"Homeless Veteran" in the Lowe's Parking lot.

[Gman]

There is a reason the guy is begging in the Lowes parking lot instead of getting actual care at VA. Either a scammer or druggie, and likely to be both.


I don't care what a beggar claims, they get nothing. Props like dogs, musical instruments, or children just piss me off even more.

We're pretty much in alignment there.

[Aloha_Shooter]

Most of my career was in Joint environments so I learned MOS early on despite being Air Force although I only knew what a handful of them meant. I donate to the Springs Rescue Mission, Care and Share, Catholic Charities, etc. so I don't respond to requests for cash. I've bought meals for vent men in Philadelphia, gas for people who claimed to need to get home, etc. but they don't get cash.

The local American Legion post has fundraisers for vets in need -- I trust the old vets to be able spot scammers better than me and to take care of those that really need it.

[theGinsue]

The average Vietnam Vet (let's say 20 years old in 1970) would have been 40 when I was 14. One of my friends Dad was pretty messed-up. I laugh hard when I see guys my age, or just a bit older, rocking the "Vietnam Veteran" hat and "woe is me" act- such a scam.

I'm 55; born in 1965. I don't spook easy, but when I do it's usually somewhat dramatic. Every now and then when I get spooked I'll say 'Sorry, flashbacks to 'Nam.' I'm amazed at the number of people who ask me 'You served in Vietnam?' (seriously believing it). My response is then 'I wasn't even 10 when the Vietnam War ended. Just how old do you think I am?'

There is a reason the guy is begging in the Lowes parking lot instead of getting actual care at VA. Either a scammer or druggie, and likely to be both.


I don't care what a beggar claims, they get nothing. Props like dogs, musical instruments, or children just piss me off even more.

Amen & +1

I know there are legitimately some folks out panhandling who NEED help but because there are so many who are just looking for a simple way to make serious cash off the books (and many drive better cars than I own), I won't give a cent directly to any of them. As Aloha_Shooter said, there are a lot of charitable organizations out there that provide assistance to those who NEED it; I'm happy to donate to those organizations.

[Zundfolge]

Well I suspect this bum was not a vet because he slinked off pretty quickly ... I'm thinking an AF or Navy guy would have defended himself rhetorically a bit ... this guy looked like he knew he got caught.

As for not knowing what MOS is, I've never served and I'm familiar enough with the term that I recognized it ... but then I've also lived in a military town for most of the last two decades.

[thedave1164]

I was Navy, but I know when someone asks what my MOS was they are talking about my specialty.

When I tell them Electronic Warfare they get this excited look in their eyes thinking I played video games all day long.....

Or I could say Anti-ship Missile Defense, or its still classified LOL

[Gman]

I was Navy, but I know when someone asks what my MOS was they are talking about my specialty.

When I tell them Electronic Warfare they get this excited look in their eyes thinking I played video games all day long.....

Or I could say Anti-ship Missile Defense, or its still classified LOL

I read your post and had this thought; What if the panhandler had responded with, "I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you."

[Doc45]

During my son's last deployment I would sometimes wear a hat he gave me unique to his unit. Got approached by a homeless guy, said he had been a SEAL, could I help him out. Sure, what was your class number? Came up with some weird assed battalion number and infantry unit. I laid in to him tellling me I was the wrong guy to ask with a son up to his eyeballs with bad guys trying to kill him and his fellow soldiers. He just shuffled on looking for his next target.

[MrPrena]

During my active church days, they handed me the "winter packet/package" for people in needs. It had a nicer pair of socks than my socks. It had bottle of water, soap, tooth paste/brush, and towels.
We were giving out to many homeless people. Everyone said the word thanks, but most had little disappointment written on their face. Except one guy near 120th and Washington Barnes & Noble.

Due to extremely high Moral Hazard issues, I do not give out cash. Maybe necessities and/or personal care items.
I do not care their past being veteran, Veterinarian, or admiral-general. no cash.

[BushMasterBoy]

It is late at night 20 years ago, I just walked out of bar in COS. Guy comes up to me, asks if I can get a veteran a cheeseburger. I said where were you stationed? He said "Wiesbaden". I gave him $3.
I had heard of Wiesbaden when I was stationed in Europe. Never been there though. Army put a Major next to me in the enlisted barracks. They were afraid we were gonna nuke the Army troops if the war got hot...by accident.

[ray1970]

Helpful hint. There are no homeless veterans. And if there are then they are likely pieces of shit that you wouldn?t want to help out anyways.

Beggars don?t get my money or my sympathy regardless of what their bullshit sign says.

Free handouts for those who aren?t putting forth an effort to better themselves is one of many things that are wrong with society today.