PERSPECTIVE: This phony ‘war hero’ got what he deserved

» Sgt. David Budwah conned his way into a lifestyle set apart only for those who have earned it on the field of valor.

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 Budwah can be lauded for: From 2000 to 2006, he worked in a radio communications unit in Okinawa, Japan. And then he worked as a store clerk at Quantico.

Here is what he claimed: That he was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan; that he was injured when he dove on a grenade in Afghanistan to protect a friend; that he had post-traumatic stress disorder; that he helped with the 2004 tsunami relief effort; and that he had earned eight medals and ribbons that he wore on his uniform.

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 story about PTSD? That was a means to try to get out of the military before his discharge date.

Fortunately, Budwah-the-pretender’s lie did not live on in perpetuity. 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 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.

Budwah’s acts were cowardly and opportunistic. The lives of military men and women are tough enough without people like Budwah raising the suspicion and ire of the citizens of the United States.

We hope his downfall will be a warning to other potential fakers. The American people don’t take kindly to being fooled.

News & Messenger
(Prince William County)