Posted on Mar 5, 2015
Vets using Kickstarter/GoFundMe to solicit money?
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Here is a redacted version of a funding site's ad for an individual that use to be a member of my unit.
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Hello good people,
My name is XXXXXX, a disabled veteran currently enrolled at the University of XXXXXX, studying a double major in XXXXXX and XXXXXXX. I worked extremely hard at my previous college, XXXXXXXXX College, to get here with a 3.85 GPA, and I am extremely lucky that my G.I. Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP) helps me manage going to such an expensive school. However, as a XXXXXXX Major, I am required to do a month long field course in XXXXXXXX over the summer...and my G.I. Bill, nor the YRP, covers summer tuition. This is a 4 credit course, and XXXXXX's cost is $1730 per credit hour, which makes it a total of $6920 for the course. I could really use some help meeting this goal, and anything you could give to support me would be greatly appreciated! I am also an inspiring photographer, and would be happy to log my 30 day journey for you.
Thank you so much for your time and support, Sincerely,
-Former Service Member
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What is RP's thought of using your Veteran Status to solicit donations?
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Hello good people,
My name is XXXXXX, a disabled veteran currently enrolled at the University of XXXXXX, studying a double major in XXXXXX and XXXXXXX. I worked extremely hard at my previous college, XXXXXXXXX College, to get here with a 3.85 GPA, and I am extremely lucky that my G.I. Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP) helps me manage going to such an expensive school. However, as a XXXXXXX Major, I am required to do a month long field course in XXXXXXXX over the summer...and my G.I. Bill, nor the YRP, covers summer tuition. This is a 4 credit course, and XXXXXX's cost is $1730 per credit hour, which makes it a total of $6920 for the course. I could really use some help meeting this goal, and anything you could give to support me would be greatly appreciated! I am also an inspiring photographer, and would be happy to log my 30 day journey for you.
Thank you so much for your time and support, Sincerely,
-Former Service Member
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What is RP's thought of using your Veteran Status to solicit donations?
Posted in these groups: 
Business Funding
College
Business Funding College
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 31
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Frankly, this sounds like a scam to me. If this individual really is a veteran --- shame on him/her for using his/her "veteran status" in such a manner.
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SGT Jim Z.
TSgt Joshua Copeland I applaud them for their efforts in getting an education but as Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS said they have access to student loans just like normal civilians yes they may not want to do that but that is an option instead of sending out the above e-mail and sounding like a scam.
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PFC Mike Mcdermott
Since there is no law that dictates how veterans should act, I think it's perfectly fine that this veteran is using his or her veteran status to enrich themselves.
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TSgt Charles Larkins
Depends on what they are asking for.. a luxury or a necessity.. such as not becoming homeless
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Talladega Nights End Credits And Bloopers
Funny outtakes from the Talladega Nights movie's ending credits.
I was a big boy. I wore big boy pants. I got student loans since mommy and daddy weren't millionaires. That being said, the kid put it all out there and maybe there is a billionaire crazy lady who was going to leave it all to her dog. After everyone gets back from rushing to the bank to help this goober, send every penny you have left to:
Uncle Mark
Golf Links Rd
Tucson, AZ 85730
I am tryiing to raise awareness of snow blindness in cats.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_a8dDltfDk
Uncle Mark
Golf Links Rd
Tucson, AZ 85730
I am tryiing to raise awareness of snow blindness in cats.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_a8dDltfDk
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SFC Mark Merino
Just in case no one caught the big boy pants reference........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKVYcPJbyAM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKVYcPJbyAM
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SFC Collin McMillion
Sounds like a worthy cause, I'll take some of my child's lunch money and send it to help you with such a worthy cause............lol
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PFC (Join to see)
I share the same state (geographically, not mentally :-p ) with Uncle SFC. Merino.
It's a real threat, the snow blindness in cats.
Please, send what you can.
Every little bit helps.
(Cues the Micheal McDonald)
It's a real threat, the snow blindness in cats.
Please, send what you can.
Every little bit helps.
(Cues the Micheal McDonald)
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Yes now HERE is a good discussion. This is an AWESOME tool to help people that is becoming terribly overused for dumb shit. I knew a spouse with 4 kids who used it for a small amount until her benefits kicked in. Got it worked like a charm. I knew another idiot who used it to request money for Christmas presents because she didn't have any because she bought a new house. Fucking stupid. The GoFundMe is awesome to request donation for a good cause and for spouses or vets who need immediate help it's beast. But retards can also use it for dumb shit. Just know what you give your money to.
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Cpl Michael Strickler
I see nothing really wrong with posting your most ridiculous desires on this or any other website... that big issue is the individuals actually saying, "Yes this person deserves my $XX.XX more than... any one of a thousand charities.
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TSgt Joshua Copeland , the individual should apply for a student loan or grant before trying to use his vet status like this to raise money. I know that they are BOTH available and all they have to do is apply. Such actions as this makes it look bad on all vets especially when we try to raise money for someone in real need.
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PV2 Violet Case
how true that is they call me all the time. And when they call and ask for money to help the disabled veterans programs I ask when will this be available to me. and half the time they hang up on me. lol
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This is what GoFundMe exists for. Do I think he's using his vet status as a selling point, yes, but this really isn't that unusual. People use it to try and get donations for their family vacation.
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SGT Jeremiah B.
Yeah, and it's just as embarrassing as it sounds. Want to take an expensive but valuable class and can't afford it without sinking into debt? Noble cause worth considering. Want to go to Fiji? Get a damn job.
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PV2 (Join to see)
I've seen people on Facebook to do this to get a new set of boobs. I kid you not. SMH
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Really not fond of this approach as it comes off sounding like a scam. I'd rather like vets to reach out to veteran's organizations for any assistance.
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I do not agree as there are several legitimate avenues to get an education. When I read something like that it screams fraud in my opinion.
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SPC Charles Griffith
And lets not forget this is nothing more than apparently than someone with a champagne taste and a beer budget. He/she gets plenty of assistance for the education just not from the school they WANT.
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We all still have access to student loans just like normal citizens. I used them as I am outside the 10 year window of my Montgomery GI Bill and because of my service dates am only 60% on Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chap 33).
Either the person is uninformed, or it's a scam.
Either the person is uninformed, or it's a scam.
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I believe using your veteran status is no different than receiving Veteran points for employment. I believe that Veterans are due way more than they can ever receive. There is not enough perks/ benefits out there to compensate us for our service. I advise all Veterans to hold there heads up proudly and stand strong. We all must stand strong together for each other in this world today. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guards. L-O-V-E
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SFC Michael Jackson, MBA
SPC Bryant Holmes
"I believe using your veteran status is no different than receiving Veteran points for employment"
Hadn't thought of it that way, but it is similar. One thing that is different is that you must provide proof of your status to get the points. On a fund raising site, there isn't a validity check I'm aware of and opens the door for fraudulent scams.
"I believe using your veteran status is no different than receiving Veteran points for employment"
Hadn't thought of it that way, but it is similar. One thing that is different is that you must provide proof of your status to get the points. On a fund raising site, there isn't a validity check I'm aware of and opens the door for fraudulent scams.
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SGT Jim Z.
SPC Bryant Holmes,
There are many more organizations and services available today to veterans than in the past. Veterans points for employment is for federal jobs. Civilian employers do not use a point system they use the best candidate for the job with possible preferences to veterans if they choose. Like SFC Michael Jackson, MBA said points are easily validated.
There are many more organizations and services available today to veterans than in the past. Veterans points for employment is for federal jobs. Civilian employers do not use a point system they use the best candidate for the job with possible preferences to veterans if they choose. Like SFC Michael Jackson, MBA said points are easily validated.
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SPC Bryant Holmes
There may be more programs for Veterans than ever before, but there still are not enough. For instance the state of MD dental plan is better than our VA plan, this is unacceptable. Are you suggesting that we just relax and say use whats out there and be happy. Also be aware that Veteran preference points don't only apply to federal jobs. Do we look down on the Homeless Veteran on side of the road with his can out asking for coins. I don't that is my brother.
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. L-O-V-E
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. L-O-V-E
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I didnt even use it when my foot surgery happened and nearly lost my foot but did loose my house and ended up settling in lawsuit out of court for many thousands less then it should have been.I took it to cover medical and have enough to but new land but with only a trailer house to put on it. but do agree to many XXXXXXX in the message and people have even called my house looking for fund raising for disabled veterans, well I am one who can't even seem to get help taking me to dr. VA hospitals are not very many and normally far away. the choice card wont work for me because of my condition to much er things or have to be taken unconcious or nearly there. And a veterans life or death should be more concentrated on for all veterans first.
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