Posted on Mar 5, 2015
Vets using Kickstarter/GoFundMe to solicit money?
23.9K
133
67
4
4
0
Here is a redacted version of a funding site's ad for an individual that use to be a member of my unit.
============
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
=================
What is RP's thought of using your Veteran Status to solicit donations?
============
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
=================
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
1
1
0
Every time I see one of these I think "SCAM". Working as a Veteran Advocate, I'm contacted hundreds of times a month from "Veterans" looking for money. The first thing I ask for is Proof of Service, this knocks out 7 out of 10 requests because they either ignore my request or try to come up with a reason why they don't have their DD214 (the best excuse had to be a dude's car caught on fire while driving cross country and he barely got out with his clothes). For the rest, I ask for proof of school attendance, this knocks out 2 more so I'm left with the 1 that actually has all the documents and everything. We then are able to work with the school or other organizations to help secure the fund.
When it comes to GoFundMe or Kickstarters, there is no real way to provide proof to the funders that you are who you say you are. There is no real way for people to see that their money is going to what the cause says. Heck, you could be funding some 23 year old over weight kid's ability to eat 12 whoopers from McDonald's everyday and never really know.
When it comes to GoFundMe or Kickstarters, there is no real way to provide proof to the funders that you are who you say you are. There is no real way for people to see that their money is going to what the cause says. Heck, you could be funding some 23 year old over weight kid's ability to eat 12 whoopers from McDonald's everyday and never really know.
(1)
(0)
TSgt Joshua Copeland
SGT Ben Keen, you are 100% correct. I only know this individual is a Vet and is going to school because I actually served with the person and know them.
(0)
(0)
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
I don't believe in using my veteran status for things like this. This individual had to have known about this requirement long before now and should have been saving money to complete the class. I know that these donation sites have become incredibly popular, but I would have to force myself to use only as a last resort.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Sounds well thought out and creative. I hope he gets what he needs and is legit.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I put 2 daughters through college and raising the third on my VA disability, I won't say it's been all champagne and roses, but they never did without and are doing really now. There are jobs our there but you might have to get your hands dirty and miss a few Friday and Saturday nights out, maybe, God forbid, even have to cook for yourself.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Hopefully someone in the E4 mafia and they're also setting aside some money for beer…
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I understand Veterans wanting help with school and so on. There comes a point when a person needs to be realistic about their educational goals...and realize that instead of totally relying on the government to pay my education and living expenses (because I'm a Vet I deserve it) maybe I should live within my means, get a part time job and not be greedy. Many of us have gotten a college degree, many of us did not have the GI bill, Yellow Ribbon, or Post 9-11 but yet we succeeded in furthering our education. There are monies available for student loans, many of us have used this to supplement our living expenses. Don't be greedy, it is not a personal value that is becoming of anyone. If a Veteran is asking for money then maybe they need to contact USAA and sit and talk with a counselor about money management.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
A lot of great responses and opinions on the question. My opinion however, I think this approach is inappropriate and raises the scam flag...as a disabled vet, he has many opportunities to fund his education vice soliciting money on social media.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
What is the difference between personally helping a vet, and donating to a charity that claims to help vets? I say if you earned a vet status and can use it to benefit in getting a job, then you have earned the right to use that status to request help directly from the people you committed your life to protecting.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
According to Kickstarter's terms and conditions, they do not allow people to go onto their site asking for handouts. Their site is to be used to finance ideas and inventions that better society.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Loans, Loans, Loans.
Within six words this person drops "disabled veteran" in the mix which immediately sparks the compassion of the general public.
This person is lucky enough to utilize the YRP and have the GI Bill but still CHOSE to DOUBLE major at a "rip off" school. Not the problem of hard working compassionate Americans
While he/she may ultimately be honest they still chose to use their status as a veteran as an impetus to pander for cash. This is not what it means to serve.
Sadly this reminds me of "stolen valor" because it's a person seeking to use service/perceived service to get rewards or benefits beyond what they are entitled to. Get a loan like everyone else.
Also, I'm a disabled veteran too and on a good day I have feeling in my right calf and foot!
Rant over.
Within six words this person drops "disabled veteran" in the mix which immediately sparks the compassion of the general public.
This person is lucky enough to utilize the YRP and have the GI Bill but still CHOSE to DOUBLE major at a "rip off" school. Not the problem of hard working compassionate Americans
While he/she may ultimately be honest they still chose to use their status as a veteran as an impetus to pander for cash. This is not what it means to serve.
Sadly this reminds me of "stolen valor" because it's a person seeking to use service/perceived service to get rewards or benefits beyond what they are entitled to. Get a loan like everyone else.
Also, I'm a disabled veteran too and on a good day I have feeling in my right calf and foot!
Rant over.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google