Fake Marine Sentenced to Tend Graves

[Guest alsfirefighter]

Fake Marine sentenced to tend graves

Tuesday, July 31, 2007 8:58 AM

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- A man who posed as a decorated Marine Corps captain for two years will tend graves at a military cemetery as part his sentence to serve 500 hours of community service, a federal judge ruled.

Reggie L. Buddle, 59, of Puyallup pleaded guilty in April to unlawful wearing of U.S. military medals and decorations. He told U.S. Magistrate Judge Kelly J. Arnold at his sentencing Monday that he was ashamed of his conduct.

Buddle never served in the Marines. He bought the uniform at a military surplus store, and the medals belonged to his brother, a Marine who died in Vietnam.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Friedman told the court in his sentencing memo that the publicity had been punishment. "Mr. Buddle has been appropriately made to answer before a great many people, and he has been shunned by a great many others," Friedman wrote.

Buddle posed as a Marine Corps captain in 2005 and 2006, wearing a uniform with medals intended as awards for extraordinary contribution to national defense and heroism in combat. He even gave the opening prayer for the Washington state Senate in 2006 and posed as a chaplain and reverend, including officiating at weddings and funerals of servicemen.

Buddle wasn't ordained, however Friedman has said the marriages he presided over would still be lawfully recognized.

The judge said Monday that Buddle would serve his community service tending graves at the Tahoma Military Cemetery in Kent.

[ex-commish 490]

Too bad he is 59 as his punishment should of been to join the Marines. Than again, would the Marines want someone like him??

[tunaFish 0]

Too bad he is 59 as his punishment should of been to join the Marines. Than again, would the Marines want someone like him??

No they wouldn't and what a smack in the face to those that have served and continue to serve.

Tend to graves? He should be digging them at Arlington National Cemetery!

[Guest]

No they wouldn't and what a smack in the face to those that have served and continue to serve.

Tend to graves? He should be digging them at Arlington National Cemetery!

Oorah to that...

[RescueKujo 130]

No they wouldn't and what a smack in the face to those that have served and continue to serve.

Tend to graves? He should be digging them at Arlington National Cemetery!

No. Someone like that should have nothing to do with veterans who served honorably. He should have to switch bedpans and wash them out at the local VA hospital. Nothing is worse, in a time when our servicemen and women are dying far from home, than a scumbag posing as an honorable veteran. Actually, maybe combat is where he needs to be... :angry: :angry: