.

Hey redglare, my son travels to Paris Island in January for basic…that bad?

David. I am hurt that you would think that it didn’t hurt anybody to say and act that they had served when they didn’t. You probably never put on a uniform so you don’t know the feeling of pride in wearing it. If you rob a bank and nobody gets hurt is that ok. No it’s not. Veterans who served served with pride whether they went to war or not. You probably don’t care about the ones who have and are serving in Iraq and Afganistan. Ask them how they feel about somebody wearing medals they did not earn.

For all the haters who think it is ok. Well if you could walk a mile in a service members shoes you will see the dedication it takes in earning such honors. Just as you would not want to see some slime bag impersonating a policeman out there we should have the same respect for those who serve the country 24/7 protecting those who choose not to serve as well as those who cannot serve. Freedoms should be respected not abused just because you have the flexibility to do so. USMC

As a former Marine Core Seel, I highly object to this imposter stealing the glory of those who faced the music of battle.

What?

phony vets getting benifets is like our retired politicians getting benifets while in prison. or being caught putting the cold cash in the fridge and getting mad at fbi for searching his office. that sob still in congress.

As I respect most of the comments made about this man and realize that they are valid. Did anyone take a minute to think about what his family is going through, this can’t be easy for them either. They didn’t ask for this, but I guess it’s just easy to judge someone when the heat is not on you.

I ran into this guy at a Marine Corps Ball around Cape Girardeau, MO in 2005. At that time, he was not displaying the medals correctly, but mini-medals as rows of three.
As the article states, he was very overweight, and instead of looking me in the eye, was looking at my medals.
I realize that it is hard for a non-military person to comprehend the magnitude of this type of offense, but it does need to be addressed when someone blatantly displays something that they are not authorized to wear.
If we did not have laws to enforce the proper wear of a uniform, we would have people out running around playing phony police officers (and sometimes we do.) It also cheapens the sacrifice of those who have served overseas in service for our country. I served for almost two years in the Middle East, and I would hate to let slackers like this go unpunished. War has a price; freedom has a price, and claiming to be something and someone that you not has a price as well. Let this man pay.
The best thing that we can do for someone like this is allow him to suffer the humiliation of having his picture circulated around the internet and local and national news agencies. I’d hate to send someone like him to Iraq, simply because to pay for the air transportation of 400 pounds of crap, that far has no merit.
Allow him to pay the $50,000 in fines. Let him spend a couple months in prison.
Let him learn a valuable lesson.
Best Regards

I find it fasinating that we all nothing better to do with our lives than comment on this POS. I spent 20 years in my beloved Corps. I have received many citations and yes, have been awarded several decorations, none for valor I might add. You know what’s funny?, I don’t even remember what I have. I actually have to look at my retirement shadow box, and I have only been retired for 2 years. To me, medals and their associated ribbons were just one more thing I could get gigged on an a uniform inspection for. Medals don’t mean as much to those that have been presented them as most people think. All the Marines I know if asked, will pretty much tell you the same thing. “Oh, I got that for being in the right place at the right time.” or “My C.O. put me in for it, but I think it was B.S., I just did what was expected of me.”
The issue here is not John K., George W. B., or any other politico or their actions. This man broke the law. What I am amazed by is how did this guy make it through a Marine Corps Ball without someone realizing he was a POS liar? And why didn’t my Marine brothers and sisters take him outside and literally kick the medals off his chest and remove a little hide from his back side?
I will not comment on who did or did not serve. We all volunteered for a particular reason. I will not make up stories about honor or pride or any other honorable ideal. I initial joined because I needed a job, and couldn’t find one in 1984 in Ohio. But, what I found in the Corps were the finest individuals that ever walked the face of the Earth. We had more than our share of problem children, and plenty of dishonorable individuals. But day to day, we were amazing. In the Army you are a Soldier, in the Navy you are a Sailor, in the Airforce you are an Airman, in the Marine Corps you are a Marine. I don’t have to tell people I was in the Marine Corps. I tell them I am a Marine. I now work in Switzerland, and even here after people find out I am an American, and then find out I am a Marine, they understand. This man dishonored himself and my beloved Corps. Don’t send him to jail, three hots and a cot…no not good enough. Don’t send him to Parris Island. The SOP Drill Instructors must abide by will not allow for the punishment he deserves. I say there are two possibilities that he should face. 1)5 years of service, unpaid, at the Walter Reed or Bethesda caring for wounded Marines back from Afganistan and Iraq. or 2) Let him wear his fat boy Blues to a bar near Camp Pendelton that is frequented by real Marines. Make him go every night until he sees the error of his ways. That would be justice

To all of you who find this behaviour acceptable, we military individuals, past and present, have one small thing to say to you, “You’re Welcome!” We gladly, and with no complaints, lay our lives on the line so that you have the ability to voice your opinion, no matter how empty we consider it. But, to take your line of reasoning one step further, why is is fine for Kerry to have his military snafu, but yet you have all sorts of bad things to say about Bush and his military snafu on the aircraft carrier? Next time you think so little of those, as you called them, “trinkets”, think of the blood and sacrifice those “trinkets” mean.

At 400lbs. this guy wouldn’t last an hour in a marine boot camp. Send him to Parris Island. That will teach him.

Send the man to Leavenworth for punishment.

There’s scientific proof that morbid obesity affects the brain. Regardless, the pig is an idiot and should be prosecuted…just financially, not incarcerated. At least then he won’t have as much money to buy junk food to gorge on.

“Send the man to Leavenworth for punishment.”
Funny thing is, this guy IS from Leavenworth!

The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!
Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States, 1945

…And they arrested this guy for-err-violating the public dress code? And the military is supposed to keep us free?
…Right…

Dave, I don’t think it’s that you don’t see a problem with this; the truth is you simply do not understand it – as many others that have posted here do not. You said it should be okay as long as he doesn’t “hurt or kill anyone else, or lie about who they are.” Dave, did you read the story? This guy was telling lies, trying to brag about how he “earned” one of those medals in Colombia. It’s not like this guy walked in and said “I’m not a Marine, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.”
If this overly obese individual was to dress up as a Marine for Halloween, or some other form of a costume party, that would be one thing that we as Marines could probably accept. Unfortunately that was not the case.
This man wore that uniform to a Marine Corps League meeting, and even worse, attended a Marine Corps Birthday Ball – and claimed to be something he was not. Although it is somewhat flattering that he would want to wear a Marine uniform and participate in an event with such deep tradition and meaning, it is upsetting that he felt he could do so without earning that privilege. If that unfit person felt so strongly to wear the uniform, he should have taken his fat ass to college, lost some weight, earned a degree and got his commissioning. Maybe then he would have had the opportunity to earn those decorations he illegally chose to wear – but I doubt he would have had the honor, courage or commitment to have legitimately earned even one of them.
Does this guy have mental problems? Possibly. A lack of self-esteem? Probably. Should they punish the guy? Definitely. Regardless of the reasons why he did it, he still was impersonating an Officer and wearing medals that were not awarded him – which can and should bring federal charges.

TO: RANDY who thinks it is ok to wear what you want and think putting on a Marine Uniform is just a public dress code issue. I can tell you are just a left wing liberal from the tone you take on such issues. Yes the military is here to defend your freedoms. Maybe you need to get out and do some public service and see what is involved in earning such honors. If you think that is fine then I guess cooking up a college degree at home on my computer is no big deal either. If you cannot respect things for what they should be there is not need to fight for any rights as you mentioned. Instead of taking a narrow view to what he did you need to look at the big picture of he was doing something wrong. People who he was impersonating took offense to it and you should respect that.
I have been in the marines for over twenty years and I will tell you every Marine who earns and award takes great pride in wearing it. If the imposter was mentally challenged I could sympathize but when he intentionally goes out there and tries to pretend he is someone he is not then he is a con man, which we commonly call a crook or criminal. If you have never walked in a military man or woman’s shoes you may NEVER understand.
MSgt H.
Out

After reading the story and reading the commentary posted by others…I cannot get that mad. After serving in the USMC, after having a brother, and father and Grandfather that served, I cannot give falt to this man; or to those who do not see this act on his part as being offensive. Why? Because this puke and those who see nothing wrong with what he did, know nothing of honor. This pathetic Michael Weilbacher has to live with the fact that he is a wanna be. A man that lived a life that others braved to live, that others had the fortitude, conviction, and bravery to follow through with. And those who see no fault in what he did, live a life that they only wish they had the convictions to live. It is too bad we have lost men and women of honor instead of people like Michael Weilbacher and those who even remotely take up his pathetic poser stuff.

Put him in jail and fine him. All of the folks that have posted saying “this didn’t hurt anyone” are the same folks that don’t have any sense of duty and have probably never worn the uniform of this great country. Keep bad mouthing those of us that are offended and by all means continue to enjoy the freedoms that the fine men and women of our military protect for you everyday.

If these medals and honors mean so much to everyone…where was the outrage when Kerry’s medals and honors were brought into question for the sake of Dubbya winning an election? Let’s talk about the ‘Swifties”!
It seems to me this outrage and indignation is pretty darn selective.

I truly feel sorry for this imposters wife and children. his wife works at a veterans hospital she has worked there for years and is proud of position. he has 3 beautiful children. twin boys and a daughter. they are all respectful, polite, good people. It is sad that they have to be shamed by a man like Michael Weilbacher as a husband and father.

SEND HIM TO BOOT CAMP
then ship him out
make him do a tour
honor and pray for all the true heros and service personal

Mike was a dear friend of mine. I never really heard any of his stories about being in the military. The closest we got to talking about the military is when we meet up with a large group of Military personal for dinner. I have no idea why he would make up such outrageous lies (It did cross my mind a few times about the weight issue). What I do know (outside of this lie) is that he is a wonderful person with a huge heart and always there as a friend. Please know how much not only his family, but his friends are hurting too.

I have to second the fact that Mike was a liar, ostentatious, but an extremely nice person who would do anything for you.

For those who think someone posing as a legit service member and claiming such medals does no harm – if he applied for government jobs and claimed he was a veteran with the Silver star, he is granted preference over someone who served but did not earn such a medal. It is fraud. As a Soldier (first active duty and now in the Reserves) with several combat tours I think this guy is sad. He wants to be someone, all he really is is a sad man.

In reference to Lt. Kernel J. Felcher | Nov 30, 2006 7:14:41 PM: What is a “Marine Core Seel”?? I did 20 in the Corps and have no idea what that is. Are you referring to some slang for 2nd Force Recon? Or just Recon in general? Never heard of this.
But getting back to the subject of the individual that thought he could wear the awards that he had not earned. If the individual was on active duty or had served on active duty and worn awards he had not earned he could and would be prosecuted under the UCMJ or recalled to active duty to face such prosecution. This individual should have all military uniforms and equipment that he owns confiscated as well as being fined. All the businessmen he has been doing business with should be notified of his transgression and the local Marine Corps League should notify all other chapters, as well as organizations such as the VFW, of this individual. He will soon find himself a pariah among those he wishes to emulate.
For those of you that think this individual has done no harm, I would suggest you go tell your opinion to someone you care about that has served honorable in the military and then ask them what they think about this. Ask someone that is older then you are. Listen to what they say. You may find you have hurt them very much as they recall actions they have suffered through and friends they have lost.

I was in the Marine Corps for about a year and three months. In boot camp I destroyed my feet but I stuck with it as long as I could, hiding it as long as I could. Finally I fell out of a run…rather…I fell down on the ground and couldn’t stand up on my feet because the pain was so bad. (yes…I’m an idiot. My feet won’t ever be right again. But I wanted to be a marine more than I can possibly relate to you) Anyway, with my feet the way they were I couldn’t be a marine anymore. To put a fine point on it…I couldn’t hack it. I do not consider myself to have really been a marine. Close maybe but not quite there. It takes a very special person to be able to be a marine.
I don’t want to get too long winded here but let me tell you, this fat guy going around posing as a marine really makes my feet hurt.

I knew Mr. Weilbacher as a child, and I know the environment in which he was raised. His mother lived in a dream world: first woman to race at Indy, movie star, mansions in Hollywood, and on and on. Michael’s behavior was learned from early childhood. He needs help. not punishment.

Michael deserves justice, nothing more nor less. The fantasy world within which his mother raised him should, I think, at least be considered.

Over the past few years, I’ve worked in the public sector with two retired marines. No imposter could meet the standard that these men set. They need no decorations to prove what kind of men they are. I’m not a psychologist, and will not attempt to explain the behavior of imposters. But I think that most of us can tell the difference.

“To those who have fought for it, life has a flavor the protected will never taste”
Semper Fi

As a Sergeant in the Marine Corps, I find it disgusting that this person would have the audacity to sit on Marine-related planning committees, wear our uniform, and display medals for which we have survived life-treatening challenges. We have respect of a great many because we have given blood, sweat, and tears to earn it. We have seen friends die, had our spouses leave us, and didn’t sleep because you would get shot if you didn’t keep moving. I do not want to spend unecessary tax dollars prosecuting this sad man, I have a couple very friends who are drill instructors who would love the opportunity to have him as a non-paid guest at Parris Island Marine Recruit Depot and show him what it takes just rate to wear the uniform. If his fat body can survive that, we can give him an opportunity to earn the combat medals in Iraq and send another Marine back home.

#1 Bush was Commander in Chief at the time he was in a Flight Suit, Meaning he was authorize to wear such a uniform, commader in chief means:the commander of a nation’s military forces or significant element of those forces. #2 The FBI’s funding towards this task force had nothing to do with the funding of the Govt’s. I’d like to see more fakes busted. Maybe we should stop buying $100 pens and just stick with the .10cent BIC pens? Please before posting don’t say anything to make you look like a fool.
Semper Fi