Spot the Charlatan

The P.O.W NETWORK (www.pownetwork.org) I hold in complete contempt and many times I've implied their dishonesty for the work they do. Here are some of my quotes that I've said about the P.O.W NETWORK. Compare the consistency with damning quotes from others verifying their work and contribution and draw your own conclusions as to who is the true charlatan.


Thom Lyons quotes concerning the P.O.W NETWORK:

“maybe they are tax scam, maybe they are just idiots”
“Why don't you have the lady at the POWnuthouse E-Mail me.”
“this Mary Poppins broad in the USA really has them[records]"
“I’m definately going after her [Mary Schantag] with the Homeland security people.”
“Mary Poppins of the POW Nitwit Net has them[records]."

Quotes of others for comparison:

“I am the daughter of a man who is still POW MIA from Vietnam, I am familiar with POW Network and Chuck and Mary. These people are up front and very honest, they have taken the POW MIA issue to the bonds that many others would not dare to do.I would dare to say that they treat the families of those still missing in action with the utmost respect and have put many hours in the research of those unaccounted for. They recognize the men who have returned and treat them as the hero's that they are.”
Diane Moore -Proud Daughter of Cmsgt Thomas Moore,USAF POW MIA 10-31-1965

"Hey folks, just read a nice article about your work in the Waco, TX Tribune Herald. I can't begin to understand the amount of work involved, but if I may be of assistance in any small way please contact me. I was in the Corps between 66-71 and served two tours in Vietnam. It really upsets me to listen to someone brag about what they did and know just from the stories they tell and how they tell them that like as not they never served a day in Vietnam. Keep exposing these clowns."
Semper Fi - Ben Johnson

"I heard about your great website on 710 KCMO in Kansas City. Scott Allen Miller spoke highly of the site and gave information on the fake "vets". Thanks for exposing the imposters.I have been a cop for 25 years and have seen heroic acts by officers but we always look up to you guys. You all are heroes...if it were not for you, we would be under marshal law from some other country. I always acknowledge a vet. Thanks for all you have done for our great country." (Sgt.. jcso)

"You all may remember me from last year, but I talked with you about Warren Brent Messer and Ronnie Scroggs who fabricated a story of heroism and the story ran in newspapers in North and South Carolina and on two TV stations.My editor thought it would be good to go back and look to see how you all prepare for similar stories to emerge (I'm sure they will right around Veteran's Day) and to give our readers all overall view of what you do and why you do it. It's surely a needed service since we are hearing more and more of these fabricated tales as the years go by. Thanks so much, in advance, for your assistance."
Lynne Powell - Spartanburg Herald-Journal Cherokee County Bureau

"I have forwarded our e-mail exchange with this message and thanks, again, for the motivation and good work that you are doing. I know it helps the families! All the best, Scott"

"I just read the very nice article about you two in the September issue of the VFW magazine. We are very proud to announce to our VFW friends that we know those two beautiful people and have visited with them several times.You both provide a great service, and we thank you for what you do."
Bill & Louan

"I just thought y'all might like to see how Chuck & Mary's names will appear on my Acknowledgment page, listed after all of your own: "I am extremely appreciative of Chuck and Mary (aka Leroy, the Killer Stinger Bee) Schantag with the P.O.W. NETWORK, who tirelessly strive to expose wannabees, lying SOBs who make up military service stories about themselves, falsify records, and lie about their past. Every person on my research team listed above is the Real Deal, actual verified Vietnam veterans who deserve this country’s adulation and respect. These men and women are real heroes." - V.

And this one hits home doesn’t it?

"The more this guy lies, the more infuriated I become. A real man, a man with any honor, integrity, or character....would admit his lie, apologize to his family, the VFW and his friends, then be given a second chance to live an honorable life. But this guy is burying himself deeper in lies. It makes me mad enough that I now plan to find the office of Federal Attorney in California, probably in Sacramento. I now plan to notify the Federal Attorney's office of the actions of Mr. Sultana. I can't predict their case load, but if they are interested in proscecuting this case, I would be glad to travel to California to be a witness to his lies. He won't be quite so pompous when he faces a federal judge for sentencing." John M. McGrath - Captain, USN (retired) NAM-POW Historian POW 5 years 8 months in NVN

And to finish I'll include a quote from Mary Schantag herself:

"But I'll be damned if one more asshole will demand respect, honorariums, notoriety, news coverage, and recognition for something they did not do nor earn. If they are going to steal the honor of our heroes, then they damn well better be stealing their pain and nightmares too. THEY can sit with the next "mom" and explain how "they" got out - by Moms still waiting for her son. THEY can wipe her tears and hold her shaking shoulders. THEY can all go to hell."

Pretty damning stuff about them isn't it??
I Thom Lyons will always have the courage to expose frauds and charlatans over the internet until they admit their lies, apologize and ask for forgiveness.

Update: The P.O.W. NETWORK was named Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Assn., "Association of the Year" on May 28, 2005 in Washington, D.C.