Stolen Valor: Why Some People Pretend to Be Heroes
Why do people pretend to be war heroes? From fake Navy SEALs to invented combat records, here’s an inside look at the strange world of stolen valor and the veterans who expose it.
Veterans
Friendly Fire: The Nicest Name for the Worst Day
“Friendly fire” is a polite term for an ugly reality: sometimes your own side kills you—and the paperwork smooths it into “accident” so the truth doesn’t wreck careers.
Community Building 101: Clubs, Hobbies, Volunteering, and Veteran Groups
Cop Rules: A plain-English look at how real-world systems work—when the brochures and headlines aren’t telling the truth. People talk about “finding community” like it’s a lost set of keys. As if you just wander around until you bump into your tribe and everybody hugs and suddenly you’ve got a Saturday cookout and a phone … Read more
Stolen Valor: The Lie That Doesn’t Wash Off
Stolen Valor is the act of falsely claiming military service, combat experience, rank, or awards—and it’s not harmless bragging. It’s a fraud that undermines genuine military honors and disrespects the men and women who actually served. Some of these posers want social recognition. Some want money, benefits, donations, jobs, or status. But either way, the … Read more
Cat Magnet
I’m a guy who loves animals. Always have. Growing up, our house always had a dog and a cat. Sometimes ducks. Turtles. Even snakes—those were my sister’s choice, not mine, and I’ll just say… I supported the family’s right to make questionable decisions. And I’ve always said this: if I ever won the lottery, I … Read more
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Retiring in the Philippines (From a former US Marine)
Retiring in the Philippines turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life—but not for the reasons I expected. After years of living here, these are the ten things I wish someone had told me before I packed my bags and boarded the plane.
The Double Tap: From Range Drill to Media Meltdown
Everyone’s suddenly an expert on “double taps” because a drug boat took a second hit and the survivors didn’t get a participation trophy. In this bunker brief, Chatrodamus explains what a double tap actually is, why militaries have used it for decades, and why the latest war-crime meltdown says more about armchair critics than it does about the rules of engagement.
Illegal Orders, Fragging Fears, and Senator Mark Kelly’s Fantasy World
When a Senator Plays JAG on TV So Senator Mark Kelly pops up in a video and starts tossing around this phrase: “illegal orders.” The message is clear enough: if President Trump gives some order the Democrats don’t like, the military should feel perfectly free to ignore it. Applause from the panel, nods all around, … Read more
The Few, The Loud
A story of betrayal and brotherhood as fake as the Navy SEAL impostors Don Shipley loves to expose. Prologue: The Calm Before the Betrayal February 2022. The world was limping out of COVID exile, and I felt lucky: a wife I loved, a cat to amuse me, a blog, and a hobby shop where I … Read more
Don Shipley and the War Against Stolen Valor
Former Navy SEAL Don Shipley has exposed thousands of military impostors. A look at stolen valor, fake heroes, and why veterans consider wearing unearned medals and fabricated service one of the greatest acts of dishonor.