thedrifter
07-30-07, 06:15 PM
Fake Marine must work at military cemetery
Last updated July 30, 2007 3:09 p.m. PT
By MIKE BARBER
P-I REPORTER
A Puyallup man who posed as a decorated Marine veteran of the Vietnam war must now spend his time tending the graves of real veterans.
A U.S. magistrate in Tacoma on Monday ordered Reggie L. Buddle, 59, to work 500 hours of community service by working at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. Buddle had pleaded guilty to unlawfully wearing military medals and decorations. Buddle acknowledged posing as a decorated Marine captain. He never served in the Marines nor won the medals he wore, including the Distinguished Service Medal, a presidential unit citation for heroism in combat and a medal for serving in Vietnam.
He also posed as a Marine chaplain and presided at weddings, baptisms and funerals. Among other things, he gave an opening prayer before the state Senate in February 2006.
P-I reporter Mike Barber can be reached at 206-448-8018 or mikebarber@seattlepi.com.
Ellie
Last updated July 30, 2007 3:09 p.m. PT
By MIKE BARBER
P-I REPORTER
A Puyallup man who posed as a decorated Marine veteran of the Vietnam war must now spend his time tending the graves of real veterans.
A U.S. magistrate in Tacoma on Monday ordered Reggie L. Buddle, 59, to work 500 hours of community service by working at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. Buddle had pleaded guilty to unlawfully wearing military medals and decorations. Buddle acknowledged posing as a decorated Marine captain. He never served in the Marines nor won the medals he wore, including the Distinguished Service Medal, a presidential unit citation for heroism in combat and a medal for serving in Vietnam.
He also posed as a Marine chaplain and presided at weddings, baptisms and funerals. Among other things, he gave an opening prayer before the state Senate in February 2006.
P-I reporter Mike Barber can be reached at 206-448-8018 or mikebarber@seattlepi.com.
Ellie