thedrifter
08-05-07, 06:44 AM
Published: Aug. 5, 2007 at 2:18 AM
Fake Marine told to work in cemetery
KENT, Wash., Aug. 5 (UPI) -- A Seattle-area man who posed as a decorated Marine combat veteran has been ordered to perform 500 hours of community service at a veterans cemetery.
But the director of the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Wash., believes the presence of Reggie Buddle will offend veterans and their families. Jim Trimbo told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer he plans to ask the judge to change the sentence.
The Puyallup man was in the Army but never served in combat or in the Marines. He claimed to be a Vietnam veteran and wore medals that included the Combat Action Ribbon, a Presidential Unit Citation ribbon and the Defense Distinguished Service Medal.
As an honorary Marine chaplain, Buddle even conducted services, including the funeral of a woman buried in the Tahoma cemetery. Her family has specifically asked that he not be put to work near her grave.
Trimbo said he also is worried Buddle might not be safe.
"This case is unique in its offenses," he said. "It does offend certain people, but he was also assigned here to learn what real heroes are."
Ellie
Fake Marine told to work in cemetery
KENT, Wash., Aug. 5 (UPI) -- A Seattle-area man who posed as a decorated Marine combat veteran has been ordered to perform 500 hours of community service at a veterans cemetery.
But the director of the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Wash., believes the presence of Reggie Buddle will offend veterans and their families. Jim Trimbo told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer he plans to ask the judge to change the sentence.
The Puyallup man was in the Army but never served in combat or in the Marines. He claimed to be a Vietnam veteran and wore medals that included the Combat Action Ribbon, a Presidential Unit Citation ribbon and the Defense Distinguished Service Medal.
As an honorary Marine chaplain, Buddle even conducted services, including the funeral of a woman buried in the Tahoma cemetery. Her family has specifically asked that he not be put to work near her grave.
Trimbo said he also is worried Buddle might not be safe.
"This case is unique in its offenses," he said. "It does offend certain people, but he was also assigned here to learn what real heroes are."
Ellie