Therapist Stole Valor of Heroes

Man accused of posing as a veteran
WFSB News
By Joseph Wenzel IV, News Editor
By Eric Parker
Posted: Feb 24, 2014

BRIDGEPORT, CT (WFSB)

Earlier this month the I-Team exposed a local therapist who was posing as a member of the United States Army Special Forces.

The investigation by I-Team is being used by a state representative from Bridgeport, who wants to change state law.

State Rep. Jack Hennessy said he can sum up the need for the stolen valor bill he's supporting at the Connecticut General Assembly in two words: Greg Banks.

"It just robs the valor of the men and woman who wear the uniform," Hennessy said.

Hennessy added that the allegations involving Banks were "very much" upsetting.

The bill existed before the I-Team exposed the counselor who's been posing as a member of the United States Army Special Forces. Hennessy cited the investigation by the I-Team as an example of why it's needed.

The I-Team first got a tip about a man named Greg Banks showing up at the Danbury Mason's Lodge in uniform, sporting a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Members said Banks was bragging about his work for the United States Army Special Forces, but the investigation by the I-Team showed he's never served his country.

Man accused of posing as decorated special forces soldier

A man has claimed to be a major for the special forces in the United States Army and received awards for his service.

However, an investigation by Eyewitness News shows that no records of the man's military service, so the I-team went to look for answers. 

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The Pentagon told the I-Team they have no record of a Gregory C. Banks. When the I-Team uncovered his divorce records, the station found that he mentioned nothing about military service there either.

However the I-Team did find his license as a professional counselor, and it was clear those who knew him in that role had heard his military tales.

When I-Team talked to people at the counseling office for Banks in Farmington, they insisted he was a member of the United States Army Special Forces, a job so secret they asked us to not to report about it.

Banks said on his website that he specializes in treating child and adult patients, specifically those with traumatic experiences and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The I-Team met Hennessy at the Port 5 Naval veterans in his hometown of Bridgeport. He's a new member and he showed the station around their museum where among other displays they have actual versions of the medals Banks wears on his phony uniform.

"When I was a Ranger, I knew that I could be called by my country to go into a combat zone to give up my life and I was willing to do that," Hennessy said. "To have people who have not been in the military to pose as that, it takes away from the people who have actually made their commitment and some the ultimate commitment giving their lives." read more here