Two charged with impersonating Marines
Two charged with impersonating Marines
By Jason Cato
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, November 9, 2005
They might not have the mettle to be Marines, but they certainly dressed the part, prosecutors said.
Federal prosecutors have charged John Eastman, 58, of New Galilee, Beaver County, and Albert McKelvey, 68, of Richland, with impersonating Marine officers. A conviction on the misdemeanor charge carries up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Eastman, also known as John Gasparovic, is accused of wearing a major's insignia at a Veterans Day function on Nov. 4, 2004. McKelvey is accused of wearing a colonel's uniform at a military function on May 30 -- Memorial Day.
While both men have military experience, neither achieved the rank they portrayed, said U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan, who declined to provide details about their military service.
Buchanan would not say whether either man received financial or other benefits from posing as officers and also declined to say who turned them in. Similar charges have been brought against others for impersonating law enforcement officers, but Buchanan said she believes this is the first time her office has charged someone with impersonating a military officer.
And that is a serious no-no, she said Tuesday.
"To have individuals simply impersonate officers is an offense we have to address to preserve the integrity of the military service," Buchanan said, adding that military officers attained their ranks and positions through hard work and service. To masquerade as an officer dishonors that achievement, she said.
Marine Maj. David Sylvester of the General Officer Matters Office in Quantico, Va., said "it's kind of laughable" that someone would pretend to be a military officer because the people they are lying to are the very ones who will investigate their military background.
"On one level, you feel so sorry for them," Sylvester said. "On the other hand, you take a lot of pride in being a Marine officer -- in being a Marine. There's a big sense of accomplishment and pride. And people who impersonate officers should be brought to justice."
Al Lona, quartermaster of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Monaca, Beaver County, wasn't as reserved.
"I have no respect for them. None whatsoever," said Lona, 88, a World War II veteran.
Neither man could be reached for comment. McKelvey and Eastman are scheduled to be arraigned on Nov. 29 and Dec. 1, respectively.