There are many sad stories associated with America’s veterans. It appears I have stumbled upon one.

On Sunday I told you a story of a group of veterans who meet at Lawrence’s 23rd Street Brewery for a little healing and a lot of fellowship. It is a good group that serves a good purpose that goes well beyond quenching a few thirsts.

One of the men highlighted in that article, Delwin R. Barnett, told of his time in Vietnam, including his status as a Prisoner of War and several medals he received. I’m sorry to report, I now have doubts about those claims. An individual who serves as a bit of a watchdog on such matters called me after the article appeared on Sunday, and said he’s not finding where Barnett’s name appears on the commonly accepted lists of Vietnam POWs.

I contacted Barnett upon hearing that concern, and asked him to explain the discrepancies. Barnett continued to tell me that he was a Vietnam POW and had received the medals that he claimed. But I didn’t find the assurances I was seeking. For example, I was unable to see his medals because he says he became involved in a dispute that involved someone setting his car on fire. The medals and many other possessions were in that car. He said a former colonel of his is working to get the medals reissued, but he couldn’t provide me the name of the colonel.

I could launch a more exhaustive investigation of Barnett’s past, but I doubt that I will. I will leave it at this: I’m not saying Barnett’s claims are false, but I don’t have the comfort level with the information that I require. I regret including the information in the article, and apologize that I didn’t vet it better.

Making false claims about a person’s time in military service is the sort of thing that can enrage people, and understandably so. That’s why I feel I also should say this: After talking with Barnett, I do believe he believes the things he told me.

If nothing else, this unfortunate incident has educated me on the issue of Stolen Valor. That is what individuals in the veterans community call it when people make false claims about their time in service. Apparently, it is an all too common occurrence.

“I get calls about it all day, every day, and I do mean every day,” said Mary Schantag, chair of the POW Network, who works to debunk bogus claims of service. “I get calls on Christmas, Easter, New Year’s Day.”

She said the issue has become prevalent since the late 1990s, and has grown as the Internet has grown. She said in 1998 her organization received 22 Stolen Valor complaints.

“Now, 22 complaints, I can receive that many in 48 hours,” Schantag said.

Like I said, a sad story.