In a definitive move to uphold the dignity of military service, the Arizona House of Representatives delivered a unanimous vote on the Master Sergeant Orlando Dona Valor Act. House Bill 2030, sponsored by State Representative Walt Blackman, passed with flying colors in a 58-0 ruling, setting the stage for increased penalties against those misrepresenting military service and accolades. Blackman, a U.S. Army combat veteran with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan under his belt has taken a firm position against the exploitation of veteran status for personal gain.

The bill, named in honor of Master Sergeant Orlando Dona, seeks to combat the stolen valor phenomenon by imposing legal repercussions. "Those who have worn the uniform have earned the right to be called veterans," Blackman stated, as noted by the official press release . "They fought, bled, and sacrificed for this country. It is appalling that anyone would falsely claim that honor to manipulate others or to steal benefits meant for real heroes." If passed into law, impersonation as a veteran carries a Class 1 misdemeanor charge, while fraudulently obtaining benefits or impersonating a veteran in political campaigns can result in felony charges.

Serving as a testament to the gravity of military service, the act not only assigns stiff penalties for impersonation but also aims to safeguard the public's trust in the authenticity of veterans' contributions. Representative Blackman extended his gratitude towards the Senate Judiciary Committee's chair, Senator Wendy Rogers, a former U.S. Air Force pilot, recognizing her understanding of the matter and her anticipated role in the thoughtful progression of the bill through the Senate.

Paying tribute to the nearly half a million veterans residing in Arizona, the Master Sergeant Orlando Dona Valor Act represents a steadfast commitment to protect the honor of those who have genuinely faced the perils of warfare. Representative Blackman further underscored the bill's purpose, "The Master Sergeant Orlando Dona Valor Act is about honor, integrity, and respect for the men and women who truly earned the title of veteran," demonstrating a zero-tolerance stance on stolen valor, as mentioned in the same press release . With the bill now in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Arizona takes a crucial step toward deterring fraudulent behavior that capitalizes on the sacrifice of its veterans.