Phony POW general
The good folks at POW Network sent us a link to a phony they busted recently by the name of Fermijon Marrero who was featured in an article in the New Rochelle Main Street Connect;
The native of Spain was a prisoner of war from Dec. 15, 1966 until May 1968. The Vietnamese forced him and his cellmate to work for 16 hours each day in the rice patties while up to his knees in cow dung. The enemy only fed him twice a week, and all he received was an ashtray sized dish of rice filled with maggots.
But Marrero said he had to eat the creatures because they were his only source of protein. He slept in a tiger cage that was far too small for him. One day, he and his cellmate ran when the guards turned their heads. He had contracted malaria, which he said he still has to this day, but he ran until he joined up with the 12th Cavalry in Laos.
Nice story except that he was a private with an abbreviated career well after the war in Vietnam ended;
So, journalist Andrew Meola was more interested in writing a story than doing his job and informing the public.
December 14th, 2011 at 10:36 am
This wannabe is so full of shit his eyes are brown.He needs to be roasted alive.
1stCavRVN11B
B 2/5th Cav & D 1/12th Cav RVN
December 14th, 2011 at 10:49 am
Rice patties?
December 14th, 2011 at 10:56 am
Filet this fat shitbird and lay his ass out on a plate of rice.
December 14th, 2011 at 11:05 am
Let’s see what Mr. Meola, the reporter, has to say..if he replies.
December 14th, 2011 at 11:25 am
10 Manhattan Residents Arrested for Housing Fraud
By Special to the Sun | November 16, 2007
http://www.nysun.com/new-york/10-manhattan-residents-arrested-for-housing-fraud/66547/
Print Send Comment Share
The New York City Department of Investigation announced the arrest of ten Manhattan residents for allegedly concealing over $1 million in household income to illegally obtain more than $190,000 in rent subsidies from the New York City Housing Authority. Since January 2007, 62 individuals have been arrested for illegally receiving over $1.7 million in government housing benefits.
This week, DOI arrested NYCHA residents Sabrina Caban, Yuen Yin Kwan, Denise Lopez, Carmen Lorenzi, Juan and Fermijon Marrero, Nicolas Santiago and Patricia Steward, and Section 8-recipients Wendy Montas and Isabel Tamarez. Among those arrested were individuals who either concealed their employment or underreported their income. One of the individuals arrested is accused of concealing employment in which he earned more than $80,000 one year.
December 14th, 2011 at 11:28 am
So this is going to sound super racist but I guarantee that person is not from Spain. I’ve been several times and have traveled the country with my wife, who is from Spain. I’ve met hundreds of Spaniards through my wife and her extended family and they do not look central or south American.
Just wanted to throw that out there.
December 14th, 2011 at 11:36 am
Send me his phone number and I will invite him to a military gathering tonight in NYC. This guy has been busted for housing fraud and has attempted to open a Charter School. He is a danger to children and should be sent back to Spain or Viet Nam!
December 14th, 2011 at 11:40 am
@ #1- 1stCavRVN…How about use him for bait out on the Atchafalaya? LOL!
December 14th, 2011 at 11:42 am
According to this link from the Joint Services Military and Maritime Charter High School in NYC:
“Brig. General Fermijon Marrero, Vice Chair holds a BS in Forensics and a MBA in Corporate Operations from Rockville University. He is a retired from active Military Intelligence Officer achieving a distinguish military record, including, escape as a prisoner of war. He currently serves as a General in the Army reserves. He is fluent in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese, and has extensive knowledge of law administration.”
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/psc/documents/PostedJointServicesPRO.pdf
Fraud.
December 14th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
Like said before hundreds of times, there is absolutely no shortage of nominees for next year’s macbeth awards.
Or the year after, and year after that, and so on and so on….
December 14th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
A 91B with a CIB. Well, good for him!
December 14th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
These guys bring about in me a mix of revulsion and morbid curosity.
WTF is wrong with this idiots? Need to floow this Joint Services thing with email denoucning thier General.
Steadfast
4ID
1-67 AR
204 FSB
December 14th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
He also spent “44.9″ years in the military, which is totally kickass!
https://profiles.google.com/FermijonMarrero#FermijonMarrero/about
December 14th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
I just read the PDF that Adirondack Patriot posted. These JSMMC folks are looking for DoD funding for uniforms, books, and training aids PLUS salaries. They even cite “general” Marrero’s credentials in order to get them.
The DoD has enough to worry about in the funding department, they don’t need a fake sucking off the teet.
I would SO love to be there when this all goes down.
December 14th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
His Facebook says he worked at U.S. Army Special Forces Command
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000543128990
December 14th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
“and mentioned the 225,000 homeless veterans on the streets of New York City.
“Something has to be done,” Marrero said.”
Say what? That seems a lttle high.
December 14th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Sent a message to his FB to explain himself. I think we also need to contact that school and let them know the truth about their “Vice Chair”
Noticed that his document listed the first name as Fermin, while the article stated Fermijon. Either way, both are not shown anywhere on AKO white pages.
December 14th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
He appeared at a memorial Day event back in May in New Rochelle. You figure someone would have suspected something before he appeared again in November for Veterans Day. And what veterans organization would prop up a phony without knowing his qualifications?
http://www.newrochelletalk.com/content/new-rochelle%E2%80%99s-annual-memorial-day-parade-%E2%80%9Cwe-remember%E2%80%9D-salutes-vietnam-veterans
“His service record includes one of the few Americans who escaped from a Vietnam Prisoner of War camp, service as a Green Beret, Army Ranger, distinguished sharpshooter, Master Parachutist, numerous posts around the world, and special operations officer.”
December 14th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
#16: That is why the liberal reporter never questioned him. He spouted their favorite fictional narrative, so he is not to be questioned.
December 14th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
@15: But of course he did. No fraud worth his salt hasn’t worked there.
December 14th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
Wait, where’s any reference to the 1st Cav? He had to have served in the 1st Cav.
December 14th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
Wow–and the media wonders why they’re dying and nobody believes them anymore.
December 14th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
Just for the fun of it, I ran the other current military person listed as a board member in the prospectus (John McPhillips, Treasurer and 2LT in the New York National Guard) through AKO and JEDS. No hits in either for him.
December 14th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Wouldn’t put it past them that all the creds listed on the prospectus are fake.
December 14th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Well our esteemed BGEN from NYC will have some splaining to do. You see in my line of work, I know alot of people. And now some of my people know all about the former POW BGEN. His name, uniform, charter school, all the claims in the media, and all things military about him are about to come crashing down. Let the truth set you free … because remembering all the lies is impossible!
December 14th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
And whoever wrote up the prospectus for that High School comes across as barely literate.
December 14th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
it was Marrero that wrote it. He gave his aide the day off.
December 14th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
Mentiroso, mentiroso.
December 14th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Unedited First Draft: Ello may nombre is Briggadear Yenaril Marrero. I is a farmer POW of the war in Viat Nim. I speek for languishes and are a farmer unintelligencee offerer. I go to parades and I is opinning a shcool for childrin in NYC. I needs monee for new shcool and my militaree unafarms. Pleese proviid assistense.
December 14th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
#21 Up North, you missed it. He was rescued by a unit of the 1st Cav in Laos. The 12th Cav. We are always in there some where. No words for this POS other than how he could have fooled fools for so long.
Honor and Courage
8th Cav…..the forgotton Cav Regiment when it comes to wannabee’s. (Thank God!)
December 14th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Give ‘em Hell, Master Chief! This one just might be priceless after all!
December 14th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
I’ve got a call out to the Staff Judge Advocate General at West Point, which is right up the road from New Rochelle. I will let you know what develops.
December 14th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Again, I’m curious. If this guy was in RVN in 1966, let’s give him benefit of the doubt and say he received his commission, meaning if he was 21-22, he was born no later than 1943, making him at least 68 years old.
Master Chief–thanks for the links. I found the original presser from NY DOI:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doi/downloads/pdf/pr78manhattan_11152007.pdf
JUANA and FERMIJON MARRERO, 58 and 60 respectively, residents of NYCHA’s Rutgers Houses, allegedly concealed from NYCHA the income JUANA MARRERO earned as a Home Attendant. As a result, between 1997 and 2004 the MARREROs allegedly received approximately $28,300 in rent subsidies to which they were not entitled, according to the criminal complaint. A DOI investigation found that the MARREROs paid rent ranging between $146 and $445 per month when they should have paid $619 per month.
So not even the age thing checks out. And really, why is a (allegedly) retired O-7 who should be pulling in a retirement of nearly $100K/year living in a housing project?
Questions, questions….
December 14th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Don’t some people have bullshit detectors? We should start going after some of the idiot “journalists” start doing sting operations. Come up with outlandish Jessie MacBeth type stories…never mind they would run with it and get all butthurt when we revealed it was a hoax.
December 14th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
It gets better (or worse, I guess you should say). He was one of the Grand Marshalls for the New Rochelle Memorial Day Parade just this last summer. What a wanker.
http://www.newrochelletalk.com/content/new-rochelle%E2%80%99s-annual-memorial-day-parade-%E2%80%9Cwe-remember%E2%80%9D-salutes-vietnam-veterans
December 14th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
This guy is a putrid mollusk and his rotting life just got even worse. I have just unleashed my secret weapon on him. If he wants press coverage … well he just got it! I love retirement … I can do and say things now!
December 14th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
You can try to contact Fermijon Marrera directly. Here is a public post from 2008 and he offers his telephone number:
I’d like for you to consider endorsing the Joint Services Military and Maritime Charter High School to be located in the Sunset Park area of Brooklyn. My associate Dr. Lloyd A. Burkett PhD. and myself have terned in our proposal to the New York State Regents and we need your support if it’ll become a reality for September 7th. 2009. Please call me at (212) 766-4922 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday thru Friday for updates or for any info from your end…. PS: I have an executive summary to send to you, so that you can know about the school in question.. Reaspectfully BGN Fermijon Marrero Commandant.
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/3536
I tried to call but the voice mailbox was “unable to accept messages at this time.”
December 14th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Website with contact info for the charter school’s chair: http://seacadetsnewyork.com/default.aspx
I’ve already sent him an e-mail.
December 14th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Motion Denied: I wonder if he showed up in uniform on court day.
We must raise some money Marrero as he claims he is a poor person in this NYS Court Document. You see … he has fruaded the State and NYC Housing Authorities … because he is so poor. Times are hard, even for fake Brig General Marrero.
http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/ad1/calendar/appsmots/2011/March/2011_03_03_mot.pdf
Fermijon Marrero,
Plaintiff-Appellant,
-and-
Juana Marrero,
Plaintiff,
-against-
New York Housing Authority,
Defendant-Respondent.
————————————-x
Presiding Justice,
Justices.
M-190
Index No. 400889/10
plaintiff-appellant having moved for leave to prosecute,
as a poor person, the appeal from the judgment of the Supreme
Court, New York County, entered on or about December 28, 2010,
and for leave to have the appeal heard on the original record and
upon a reproduced appellant’s brief, and for other relief,
Now, upon reading and filing the papers with respect to
said motion, and due deliberation having been had thereon,
It is ordered that said motion is denied.
E N T E R:
December 14th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
Why do these shitbags always claim to be special forces, every skill badge possible superheroes, yet never take the simple step of making sure their uniforms fit?
December 14th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
Is the fraud case still pending? Is there any way that we can make sure that the prosecutor is aware of jackwad’s public GO dementia?
December 14th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
I am on this sack of shit like sand on the desert. When I am done with him he will have fantasy dreams of being a real POW, pleading not to be released because his real hell is here in NYC!
December 14th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Love the Schantags.
December 14th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
It appears that one “Fermijon Marrera” or “Fermin Marrera” of Brooklyn has quite a civil judgment history:
Jan. 14, 2010 21,061 owed to the NYC Housing Authority
Feb. 25, 2008, $5,744 tax warrant to the State of New York
Oct. 3, 2006, $7897 owed on Child Support Tax Warrant
Sept. 30, 2004, $3,756 owed on tax warrant
Sept. 3, 2002, $5,358 owed on Child Support Tax Warrant
Oct. 5 1999 Child Support Tax Warrant
Feb. 2, 1999 Child Support Tax Warrant
Nov. 4, 1998, $18,834 on Child Support Tax Warrant
I think if someone looks into his claimed educational claims, you will find that “Rockville University” is not an accredited institution of higher learning, but a Rockville, Maryland city program.
December 14th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
That should read “Marrero” not “Marrera” in previous post.
December 14th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
E-mailed the “journalist” asking for a retraction. We’ll see.
December 14th, 2011 at 5:41 pm
Man, this guy might be a strong contender in next year’s J McB. He’s got the jr. enlisted to general promotion down like Baxter has, but with pirate dike street cred.
That’s a bold combination.
December 14th, 2011 at 5:43 pm
@#46: I emailed him also, 7 hours ago. He has yet to respond, if he does.
December 14th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
the reporter is no use. He will just say, “the guy told me. i took him at his word.” Sadly the belief in reporting these days is just update the website. There is no fact checking or research.
Real journalism needs to come from the public is we want accurate reporting.
December 14th, 2011 at 6:14 pm
From the article:
Marrero still remembers the exact days of his service. He joined the Army on May 23, 1964 and left on Nov. 22, 1987. Twenty-two days later, he joined the Army Reserve, which he left on May 22, 2011.
Wow. I would have thrown the bullshit flag high and far on that statement alone. He would have run into mandatory retirement LONG before, even with the reserve service. He’s also claiming he retired at the age of 65 (assuming he was 18 when he joined). Not possible.
DoD regs say that you MUST retire after five years TIG as a BG or at 30 years of service, whichever comes later, otherwise ALL flag officers must retire the month after their 64th birthday, unless the SecDef or President defers it until their 66th or 68th birthdays, respectively, which to my knowledge almost never happens.
Guy is just wrapping his dumb ass around the axle with his bullshit. To summarize:
–Never mentions unit he was in during Vietnam.
–Never shows awards earned, etc.
–When did he receive his commission? And if so, when did he complete his degree (bootstrap?)
Even the most casual questions would have exposed this poseur. Friggin lazy newsies.
December 14th, 2011 at 7:42 pm
Folks:
I uncovered this fraud last evening when the name of our organization – U.S. Army Cadet Corps – came up in the article regarding Mr. Marrero. I immediately contacted the reporter, Chuck and Mary Schantag of the POW Network, and sent an email to Mr. Marrero.
The reporter actually called me this morning to acknowledge the error in fact and to advise me that he was writing a new story, outlining the truth about Mr. Marrero. He was pleasant, professional and clearly taken by the fact that Mr. Marrero had portrayed himself as a GO, especially while attending the New Rochelle Veterans Day events.
For the record, Mr. Marrero has NO affiliation with the U.S. Army Cadet Corps whatsoever.
Respectfully,
OSEPH M. LAND, SR.
COL, GS, USAC
Chief of Staff
Headquarters, U.S. Army Cadet Corps
“ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE!”
*************************************************************Office: 859-484-2100 x16
Fax: 859-484-2105
General Info: http://www.goarmycadets.com
December 14th, 2011 at 8:18 pm
I am on a mission at present, but couldn’t resist responding to the reporter with this”
” Mr. Meola:
Have you been educated in Journalism? Or do you just find writing and typing something that you are able to do? If it were the former, did you not learn to fact check your stories PRIOR to publication? Does your paper not have editors? Or do they spend their day in the lounge nearby. Have you never heard of the “Freedom Of Information Act”? It really is a very simple tool to use, and there are a plethora of “uneducated journalists” here on the Internet who use it regularly to fact check our work. It is no surprise to know that rag news is tanking, and for that matter that TV news programs are not gaining viewers. We of the blogosphere are continually brushed aside by the Academianuts as insignificant. I have found my friends in this venue to be much more diligent about fact finding than you, and yours.
You people are the laughingstock of “our World”.
As you read this, you may well find problems with semantics, punctuation, but I defy you to find inaccuracies.
I would suggest that if you want to take a course in more truthful writing that you merely read a couple of our sites daily for a week, or two, or three; depending on your ability to absorb the facts and truths.
Try my friends at “This Ain’t Hell”, Where we have some really great writers, and engage in some good commentary in the threads following each post. We are at: http://thisainthell.us/, and the post that caused me to write this e-mail is here: http://thisainthell.us/blog/?p=27916.
You might also try “Blackfive”, a very good mil-blog, even an award winner. The writers there are equally as diligent in their factchecking. They are here: http://www.blackfive.net/main/.
And if you are a visitor to our site, we would welcome your constructive commentary. No need to come in with any mudslinging, as we already have a staff of liberal trolls who do that and offer nothing but themselves as kicking toys.
Have a great day and tell your boss that we find you and your staff to be typically good for nothing more than a fish wrapper.
V/R, Mr. Frankie Cee,
US Military veteran, (of the insignificant type, never a general officer, nor never a maggot eating POW PHONY Soldier.)”
When I complete my present chores I will read the comments here. Where do these reporters come from? “Academia”?
December 14th, 2011 at 8:58 pm
I have messaged two of his friends. One claims to be in Colo Spngs, in 10th SFG. Is it based there? I don’t know. If he is legit he will be pissed that this turd claims SPECOPS service.
December 14th, 2011 at 10:01 pm
FO 10th group is at Ft. Carson, Colorado,My nephew is assigned to the 10th.
December 14th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
FO-
Two SF units in CO- 10th, an active duty unit based at Ft Carson, and a company of the 20th, National Guard, based at Front Range airport in Denver. So yeah, it’s there..
December 15th, 2011 at 7:07 am
I first contacted the Schantags about this turd in January 2011. Mike McGrath and Mary Schantag were more than helpful in tracking down his story and ferreting out more details. I also forwarded the links, his service record, and my email trails to a contact in the FBI. I understand they’re busy, and with the number of posers being outed on here, I’m sure they’re dealing with even more jackasses in his line of work. His time will come and right soon, I hope.
Anyway, on a separate note, he must one badass mo-fo to go through CDQC as a retired G.O. He’s added his Combat Diver’s badge since January. Stud! But he seems to have lost his SF tab…. Guess his Aide de Camp slept in that morning? That’s a lot of bling to remember when you’re that old.
December 15th, 2011 at 7:47 am
Frankly, I’d love to see a news crew stick a camera in the guy’s face while he’s wearing a CIA ballcap ala Ballduster.
If this guy ain’t a 1-seed in the next tournament, I’ll either be majorly surprised or there will have been some MAJOR assholes popping up between now and then.
December 15th, 2011 at 11:24 am
Yesterday I sent the following to Dr. Burkett, the chair of the Joint Services Military and Maritime Charter High School from my conus.army.mil address w/signature block, just so he would know that I wasn’t some H-moe firing away from gmail:
Dr. Burkett,
I am not sure if you are aware, but several military blogs have indicated that Mr. Fermijon Marrero, identified in the Joint Services Military and Maritime Charter High School’s prospectus as the vice chair, is a fraud. Mr. Marrero, both in the prospectus, in on line social media, and in newspapers has identified himself as a brigadier general; a Viet Nam combat veteran; a former POW; a member of the Special Forces; and as having been awarded the combat infantryman badge, the Army aviator badge, the jumpmaster badge, the pathfinder badge, the special operations diver badge, and the air assault badge; the Special Forces tab; and an combat affiliation with the 75th Ranger Regiment (Airborne). These claims have been proven to be false.
Freedom of information act requests for Mr. Marrero’s service records indicate that he served less than a year, from December 1975 until November 1976, in the Army and was discharged as a private. His records do not indicate any overseas or combat service, nor do they indicate the award of any badges, tabs, medals, or decorations. Additionally,
his time of service precludes any service in Viet Nam, as the last American troops left in 1973. This document, and additional information refuting all of Mr. Marrero’s claims, can be found at http://thisainthell.us/blog/?p=27916, http://www.pownetwork.org/phonies/phonies1025.htm, and
http://www.pownetwork.org/pownet.secure/marrero_fermin_nprc.pdf.
As the husband of a professional educator, I fully support your attempt to increase the educational opportunities to at risk children, but, as a soldier, combat veteran, and awardee of the combat infantry badge, I find it repulsive that a man claiming such honors could hold the position of vice chair in the school. Additionally, I fear that his
participation, particularly given the increased scrutiny that he will now endure, will harm the prospects for funding and support of the school.
In your best interest, and the best interest of the school, I thought that you should know the current developments so you can take whatever action you might feel necessary.
The response in this morning’s in-box:
We wanted to balance the Board with military veterans in addition to educators. He is a member of various military organizations and seemed to have been backed my various military and veteran groups who want to make a change for our at-risk children; however thank you for the information and I will certainly look into it.
Dr. Burkett
Not quite the enthusiastic response I was looking for. Since the prospectus said that the “BG” “has a current federal charter for an Army National Defense Cadet Corps JROTC program.” I guess that the next step is to contact the cadet command at Ft. Dix and let them know that their charter went to someone probably pulling another money scam.
December 15th, 2011 at 11:49 am
Bobo: Good work. I was left wondering about the credentials of Dr. Burkett after I read their prospectus and saw his signature on the charter school application.
I am going to call the Board of Regents to see if this guy is legit.
They also have some guy on the Board who claims a military background, but it appears he was only affiliated with the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Civil Air Patrol.
The whole operation appears propped up from stem to stern.
December 15th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
Check out the slide show -
http://www.newrochelletalk.com/content/new-rochelle-memorial-day-2011
He’s not hard to find, speaking from up on the podium.
December 15th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
The whole school thing reeks of a scheme to defraud the state. I saw the doctor’s signature on the application, too, and it also started my wheels spinning. It’s also interesting that, while they want “to balance the Board with military veterans in addition to educators” the only military that I can see are the “general” and a National Guard lieutenant who doesn’t show up in AKO or JEDS.
I’d think that a phone call to the ARNG armory on 5th Ave. would get some response, particularly since there are a lot of ARNG Soldiers who are also educators and would probably be very interested. At least they’d get something better than a PV2 with less than a year of service.
December 15th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
Well, the slideshow is interesting. From what I can see on the pictures, the jackhole is wearing Class B with ribbons and badges. He’s claiming: CIB w/star, DSC, SS, LM, PH, AM, JSCM, AAM, JSAM, POW, NDSM, Vietnam service, Southwest Asia service, Kosovo service, Afghan service, Iraq service, three unknown, UN Medal, Multinational Force Observer, Kuwait Liberation Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Liberation Kuwait, senior aviator, jump master, and air assault. I guess that he didn’t have room for his pathfinder and SF diver badges.
December 16th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
All,
Thank you for your comments regarding this story. We are currently working on a follow up story and it should appear on our site sometime today.
Thank you for all your links and comments.
-AV
TheDailyNewRochelle.com
December 17th, 2011 at 7:49 am
Aaaaaannnnndddddd….nuthin.
December 19th, 2011 at 10:47 am
Still waiting, Andrew.
December 19th, 2011 at 11:54 am
Ya gotta know that their legal dept, and perhaps an editor or two, is trying to figure out just how to ignore this and make it all go away. Not much room for saving face, but they will try.
December 19th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
Newsies more concerned with legalistic covering of their asses rather than uncovering the truth.
Shocked, I tell ya, just shocked.
December 19th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
Well, decided to leave a comment on that article on the DailyNewRochelle website…let’s see if they respond.
Does anyone fact check their work anymore before reporting on these Jackwagons????
December 19th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
@13 TSO – In the link you provided BGen Douche also claims to have attended VMI. A good friend of mine also graduated from VMI and had this to say …
Jim;
I read your note below and the first red flag I noticed was the BS in Forensics. If he has a BS in Forensics then it is not from VMI. I graduated in 1984 and there was no degree in Forensics and there is not one now or to my knowledge NEVER been one. I got on the VMI alumni page and there was NO ONE by that name for the class of 1965 or for that fact ANY CLASS. I further called the alumni agency and they HAVE NO RECORD of this guy. They have also not heard of a BS in Forensics from VMI.
This guy, in my humble opinion, is SCUM..
Jeffery B. xxxxxxxx
LTC(Ret)
U.S. Army
Virginia Military Institute Class of 1984
December 19th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
Just sent an e-mail query to MainStreet.com, the parent organization of TheNewRochelleDaily.com, enquiring about the status of the commitment to the publication of a retraction/correction as made by Mr. Andrew Vazzano. I’ll let you know if /when I get a response.
December 20th, 2011 at 9:43 am
Received last night in response to my query:
______________________________________________________
Hello,
We are currently waiting for a response from the Army to confirm if anyone by that name – or a different name, as the man in question now claims – has served.
I will update the website in the comments when our story goes live.
Thank you for your time,
-AV
–
Andrew Vazzano
Social Media & Marketing Manager
Main Street Connect | @MainStConnect
_________________________________________________
So “BG” Fermijon Marrero is now claiming he had another name during his time of service? C’mon, talk about blowing smoke. Just think of all the supporting documentation already available. And now they’re worried abut fact-checking? Better late than never, I suppose, but this could take a while.
December 20th, 2011 at 9:45 am
I got a follow up from Dr. Burkett this morning:
This is a follow-up to my previous email in which I said I would look into this matter. Several people informed me including yourself about this sad situation and I have spoken with some of my main contacts. I must thank you for the information and I am certainly outraged that something as this nature has occurred. It is especially troubling in these difficult times when education funding especially for Military Youth Programs become more difficult to obtain. Mr. Marrero is not associated with us in any capacity. You should note that there is no approved Joint Services Military and Maritime Charter High School as it was a past proposal to attempt a Military and Maritime type high school in New York City. You should also note that no person named in the proposal is or was paid. Even if the proposal was approved it would take a long time to get started.
If we do another School Proposal Mr. Marerro would not be involved in any capacity and we will look to have on the Board certified teachers and Naval Sea Cadet leaders involved with a Maritime project.
Again thank you Colonel for the information and for your service to the US Army and our Country.
Sincerely yours,
Lloyd Burkett, PhD
December 20th, 2011 at 9:53 am
Yeah…guess he’s now claiming service as “Agent Orange” or something like that. Not that it would be very difficult to verify considering any background check would also list any used aliases.
This clown is just burying himself.
December 20th, 2011 at 10:00 am
Sparky: I knew Agent Orange and he is no Agent Orange!
December 20th, 2011 at 10:04 am
Honestly, how tough would it be for Vazzano to hand Marrero an SF-180, have him fill it out completely and sign it, and have the results sent directly to Vazzano from the NPRC. He’d have all the answers in a few weeks, and Marrero couldn’t use the “different name” or any other excuse.
December 20th, 2011 at 11:07 am
Why not? If he’s seeking to form something related to DoD in any way, shape, or form, you’d think a 180 would be SOP.
December 20th, 2011 at 11:18 am
Hey guys – you are being overly unrealistic here! You actually expect a “journalist” to know that an SF180 even exists? Don’t you know yet that they are not required to verify anything that they feel good about and WANT to publish??
If it turns out to be libelous, slanderous, or just a simple lie, who cares? They INTENDED for it to be a Pulitzer winning article, so the consequences of it being less than truthful is irrelevant.
(Don’t you just love the irony of these clowns whining about all the horrid things the military does – like hurting “innocent” bystanders when they don’t give a flip how many they injure on their path to whatever it is they seek?)
December 20th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
Now we’re gettin’ somewhere:
http://www.newrochelletalk.com/content/army-general-honored-vietnam-war-hero-new-rochelle-memorial-day-parade-labeled-phony
December 20th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
I guess using google and putting in “Verify Veteran Status” is just too much to ask.
Only took me..what….30 seconds?
December 20th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
Thanks, bobble, for posting that link. (#78) A VERY good read!
December 20th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
Thank you for the link.
We have continued to report out this story from our end here in New Rochelle but I have added some of the material from this site (with links back/credit). I especially wanted to make sure folks here and from POW Network saw the note at the bottom which we just added:
“EDITOR’S NOTE: I want to make clear that this story exposing Fermijon Marrero is due in very large part to the efforts of the folks at the This Ain’t Hell But You Can See It From Here blog and the POW Network and their various contributors who have worked together to advance this story with rigorous research and fact-checking. While Talk of the Sound did our own reporting and had support from various Veterans organizations in Westchester County and in New Rochelle, the real credit goes to the men and women of ‘This Ain’t Hell’ and ‘POW Network’.”
I have spoken to a number of the veterans here in New Rochelle. While recognizing they erred in not doing their own due diligence (they relied on Dr. Burkett for that) they have all agreed that they would like to “honor” General Marrero one more time at a “special” meeting so they can express their true feelings towards him in a way that he will remember.
I have Marrero’s cell phone number so perhaps you folks can help “invite” him to the meeting. For those who can’t make it feel free to express your own feelings towards him.
646-841-6933.
Finally, please know I have forwarded a link to our story (with links to yours) around to my friends at Hot Air, Instapundit and Fox News. Keep an eye out for that.
Robert Cox
Managing Editor
Talk of the Sound
December 20th, 2011 at 5:06 pm
Thank you, Mr. Cox.
December 20th, 2011 at 6:11 pm
Mr Cox wrote: “I have spoken to a number of the veterans here in New Rochelle. While recognizing they erred in not doing their own due diligence (they relied on Dr. Burkett for that) they have all agreed that they would like to “honor” General Marrero one more time at a “special” meeting so they can express their true feelings towards him in a way that he will remember.”
Sweet!!!
December 20th, 2011 at 6:20 pm
Thanks to the number supplied by Mr. Cox; I reached Marrero, addressed him as such, and he verified. He thinks this is all fun and games. Get him guys, especially,MCPO NYC USN (Ret.)
I want to see photos of his “going away” party.
December 20th, 2011 at 8:30 pm
FWIW, a county legislator contacted us yesterday to verify our reportage. He claimed that he was referring the case to the county prosecutor for charges against Marrero.
December 20th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
Fun and games, huh? Bet he wasn’t laughing when he had to pay restitution, or placed on probation, or got kicked out of subsidized housing. Something tells me he’s not aware that although the Ninth Circus says the SVA is unconstitutional, he’s 1–not under the jurisdiction of the 9th, 2–impersonating a general officer or high medal recipient (of which the DSC qualifies) is still a federal crime.
Get those pineapples warmed up, folks.
December 20th, 2011 at 8:52 pm
Well, an editor with a spine. That’s refreshing. And mucho kudos to the buttkickers at TAH. Helluva job.
December 20th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
Looks like this one will have an appropriate resolution. Thanks to each one who helped it move in that direction.
December 21st, 2011 at 12:57 am
Still haven’t seen anything in the way of a retraction/correction from TheDailyNewRochelle.com (A.Vazzano/A. Meola). It will be interesting to see if/when they step up to the plate on this. Not to beat a dead horse, but the more times this gets mentioned on the intratubes the better, as far as I’m concerned. Just more hits on Google/Bing/Yahoo/… for whoever (maybe a reporter?) wants to check on Fermi in the future.
By the way, I also e-mailed Dr. Burkett on 12/15 regarding our buddy Fermi, just like Bob yet in article Mr. Cox has written and to which I linked (posting #78), it states that Dr. Luckett denied knowing anything about this issue when asked about it on 12/19.on
December 21st, 2011 at 1:07 am
Sorry, hit the ‘submit button’ accidentally.
…just like Bobo, yet in the article Mr. Cox has written (which I linked to in posting #78), it states that Dr. Luckett denied knowing anything about this issue when asked about it on 12/19. I would like to give Dr. Luckett, a unit commander (Lt) of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, the benefit of the doubt in this instance, knowing the time and effort he volunteers to assist and guide his cadets. He likely mispoke, or else I read the article incorrectly.
December 21st, 2011 at 1:12 am
And I forgot to ID myself in #’s 89 and 90. Sheeesh.
I would love to attend the “special meeting”, I’m only about 40 miles from New Rochelle. More than willing to take some time off from work. Have a point of contact, Mr. Cox?
December 21st, 2011 at 9:39 am
First let me mention that we will be discussing this topic at length on our radio show Thursday night at 7 PM. You can listen online via details below; you can also call in on the studio line with questions or comments. I have invited on Westchester County Legislator Jim Maisano (referenced above having referred the matter to prosecutors), United Veterans of New Rochelle President Peter Parente (AL, VFW) and former New York State Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Ron Tocci.
All three served. Jim and Peter in the Marines, Ron in the Airborne. Peter saw combat during Desert Storm.
I would also like to have John Lilyea come on an explain how this story was developed on this site if John could reach out to me via the contact info below.
My contact information is as follows…
Robert Cox
Managing Editor
New Rochelle’s Talk of the Sound
http://www.newrochelletalk.com
Host & Producer
Talk of the Sound Radio
Blog Talk Radio Thursday 7 – 9 PM & podcast
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/talkofthesound
Call-in Studio Line 805-830-8302
Phone: 914-500-8386
Email: robertcox@newrochelletalk.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/talkofthesound
December 21st, 2011 at 5:19 pm
All,
We have published a new story on Fermijon Marrero on The Daily New Rochelle.
Please see the story here: http://www.thedailynewrochelle.com/news/supposed-army-general-pow-exposed
It would be helpful to update the blog post above with our new info, if possible.
Thank you,
AV
TheDailyNewRochelle.com
Main Street Connect
December 22nd, 2011 at 8:35 am
Love this part of the story, classic:
“My response is they better get their facts straight,” Marrero said. “My name is not Fermin Ernesto Marrero. It’s Fermijon.”
Marrero said he has never had a middle name.
Marrero said he will take steps to defend himself and would gather facts and paperwork to discredit his accusers. He offered to fax his DD 214 to The Daily New Rochelle on Wednesday morning but had not sent it as of 3 p.m.
December 22nd, 2011 at 9:08 am
[...] Phony POW General December 22nd, 2011 We wrote about Fermijon Marrero, who was the honored guest at a New Rochelle, NY event celebrating Veterans’ Day last month [...]
December 23rd, 2011 at 10:32 am
[...] me that he talked with phony Brig. General Fermijon Marrero and asked him some questions about the disparity between his narrative and mine. Marrero had an opportunity to come clean and blew it. He said he’s a Lt Col in the regular army [...]
December 23rd, 2011 at 4:19 pm
[...] to Talk of the Sound, this came to light based on information published on a blog called This Ain’t Hell and research done by the POW Network site. The POW Network specializes in outing phony claims on [...]
December 24th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
FIRST OFF LET ME TELL U THIS I KNOW THIS MORON FOR MANY YEAHS AND ILL SAY THIS, HE SHOULD BE ARRESTED FOR PERSONATING A OFFICER OF THE US ARMY.
I JUST ASKED MY UNCLE WHICH WAS A GUNNY IN THE MARINES THAT IF HE EVER HEARD OFF MARRERO AND HE TOLD ME, WHO THE FUCK IS THIS DUDE, NEVER HEARD OF HIM.
HEY MARRERO STOP THIS CRAP BECAUSE U ARE RUINING ORGANIZATIONS.
I WILL NEVER WORK WITH THIS MAN AS LONG AS I LIVE
RETIRED MCPO FROM SOTS AND CADET CORPS FOR 40 YEARS
January 1st, 2012 at 6:27 pm
Anonymus#98 is right
July 5th, 2012 at 10:13 am
[...] Fermijon “Maggots and Rice” Marrero [...]
July 5th, 2012 at 11:06 pm
[...] Fermijon “Maggots and Rice” Marrero [...]
July 11th, 2012 at 11:44 pm
I want a coin.
Only the cool, poser “Generals” give out coins.
You have to give credit where it it is due.
Besides, you can not tell me that a poser “General” coin would not top the collection.
Damn, boys, it would be worth its weight in gold.
Just saying….
July 17th, 2012 at 9:38 am
[...] Fermijon “Maggots and Rice” Marrero (L) v. 11 David “Toys and Total asshats” Lebrun [...]
October 24th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
Can we create a coin for each “Best Fake”? Wouldn’t it be great to collect them all?
I want a General Fermijon Marrero coin.
October 24th, 2012 at 10:27 pm
@104.
Only LTC and above.
Thats what I have been saying…
February 6th, 2013 at 11:25 pm
General,
Reporting for duty.
May 4th, 2013 at 11:34 pm
General.
Awesomesauce.
All or nothing; must respect that.
Not.
A “Flag” Turd.
Clown.
I still want a poser coin….That would be cool.
May 4th, 2013 at 11:49 pm
Rice patties? Do you make those out of Rice Krispies? Full of cow dung, huh? Yeah, I’d say he’s full of a LOT of cow dung.
May 15th, 2013 at 11:52 pm
Don’t most Generals wear a old school TA-50 belt?
With a Canteen and a side arm?
Weak.
May 16th, 2013 at 12:26 am
” Marrero said he had to eat the creatures because they were his only source of protein.”
Got a feeling that isn’t the only source of protein he’s had