Florida Vietnam "hero" fraud wanted more money from VA

This fraud was not caught for any other reason than he got too greedy and wanted an increase in his VA benefits.

February 28, 2014
Fraud Vietnam veteran claiming Purple Heart and Bronze Star pleads guilty
Veteran who lied about Purple Heart pleads guilty
Walter Eatman claimed to have PTSD, Purple Heart
WESH.com By Melissa Catalanotto
Feb 28, 2014

ST. CLOUD, Fla. —A veteran from St. Cloud has pleaded guilty to making false statements to receive benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and stealing government funds.

According to court documents, Walter Clarence Eatman, 68, of St. Cloud, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, applied for and received VA benefits for five years. Court documents said he falsely claimed he suffered post-traumatic stress disorder, hearing loss and tinnitus.

Court documents also say he lied about serving in combat in Vietnam for two years and being awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Officials said Eatman never served in Vietnam, nor did he earn a Purple Heart or Bronze Star.
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'War hero' admits lying to get government benefits
Walt 'Sandman' Eatman of St. Cloud never served in Vietnam, nor was he wounded, federal prosecutors say.
Orlando Sentinel
By Susan Jacobson
February 28, 2014

Walter Eatman of St. Cloud claimed that he suffered post-traumatic stress disorder after being haunted by memories of combat in Vietnam, where he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

The trouble is, none of the claims were true, federal prosecutors said.

Eatman, 68, on Thursday pleaded guilty to theft of government funds and making false statements. Prosecutors say he stole about $106,000 in government money and benefits, including mental-health counseling and medication, by lying about his service.

Eatman, whose nickname is "Sandman," is a former Marine. But he did not serve in Vietnam from August 1965 to August 1967 as he claimed.

Eatman came to the attention of prosecutors after he tried to have his Veterans Affairs benefits increased in September 2010 by claiming that was suffering from PTSD.
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A friend sent Wounded Times a link to this story, which makes it all even worse.

Left to right- Don Smith, museum CEO, Art Schwabe, American Legion Florida Commander
and Walt Eatman, Vice Commander pause during their tour of the museum.

American Legion Commander Visits Museum of Military History

The Bringing Honor Home: Campaign 2013 raises funds to support educational exhibits, special events and programs.

The Museum of Military History was honored with a visit by current American Legion, Department of Florida, Department Commander Art Schwabe on August 15th. Commander Schwabe was accompanied by Steve Shuga 6th District Vice Commander and Assistant Commander Walt Eatman. Commander Schwabe’s entourage was escorted by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office motorcycle police unit.
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