Exposing a "Ranger" Imposter

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Stolen Valor
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Exposing a "Ranger" Imposter

Post by Stolen Valor »

I'm writing this forum as a concerned father in dealing with a "Ranger" impostor. As an introduction, I'm a 100% service-connected veteran (Desert Storm) who retired as a USAF Major.

On Father's Day, had to tell my visiting daughter that the man she was about to marry was a complete fraud. Steve presented himself as a decorated and disabled Army Ranger who fought in Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. What makes this most reprehensible, he claimed a dishonorable discharge from the Army for assaulting an officer, telling me the story in a boastful manner. Story goes that he went down in a helicopter because the pilot "fucked up" and "took a rotorblade" through his knee. While recovering he pulled himself from his hospital bed to "toke retribution for his buddies" by assaulting the officer pilot who was responsible for his "helicopter going down." The story goes that he received the dishonorable discharge because the pilot was the son of the the base Commander and it was the base commander's wife who insisted on the court-martial. Steve thought was funny as the pilot "son" was actually the Commanders step-son, who the Commander really didn't like. Steve said he was in the Army for 3 1/2 years before being "drummed out" 11 years ago (would be a period of service from 1997-2000). Claimed he saw "action" at the tail end of Desert Storm (1991), was a "Ranger" as part of "Blackhawk Down" (Battle of Mogadishu, Somalia, 3 Oct 1993), later claimed action in Georgia (Kosovo, Task Force Falcon, 24 Nov 2000). He also claims action in Afghanistan and Iraq ("Objective Rhino" & "Objective Serpent" in '01/'03). Questioned him how he got in Ranger School with "coke bottle" glasses he said it was "overlooked" because he was "such a bad ass" with an automatic rifle. He found a way "to squint to be a real sharpshooter." In fact, he was so good, he would have gone to Sniper School, but his vision kept him out. When asked about his "Ranger Training" Steve told me he did his "wetland" training in Alabama, his mountain training in Colorado, didn't mention the Florida phase at all, and took a "paper test" for the Desert portion which he passed with "flying colors" because of his desert experience camping and growing up in Arizona. At dinner Father's Day as specifically if he had ever been to Ft. Benning and he said no. Told him I would like to share my DD214 with him and that I would appreciate seeing his, he said "there is nuthin on it, it is all blacked out and shit." After days of listening, on Father's Day, told my daughter and asked she remain silent one day so my neighbor could join us for dinner (a recently retired 23-year Army Sergeant Major, a veteran of Mogadishu/Afghanistan/Iraq and most recently Pakistan). Introduced my neighbor to Steve and after dinner my neighbor asked Steve for his MOS and he answered "Ranger." When asked specifically the number code he again said "Ranger" and that he didn't remember but his specialty was "extracting people" but "I don't want to talk about my Ranger experiences because it was rough." My neighbor's face went cold and he quietly rose to his full 6'6" height and walked from the dinner table to the other side of the room (he lost 7 Rangers in Iraq). My daughter was crying and wanted closure. My daughter had him call his Mom, son and my ex-wife to tell them what he had done. He has been telling this story to everyone including his family for 12 years. Bags already packed, I escorted him untouched to the airport.

I'm writing seeking your help. There are large numbers of people fraudulently claiming, like Steve, to be Army Special Forces, Navy SEALS, USAF Para Rescue, among others. To my knowledge there are no legal remedies. The intent of the 2005 Stolen Valor Act has been diluted to the point that the only punishment available is a federal misdemeanor, but only when falsely representing oneself as having received any U.S. military decoration or medal in a public forum. On July 16, 2010, a federal judge in Denver ruled the Stolen Valor Act is “facially unconstitutional” because it violates free speech and dismissed the criminal case against Strandlof who lied about being an Iraq war veteran, basically removing all teeth from the Act. Just rough for me to accept that a Country I fought and served, to preserve the rights we enjoy, also protects scumbags like Steve. The price of Freedom isn't only extracted on foreign shores. What I ask is that we work together to expose these impostors. It requires a bit of give and take. As service men and woman, active and retired, when we encounter a person who claims to be in the military or served, challenge them with the questions which you know the answers since you have served. Also be patient when someone who challenges you. Be proud of you service and share your military experience.
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Jim
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Re: Exposing a "Ranger" Imposter

Post by Jim »

They are everywhere, sadly.
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Stolen Valor
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Re: Exposing a "Ranger" Imposter

Post by Stolen Valor »

Thanks Jim. We are finding that every word out of his mouth about his work history, his family, his life experiences, education, military service and monogamy to my daughter was a lie. The only thing we have found truthful is his name, felony arrests, and where he now lives with his parents. Hoping evidence mounts to arrest him, just makes the family sick that he might find another victim.
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Re: Exposing a "Ranger" Imposter

Post by Ranger »

Stolen Valor,

Thank you for service and introduction to our site. There are a few ways here on ArmyRanger.com that we help those who feel the need to make claims about their status. One of the ways is to put them on the wall so everyone else will also now. This helps employers when conducting background checks, future lovers, family members, and story tellers! If you would like assistance with your find so others will have the heads up, I am sure one of our resident Rangers will gladly help out. You can also have your CSM register and become vetted on here, which will help expedite things.

Those posted on our wall have been caught and investigated by at least one of the Rangers on this site. Each member here with the title Ranger has also been vetted. I suppose if people make false claims and cannot be charged with a crime, then we will help them with free speech and pass on their stories for everyone else to read. Hopefully those who come into contact with said person will be that much more informed.

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Re: Exposing a "Ranger" Imposter

Post by Ranger Ron »

Thank you for sharing your story, Stolen Valor. I am sorry you have had to go through this experience. Not easy on those who deal with it personally. Finally, thank you for your service to our great country!
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Re: Exposing a "Ranger" Imposter

Post by Stolen Valor »

Would appreciate someone contacting me individually about the process of posting on the "wall."

As a personal note, but hoping none of you ever need it, the VA has done a great job putting me back together. Can't say enough about the medical staff at the Richmond VA Medical Center and Spinal Cord Injury folks. In 2003 was one 18 people in the U.S. to be part of an experimental study to rebuild my back and allow me to walk. Lost 4 of the major muscles in my back, have seizures from a rotorblade through the back of my scull along with other plates and screws holding me together, but I'm alive and getting around. Also can't say enough about the mental health staff helping with the depression and PTSD. The VA has started a new PTSD treatment which has shown great success and I'm looking forward to starting that treatment soon. For those of you out there with PTSD, don't try to tough it out, get help, suicide in not an option.

With that, I'm tired and will leave this blog for the Rangers. Thank you all for your service and future service.
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Re: Exposing a "Ranger" Imposter

Post by Stolen Valor »

On 18 Jun 2012, Steven R. Ford Jr., 37 years old (born 1974) of N 21st Dr, Phoenix, AZ, admitted in front of me (Major, USAF Ret.) my neighbor (Sgt. Major, USA Ret.) and our wives, that he falsely claimed being an Army Ranger for more than 12 years (details above). He showed no remorse. He is a disgrace to this nation and to all members, past and present, courageously serving in all branches of the armed forces. Picture attached.
Steven Roy Ford, Jr - Ranger Imposter
Steven Roy Ford, Jr - Ranger Imposter
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rangertough
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Re: Exposing a "Ranger" Imposter

Post by rangertough »

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Re: Exposing a "Ranger" Imposter

Post by RangerX »

Looks like the illegitimate love child of James Hetfield and Penn Jillette.
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Repeal the 16th, enforce the 10th.

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Stolen Valor
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Re: Exposing a "Ranger" Imposter

Post by Stolen Valor »

Steve R. Ford, Jr. has been legally evicted from my daughter's house but not before he broke in. A restraining order is in process if there is further incident. Also being investigated by Charles Schwab & Co. and the Securities and Exchange Commission for impersonating a stock broker. Being investigated by AZ unemployment for non-reporting of income, which will also trigger an IRS audit. Social Security is also involved for the claimed disability. Fortunately not receiving VA disability because he never served in the military. He also uses the alias Stephen, Steve in addition to Steven. Steven R. Ford, Jr. was also imposing as a 64 year old (age 37) on various dating sites looking for financially secure middle-age woman. Guess that's expressing his "free speech" rights! We are using those same free speech rights to expose him on 1 million Facebook pages as of this morning thanks to suggestions from this board.
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Re: Exposing a "Ranger" Imposter

Post by RangerX »

Scorched earth. I like your style.
C Co 3/75 88-90 (Just Cause)
124 MI(LRSD) 90-91 (Desert Storm)

Repeal the 16th, enforce the 10th.

ΜΩΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

"I come in peace. I didn't bring artillery. But I'm pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I'll kill you all." Gen. James Mattis

Panem Et Circenses

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Stolen Valor
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Re: Exposing a "Ranger" Imposter

Post by Stolen Valor »

Steven (Steve) Ford was given a chance to correct his ways, but less than a week after admitting impersonating a Ranger he is at it again. He has created a new Facebook account which he lies about being a Wells Fargo employee and graduating from a South Dakota high school among other lies. See http://www.facebook.com/steven.ford.1829 Steven R. Ford, Jr. has shown no remorse. He is a disgrace to this nation and to all service members, past and present, courageously serving in all branches of the armed forces.
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