Faker Army veteran gets probation

[unhappycamper]

Faker Army veteran gets probation
The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Jan 1, 2009 10:29:11 EST

SAN ANTONIO — An Army veteran who fabricated a dazzling military career of African rescue missions and awards for heroism has been sentenced to three years’ probation for his deception.

Brian Culp, 38, had faced six months in prison on charges of falsely claiming a Purple Heart, falsely claiming a Bronze Star Medal with valor and creating a fake military identification that gave him access to bases.

But a federal judge said Culp, who served two tours in the Army, had served his country honorably and didn’t deserve prison. In court Tuesday, Culp showed none of the bravado or pretense he used to feign a fictional military career, and was instead contrite and apologetic.

Speaking in a barely audible voice, Culp attributed his misconduct to a bad divorce, not taking his antidepressant medications and chronic low self-esteem stemming from his childhood.

“There was this feeling of unimportance, not feeling confident and secure in myself, not being proud of what I am and what I had done,” he told U.S. Magistrate John Primomo.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/01/ap_army_veteran_faker_123108w/%2e