After Bin Laden, A Boom In SEAL Imposters

After bin Laden Raid, False Navy SEAL Claims On The Rise -- Time

In the wake of the Osama bin Laden raid, fake Navy SEALs are coming out of the woodwork. (via ABC News)

And the latest Navy SEAL imposter to be outed? A Pennsylvania pastor. For five years, his parishioners of the Christian Bible Fellowship Church in Newville, Pennsylvania believed that their pastor, Rev. Jim Moats, was an ex-SEAL who fought during the Vietnam War. He was mentioned in an article in the the Harrisburg Patriot-News that profiled local residents who had served in the elite force. It was only when the story was sent to Don Shipley, a real ex-SEAL, that Moat's true identity was discovered. Although Moat did serve as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, he never saw combat, nor was he a Navy SEAL.

Read more ....

More News On Those Claiming To Be SEALS When They Are Not

After bin Laden death, a boom in SEAL imposters -- AFP
After Bin Laden Raid, Fake Navy SEALs Are 'Coming Out of the Woodwork,' Says Watchdog -- ABC News
SEAL Imposters Sought -- NBC San Diego
Fantasist pastor who lied to congregation about being a SEAL is caught out by REAL Navy hero -- Daily Mail
Pastor: My tale of being a Navy SEAL was just 'an ego-builder' -- MSNBC
Pastor admits lying about SEAL service -- UPI
SEAL sleuths expose those who've faked service -- Newsday
SEAL sleuths expose those who've faked service -- Forbes/AP

My Comment: I am embarrassed to say this .... even though I have covered defense/war/military issues and news very closely for a number of years, I have only met one SEAL in my entire life (that I know of). He was the next door neighbor to my parents (talk about coincidences), and he was fascinated with my father`s World War II experience on the Russian front. They had many a heavy drinking experiences on the weekends .... but they always clammed up when I showed up. I knew my father was talking about his experiences during the war, and Bernie was talking about his experiences in Vietnam .... but while I knew about my father`s past, I only learned about Bernie`s past at his funeral (he was killed in a motorcycle accident in the 1980s) when many of his fellow warriors showed up to give their respects.

It is true what this NBC report says .... the way to tell a real SEAL is that real SEALS don't tell.

Sighhhh .... here is to my friend Bernie .... I only got to know you at the end.