I have a question for all the military veterans on here, see first post.

[Dbetzner]

As WAM stated nothing illegal about this, as a vet myself this seems to be more along the lines of a theatrical type production. Where your issue would lie with the law and most vets (there will always be a few who would get p#d off regardless) is if you wore a uniform and claimed to have served (I.E. Stolen valor)

[WA Mtnhunter]

There is nothing illegal about wearing service uniforms in a theatrical production portraying military personnel. Wearing the uniform by the unauthorized becomes an offense if one is impersonating a military member, i.e. misrepresentation.

[joel.grudle]

Just do it in good taste and make your grandfather proud as well as the men and women who have and are currently serving. Everybody likes a little recognition as long as it doesn't make the people being recognized look bad by the ill informed, so do a little research and look sharp.

[Clay Cooper]

If done right and done with respect, I'll bet your Grandfather be proud of' ya!

Seriously, I would enlist the aid of someone in that Branch to assist you for proper placement of all items and proper fit.

[Greenhead]

I didn't serve, so take this for what it is worth, but I would think there would be a difference between portraying a vet (acting) and impersonating one (claiming to have earned the insignia).

[Edward J. Palumbo]

As long as your portrayal reflects respect to the uniform, I see no offense. Do a good job and make your grandfather proud.

[WA Mtnhunter]

Just don't become a wannabe!

Interesting Census Stats and "Been There" Wanabees:

1,713,823 of those who served in Vietnam were still alive as of August, 1995 (census figures).

~ During that same Census count, the number of Americans falsely claiming to have served in-country was: 9,492,958.

~ As of the current Census taken during August, 2000, the surviving U.S. Vietnam Veteran population estimate is: 1,002,511. This is hard to believe, losing nearly 711,000 between '95 and '00. That's 390 per day.

During this Census count, the number of Americans falsely claiming to have served in-country is: 13,853,027. By this census, FOUR OUT OF FIVE WHO CLAIM TO BE Vietnam vets are not.

The Department of Defense Vietnam War Service Index officially provided by The War Library originally reported with errors that 2,709,918 U.S. military personnel as having served in-country. Corrections and confirmations to this errored index resulted in the addition of 358 U.S. military personnel confirmed to have served in Vietnam but not originally listed by the Department of Defense. (All names are currently on file and accessible 24/7/365).

[mspl8sdcntryboy]

Hey, I like the idea of being compared to John Wayne!
Thanks!

[99explorer]

I'm OK with that if no disrespect is intended.
John Wayne wore out dozens of G.I. uniforms without spending a day in the service.

[mspl8sdcntryboy]

jhjimbo it is a military-style shirt, I was told that, for someone who has not served and does not have permission from the military, to wear a uniform is a federal crime.
And YES I have a DI hat, known as a "Brown Round" and "Smoky Bear" to wear.

[mspl8sdcntryboy]

Ozark my correction, it is sergeant-FIRST class, not second. I remembered the first class, but I guess since it has two under-stripes I misspoke.
Good catch!

[jhjimbo]

Chevrons on a non military shirt may not be recognizable for what they are.
How about a period correct dress hat??

[ozarkghost]

As it is a tribute to your grandfather I would not have a problem with that. I am a little confused though; what do the chevrons look like? I am familiar with most military ranks of other services but cannot recall a sergeant second class.

[mspl8sdcntryboy]

OHh it is purely as a tribute to the military, we hold nothing but the utmost respect for the military and it's members, current and past.

[mspl8sdcntryboy]

OHh it is purely as a tribute to the military, we hold nothing but the utmost respect for the military and it's members, current and past.