Another Military Fraud-Monger

Fort Worth, TX...

I don't get it. Do you?

A 29-year-old Fort Worth man who claimed he received numerous military awards now faces up to 31 years in prison for lying about his military record.

Richard David McClanahan, formerly of Boys Ranch, Texas, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of making false statements and one count of making false claims about receipt of military medals, U.S. Attorney Richard Roper said.

Mr. McClanahan told people he had been nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor and spoke at local schools and on radio programs about his military awards, the U.S. Attorney’s office said. He received about $11,000 in donations and scholarships.

Mr. McClanahan did have a military record, but it was one filled with lies, demotions and a discharge “under other than honorable conditions,” the U.S. Attorney’s office said.

Mr. McClanahan served in the Navy from January 1999 to May 2001. He then joined the Army as a sergeant in June 2001.

A military evaluation in 2005 revealed that he had continually lied about his civilian life, military career, education and experiences, the U.S. Attorney’s office said. In one case, he falsified a score on his fitness card and then forged the physician assistant’s signature.

In April 2005, the Army found him guilty of wearing unauthorized awards and badges. The Army reduced his rank and sentenced him to 100 days of confinement. Three months later, the Army charged him with making a false official statement that included lying about his bachelor’s degree, his Army physical fitness test score and earning numerous military course certifications and badges, including the basic parachutist badge and a Navy Seal certificate.

In July 2005, he was discharged.

Mr. McClanahan move to Amarillo and continued to share with others his stories of military awards and decorations. He received $2,000 in donations from the “America Supports You,” organization, which assists service members.

In March, he sent a letter to an Amarillo Ford car dealership and asked them to donate a vehicle to him because of his congressional medal nomination. The dealership declined the donation but agreed to help him with financing.

Mr. McClanahan later admitted that he submitted a false financial statement, the U.S. Attorney’s office said.

A sentencing date has not been set. Mr. McClanahan could also face $1.1 million in fines.

It never ceases to amaze me.