POW/MIA supporter admits to being faker

[unhappycamper]

POW/MIA supporter admits to being faker
The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Jan 3, 2008 17:49:34 EST

REDLANDS, Calif. — A Loma Linda man walking to Sacramento to dramatize an effort to get the POW/MIA flag flown year-round on state buildings lied about serving in the Marine Corps.

Gary Cherms says he lied to become a member of Redlands American Legion Post 106, where he had made friends. He also deceived The Press-Enterprise in a Dec. 30 story that said he served as a Marine in the 1970s.

The 58-year-old told the newspaper Wednesday that he apologized to family and friends.

The American Legion canceled his membership, but the Redlands post supports his mission to Sacramento.

Cherms left the Redlands post Dec. 28 on a walk to the state capitol to meet with Secretary Thomas Johnson of the Department of Veterans Affairs. He expects to arrive around Jan. 12.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/01/ap_fakevet_080103/