Members of the Rensselaer County Legislature approved a request at the April 14 legislative meeting urging state leaders to adopt new and stronger laws to deter individuals from falsely portraying veterans and military personnel for a financial benefit or gain.
[private] The call for adoption of Stolen Valor by members of the legislative majority follows calls for similar legislation in neighboring states, including Massachusetts, to protect the status and identity of veterans.
The legislation would help safeguard benefits, rewards and incentives provided to veterans and families of veterans, said legislators. Legislators said they are concerned by the instances of fraud by individuals wrongly wearing military uniforms or falsely claiming to have veteran status.
“Those of us in Rensselaer County government have vowed to never forget the enormous service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families. With that in mind, we believe a state law to protect the status and identity of veterans who be beneficial,” said Legislator Thomas Walsh, a veteran of the U.S. Army who also serves as chair of the Legislature’s Veteran Committee.
Walsh has led efforts to establish a permanent monument and memorial to veterans in the County Office Building. The Hall of Heroes includes pictures and information on Medal of Honor recipients from the county, and displays on veterans recognized at the monthly Honor a Deceased Veteran ceremony.
“Anyone caught impersonating a veteran for financial gain should be subject to prosecution and penalty,” added Legislator Alex Shannon, a U.S. Navy veteran.
The Stolen Valor resolution approved at the April 14 legislative meeting will now be sent to representatives of Rensselaer County in the State Legislature. [/private]