Need some advice avoiding risking "Stolen Valor" situation

[Diamondback]

I find myself needing to purchase a new suit, and my aunt bequested me a specific budget for it. (The will and estate are still being worked out, but an envelope bearing your name and a stated purpose with cash inside is a pretty clear indicator.) So, here's the rub... I already have a black one and my gal really likes the "MIB Look" on me, but other than with her I prefer to save that for funerals or "Serious Social Work" like should I find myself in the line of duty standing between someone entrusted to my overwatch and one who intends them harm again.

Anyway, in light of the role my grandfather played in raising me and his Air Force retiree buddies and peers had in helping make something resembling a man out of me, I thought it might be a fitting acknowledgment of that heritage to have my next suit loosely styled after what would have been Grandpa's last Service Dress Uniform when he ETS'ed after coming home from College Cadence in '68. (CC was a response to the Pueblo Incident, forward-deploying F-106 interceptor squadrons on six-month TDY's to Osan AB in Korea.) Problem is, how to "thread the needle" of clearly showing USAF influence while just as clearly NOT attempting to impersonate a servicemember? (For example, when I was reenacting the only insignia I would wear were the standard eagle on the cap and the rank I was depicting, not even branch-of-service.) So no "US" on the collars, not even Grandpa's old stripes on the sleeves, just plain undecorated blue.

Anyone in our veteran community have any advice about how to thread this needle and not have my intent to pay respect to my heritage create bigger problems?

[AndyLate]

I cannot imagine a social setting where the cut, shoulder straps, and pocket shape would not be out of place. If you do not affix rank, US insignia, or awards you should not have to worry about stolen valor concerns.

Alternatively, you could get a suit tailored from the correct color blue and honor your grandfather in that manner.

Andy

[Inkslinger]

A better way to honor your grandfather would be with words. A good heartfelt speech at his service will be more meaningful than what you wear.

[Diamondback]

A better way to honor your grandfather would be with words. A good heartfelt speech at his service will be more meaningful than what you wear.
Thanks, guys. Perhaps I should have mentioned Grandpa was laid to rest over thirty years ago while I was still a boy--frankly, a part of me believes it was God's mercy to him that he didn't have to see what's become of his country and USAF from Clinton to now. Part of my thinking here was also a constant reminder to myself of that bygone "Aim High" culture that was a product of the Greatest Generation who chose to stay on, and my own higher standards to be held to as a second-order product of it.

[Gabriel556]

Find a blue fabric that matches his, style it in a modern cut and (maybe) use authentic buttons if you want to. Perhaps embroider his name with gold thread inside the breast on the lining. Be subtle but be true to what it honors too. There are good tailors all around the country that should be able to do that for far less than a designer suit would cost.

[chuckman]

It's only stolen valor if you use his service to claim bennies. Saying nothing and having people make assumptions makes you a douche, but it's not stolen valor. But it's clear you're doing neither.

That said, the suit cut is pretty awful; basically like that of a bus driver.

Get a nice suit that you like, in that color, and have the lining tailored with something to support (per post above).

[Wake27]

Get a nice suit that you like, in that color, and have the lining tailored with something to support (per post above).

Another vote for this option.


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[JediGuy]

Get a nice suit that you like, in that color, and have the lining tailored with something to support (per post above).

Another. I didn’t serve, but anything like a uniform is going to be super out of place everywhere.

[SteyrAUG]

Alternatively, you could get a suit tailored from the correct color blue and honor your grandfather in that manner.

Andy

I would do this.

For me, I retrieved some spent brass from the honor guard at my grandfathers funeral. I had one engraved with his name, dob and passing date, I had the neck drilled and I carry it on my keychain.

That way a reminder is with me most of the time.

[yoni]

Get a nice suit in the correct color, get an Air Force pin to put on the lapel. When asked you say the pin in worn to honor your grandfather and his service

[Averageman]

Get a nice suit in the correct color, get an Air Force pin to put on the lapel. When asked you say the pin in worn to honor your grandfather and his service

Class and Taste.

[Bruce in WV]

He and I are the same USAF generation and the color of our Class A's hasn't been reused since the 70's. Call Ken-Lac tailors in San Antonio, they are THE experts on USAF uniforms for over 65 years, describe what you're trying to do, and get their advice. Note: the Air Force logo changed dramatically when they went to the current flying wings design. Use the legacy logo - the classic roundel - it'll really stand out as a heritage item.

Kel-Lac Uniforms: Military Clothing | OCP Uniforms

https://kellac.com

[Diamondback]

Thanks, guys. I've reached out to both Kel-Lac and one of the other majors asking for pointers, but right now (since I tend to prefer more 1940s-60s cuts and styles anyway) I'm thinking the Easy Button is just look for a navy blue 3-button in 44 Short/38x29, then tuck Grandpa's stripes into the lapel pocket and maybe wear a lapel pin of them.

[TBAR_94]

I think it's going to be hard to wear anything looking like AF service dress and not look like a goof. I think the best way to do what you want to do is with accessories--maybe a watch, or even something like these: https://www.vanguardmil.com/products/air-force-cuff-links-and-studs-hap-arnold.

[Stickman]

Get a nice suit in the correct color, get an Air Force pin to put on the lapel. When asked you say the pin in worn to honor your grandfather and his service

This. Over and over, I would go with this. I would absolutely NOT get a suit or anything else looking like someones duty uniform (not even a little close).

[chuckman]

Thanks, guys. I've reached out to both Kel-Lac and one of the other majors asking for pointers, but right now (since I tend to prefer more 1940s-60s cuts and styles anyway) I'm thinking the Easy Button is just look for a navy blue 3-button in 44 Short/38x29, then tuck Grandpa's stripes into the lapel pocket and maybe wear a lapel pin of them.

If I may, and I realize I may step on your toes here: per your measurements, you are challenged to not look like a blue rolly-poly. You are short, a bit of a belly (waist), and thick up top. I am not criticizing; I am 5'8, I wear a 44 short jacket, and 35/36x30 pants, so I am the same way.

If you have the gift of money, seek someone who can do a tailored/semi-tailored suit; at least the jacket. Otherwise you (and I) would look rumpled and off-the-rack because of our odd measurements. Also be careful of dated styles. Classic is good. Dated is not.

[LowSpeed_HighDrag]

I find myself needing to purchase a new suit, and my aunt bequested me a specific budget for it. (The will and estate are still being worked out, but an envelope bearing your name and a stated purpose with cash inside is a pretty clear indicator.) So, here's the rub... I already have a black one and my gal really likes the "MIB Look" on me, but other than with her I prefer to save that for funerals or "Serious Social Work" like should I find myself in the line of duty standing between someone entrusted to my overwatch and one who intends them harm again.

Anyway, in light of the role my grandfather played in raising me and his Air Force retiree buddies and peers had in helping make something resembling a man out of me, I thought it might be a fitting acknowledgment of that heritage to have my next suit loosely styled after what would have been Grandpa's last Service Dress Uniform when he ETS'ed after coming home from College Cadence in '68. (CC was a response to the Pueblo Incident, forward-deploying F-106 interceptor squadrons on six-month TDY's to Osan AB in Korea.) Problem is, how to "thread the needle" of clearly showing USAF influence while just as clearly NOT attempting to impersonate a servicemember? (For example, when I was reenacting the only insignia I would wear were the standard eagle on the cap and the rank I was depicting, not even branch-of-service.) So no "US" on the collars, not even Grandpa's old stripes on the sleeves, just plain undecorated blue.

Anyone in our veteran community have any advice about how to thread this needle and not have my intent to pay respect to my heritage create bigger problems?

What does this mean?