Military Chaplain Imposter Sentenced To Probation and Community Service

Today's Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports on the sentencing of Reggie Buddle, who falsely posed as a military chaplain and Marine combat hero. Buddle convinced 19-year old Christopher Bearce to enlist in the Marines. Then he baptized Bearce and two of his friends before they left for basic training. Later on, Buddle performed the wedding ceremony for Bearce and his fiancée, and officiated at the funeral of Bearce’s grandmother. Buddle plead guilty last April to unlawful wearing of military medals and decorations, and now has been sentenced to two years' probation and 500 hours of community service in a military cemetery.