What does the word "veteran" mean?

[Salt USMC]

Here's an interesting conundrum: http://klfy.com/2015/06/28/veterans-want-apology-from-sheriffs-candidate-mark-garber/

A candidate for a Southern Louisiana parish is stirring up a bit of controversy. Some local veterans are a little pissed because they think that Mark Garber, who is running for the sherriff's office, has mis-represented himself as a military veteran.

Garber apparently DID deploy to Iraq as a civilian interrogator for AFOSI, attached to a SOTF in northern Iraq. His bio says that he conducted a number of interrogations at the point of capture, and was even hit with an IED on two separate occasions. For his actions, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal It appears as though he never claimed to be a military veteran, but a statement on a partner attorney's website stated, “Mr. Garber and Mr. Murry [the partner] are military veterans.” Also, it seems as though he was present at a banquet recently, and when military veterans were asked to stand and be recognized, he stood. It's not clear what the exact wording was.

Last but not least, his campaign material prominently displays his BSM, as well as a his picture of him in military gear (presumably in Iraq)

His qualifications are listed here, along with his BSM citations.

So what's the verdict? Mr. Garber is certainly an accomplished man, and his service in Iraq speaks for itself. While he clearly is a veteran of OIF, and he never explicitly claimed military status, one could conceivably be fooled into thinking that he was in the military at some point. With that in mind, I think this situation poses two interesting questions: 1) For his service in Iraq, does Mr. Garber qualify as a veteran? and 2) Is he misrepresenting himself as a military veteran with the intent to influence voting?

 

[Marine0311]

No and yes.

 

[Brill]

He fucking asked questions in Iraq.

BSM worthy? Maybe but intentionally portraying himself as a combat vet: poor judgement in my opinion.

 

[reed11b]

meh, not outraged. He took more risk then some of the "combat" vets that are butthurt about it. At least he left the FOB.
Reed

 

[Marauder06]

How did he earn a Bronze Star if he was never in the military?

 

[medicchick]

How did he earn a Bronze Star if he was never in the military?

I'm trying to find an official release/copy of the citation but here is what he has on his Facebook page along with a photo of the certificate.

CERTIFICATE & CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL TO MARK T. GARBER
Special Agent Mark T. Garber distinguished himself by meritorious achievement as an Interrogator, Special Operations Task Force while engaged in ground operations against the enemy at Joint Special Operations Command, Iraq from 24 March 2006 to 26 July 2006. During this period, Agent Garber conducted over 300 interrogations and tactical questionings of known members of Al Qaeda and other insurgent groups in Iraq. His interrogation skills proved vital in acquiring intelligence that led to the capture of regional leaders of Al Qaeda in Iraq. On numerous occasions, Agent Garber's actions proved to be the difference between mission success and failure in capture and kill missions of Al Qaeda Operatives. As the senior interrogator for Northern Iraq Operations, he trained and instructed new interrogators on mission tactics and ensured they met the strict standards for humane detainee treatment while accomplishing the mission. He accompanied operators on over 70 missions and conducted tactical questionings at the point of capture resulting in the detention of numerous high-value targets. He was twice targeted by road side bombs, one of which disabled the military vehicle he was riding in. He also routinely provided rear security and cover for tactical raid operations. Agent Garber was personally responsible for a significant degradation of Al Qaeda capabilities in Central and Northern Iraq. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Agent Garber in this responsible position reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

https://www.facebook.com/markgarber...41841.784601964952082/812277892184489/?type=1

As for how, it's not common but also not unheard of. Joe Galloway was awarded one as was Ernest Hemingway. Mark Garber was working for the AF so according to below he qualified. I quoted the USO page, trying to find an official DoD reg but it'll be a few, Bibby needs to get ready for bed.
http://usoonpatrol.org/archives/2010/09/25/the-infrantrymans-medal

The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism (on a level less than to be awarded the Silver Star) or by meritorious service (less than to be awarded the Legion of Merit medal) not involving aerial flight.

*edit* Some digging found the law/rule/criteria was changed in 2011 to say only service members could be awarded it after 2000. At the time he was eligible for it but it seems like it has been revoked. Someone in JAG would have to answer better then I can.

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE...1-title10-subtitleA-partII-chap57-sec1133.htm