Dishonorable conduct it was

The story of Sgt. David Budwah baffles the mind.
This man, not content to serve his country in whatever capacity it deemed fit, decided he would make up a hero’s tale to regale listeners and earn unwarranted awards.
Here is what he claimed: He was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan; was injured when he dove on a grenade in Afghanistan to protect a friend; had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; aided with the 2004 tsunami relief effort, and had earned eight medals and ribbons that he wore on his uniform.
Instead, he worked in a radio communications unit in Okinawa and as a store clerk at Quantico.
Here is what he did with his story: He conned his way into events such as rock concerts, banquets and sporting events; and he manipulated his way into a free laptop computer and personal digital assistant from a charitable organization that helps wounded service members.
Oh, and his claim about PTSD? That was to try to get out of the military before his discharge date.
Fortunately, the lies spun by Budwah-the-pretender did not survive. At a Quantico Marine Corps base court-martial hearing last week, he pleaded guilty to several charges, including faking his PTSD and pretending to be an injured hero.
The 18 months confinement and $25,000 fine this dishonest and cowardly actor received were well deserved. This man played on the sympathies of the public and cheapened the sacrifice of other military soldiers who truly deserve to be called heroes.
The lives of military men and women are tough enough without people like him raising the suspicion and ire of the citizens of the United States.
Military service members deserve our applause and appreciation. But Budwah stole some of the reward meant for others. We hope his downfall will be a warning to other potential fakers. The American people don’t take kindly to being fooled.

adapted from the Woodbridge-Manassas News & Messenger