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Ryan Berk And Sean Yetman : A new trending internet theme and the gross act of impersonating a U.S. military servicemember all came together in a new video exposing the action of Stolen Valor.
[fwdevp preset_id=”8″ video_path=”sOj07ClhEi8″]Former Infantryman Ryan Berk spotted what he thought was an Army Ranger in a Pennsylvania mall on Black Friday this year. After spending a few minutes talking to him and pointing out several mistakes in his uniform, Berk realized he did not pass as a true servicemember.
The individual, who identified himself as Sean Yetman, had his American flag patch in the wrong spot and more obviously had three Combat Infantryman Badges on his shoulder. These CIBs are an extremely rare honor.
Ryan Berk approached Sean Yetman and began to quiz him on his experiences as a soldier, all the while recording their conversation on his cell phone. The man introduced himself as Sean and wore a name ribbon identifying his last name as Yetman.
When Ryan Berk asked about how he had received his CIBs, Sean Yetman answered that he got all three while in Afghanistan — an impossibility considering Yetman’s age and the fact that only one of the badges is awarded per military campaign.
The conversation grew heated as Ryan Berk accused the man of being a phony and impersonating a soldier. Sean Yetman defended himself, saying he had “literally just got home from Fort Lewis” and was shopping in the mall with his Sergeant Major. He even offered to introduce Berk to his commanding officer.
Ryan Berk began getting angry when Yetman denied lying about his military service.
“Here it is, stolen valor at its finest,” Ryan Berk yelled as Sean Yetman turned to walk away. “Why don’t you just admit you’re a phony?”
“I noticed his combat infantryman’s badge, he had two stars above it, which would indicate that he served in three different wars which is almost physically impossible for his age,” Berk said.
There are no U.S. Army Rangers with three CIBs named Sean Yetman listed on any official record.
Agencies/Canadajournal
His uniform was obviously off. However, we serve the country to include Yetman too. You should at least let him know that what he is doing is wrong and not to do it again. That would be a great way to continue serving. Yes we can exit the service or retire, but serving should always be continuous whether you are in or out of the service. I hope he is ok and his family is ok.