I just came across this article: http://www.veteranstoday.com/2013/12/08/wounded-warriors-project-a-legal-scam/
It talks about how everything they do is contracted out and the officers each have a salary of 100k - 300k. It also talks about how out of all the funds that are donated only ~10% reach the wounded warriors.
This really bothers me because I know my wife and I have done fundraisers and donated to the WWP. Does this affect how you will donate? or where you will donate? Do you actually research the non-profits that you donate to?
I know I dont, but this will definitely make me start.
As we are coming to find out, wounded Vets are big money. Considering I'm 146% disabled, I'm trying to figure out how to tap into this.
Wounded Warriors
Non Profit Organizations
Scam
Posted >1 y ago
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I just came across this article: http://www.veteranstoday.com/2013/12/08/wounded-warriors-project-a-legal-scam/
It talks about how everything they do is contracted out and the officers each have a salary of 100k - 300k. It also talks about how out of all the funds that are donated only ~10% reach the wounded warriors.
This really bothers me because I know my wife and I have done fundraisers and donated to the WWP. Does this affect how you will donate? or where you will donate? Do you actually research the non-profits that you donate to?
I know I dont, but this will definitely make me start.
As we are coming to find out, wounded Vets are big money. Considering I'm 146% disabled, I'm trying to figure out how to tap into this.
Responses: 110
The WWP has done nothing in the county I live in or the next county to help Veterans, I have not heard of them doing anything even within a 2 our drive, So I look at there rating and it suck's, that tells me to support the local places that support the Veterans. It's that simple for me. Any non-profit ceo type that makes over 300k from the non-profit was not really in it for the Veterans he was in it for the money. Scouts Out
SrA Donna Patrick
I agree with you. The events in "my area" are actually in PA. I live in NW OH.
I already posted my feelings about the WWP and they have not changed even after reading the article. I am not surprised they turned down a donation from a gun manufacture they would say something about image I am sure. That does not mean they are anti-gun but its cool to each his own. Shortly after I got home I received a phone call from the person in my area asking me if I needed money or changes to my home due to my injuries. And this same person calls me regularly and gave me their contact info if I need anything. I am sure this did not happen because I am special. I did make contact about an issue and it was taken care of. I am shocked that some of our brothers and sisters may not be receiving the help they need.
My only mention on this topic is of one that is questionable? I've talked with several members in the Houston Texas area, who claim it actually is a viable program. I question the validity of the program regarding where the funds are going ? I personally have donated $1200 for one year, until it was disclosed to me by person's I can not disclose ethically that it's nothing more than a scam. So I have no longer contributed financial support, for I will not let a fraudulent entity rip of any wounded warrior. I will not hesitate in providing my personal support in any endeavor especially for anyone just needing to go out and blow off some "STEAM". It took me years to get treatment for PTSD, after Vietnam and I'll be the first to tell you that the Veterans Administrations approach is a "JOKE". To sit someone in front of a computer monitor and a Psychologist on the other side of the same, saying how are you today is a travesty . So some one out there how about providing documented proof, that this program is really helping our wounded warriors coming back from the sand box!
PO1 (Join to see)
SCPO Larry Knight Sr. I can tell you from my own experience I don't think there's a lot of satisfactory, documented methods for treatment of PTSD - I know I have the same feelings about the treatment as you do.
As for WWP and their refusal to provide an open system for folks to see the methods and results - I understand the need to protect our troops privacy. My thoughts fall in line with the VFW's - their costs are excessive for leadership.
As for WWP and their refusal to provide an open system for folks to see the methods and results - I understand the need to protect our troops privacy. My thoughts fall in line with the VFW's - their costs are excessive for leadership.
CPO (Join to see)
That is crap. To sit there and say what you have just said, my lord. A friend of a friend and a friend of a friend and then the friend of a friend.... If one can not state the facts and the reports, is it right to just carry gossip? Especially as a leader, that is a sad state of affairs. Sorry, rank does not matter when it comes to gossip, without facts and proof, all it is remains to be is gossip. how sad. My military deserves better, so does my VA.
I've got mixed personal feelings about WWP. The VFW though, has removed it's recommendation of the project now for several years.
PO1 (Join to see)
MSG Bill Geiger You're the first person I've ever heard from that has actually claimed to have been helped by Wounded Warrior - other than having a backpack of stuff handed to them on their hospital bed.
MSG Bill Geiger
I could list hundreds I know personally, but that would break the confidentiality of the people I have attended Project Odyssey with, soldier ride, adaptive sports foundation, and an Alumni Summit. There are lots of opportunities but just like in the Military you can not sit on your hind-quarters and expect then to come to you. I don't know many organizations that proactively call people and check on them or invite them to events. etc... I could be wrong and if I am please let me know. I am always looking for new veterans organizations to get involved with.
PO1 (Join to see)
MSG Bill Geiger I actually know a lot of organizations that actually call people and invite them to events. Precisely as you mentioned, it's a matter of reaching out. At the same time, the veteran, moving or coming to a new area should not expect every veterans organization to call them upon arrival - especially when the veteran did not let anyone know they were coming to town. Every veteran I meet I invite - no matter where I am or what I'm doing. There is a renewed emphasis being placed on our latest batch of veterans by a lot of veterans organizations. There are a host of organizations that fill a lot of niches for veterans. I will NOT say every organization is doing everything that can be done - because it's not even partially true.
I noted you were in the Tallahassee, FL area...should you drive down 19 and find yourself in the Holiday, Fl area, drop into the VFW on Bartelt Rd. I'm usually there 3 or 4 days a week in my capacity as Service Officer. I'll be glad to open our doors and chat or buy you lunch - we have a new set up for our "combat cafe" and the folks running are doing a grand job! We're not fancy or pretentious and we're always looking for new members!
Holiday Post 10167
4619 Bartelt Road
Holiday FL 34690
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I noted you were in the Tallahassee, FL area...should you drive down 19 and find yourself in the Holiday, Fl area, drop into the VFW on Bartelt Rd. I'm usually there 3 or 4 days a week in my capacity as Service Officer. I'll be glad to open our doors and chat or buy you lunch - we have a new set up for our "combat cafe" and the folks running are doing a grand job! We're not fancy or pretentious and we're always looking for new members!
Holiday Post 10167
4619 Bartelt Road
Holiday FL 34690
[login to see]
TSgt Steve Yates
Great idea, great cause, not a very effective use of funds though...only 58% of their revenue actually makes it to those who need it. The counterpoint to that is that because of them, the 58% actually makes it to those in need of assistance. I just don't particularly care for them spending 36% of their budget for fundraising expenses. Seems to be overkill, but I am not a charity organizer, so maybe I just don't know enough about it...props to them for helping whoever they can though.
Fisher House would be a better bet for you, as would be most any of the VFW, DAV,or American Legion.
I know that WWP does good, and I know some people who have been helped tremendously by their work, but their scope is pretty narrow as they leave out a LOT of us who were in before 9-11, or recieved injuries outside of the 'sandbox' it seems.
The Fisher house is my favorite charity, as anything that will add to the lives of those they serve, they accept... Christmas Cards included! We just had a drive for travel sized shampoos and such for them, as many of their residents are families that arrive with almost nothing, to be with their wounded. You can find chapters of this group at most VA hospitals
I know that WWP does good, and I know some people who have been helped tremendously by their work, but their scope is pretty narrow as they leave out a LOT of us who were in before 9-11, or recieved injuries outside of the 'sandbox' it seems.
The Fisher house is my favorite charity, as anything that will add to the lives of those they serve, they accept... Christmas Cards included! We just had a drive for travel sized shampoos and such for them, as many of their residents are families that arrive with almost nothing, to be with their wounded. You can find chapters of this group at most VA hospitals
It's ludicrous to refuse "Christian" Christmas cards. It's a Christian holiday. Or am I just missing something here?
Phillip,
You're absolutely right about doing the research to where you donate!
Full disclosure: I work for a nonprofit called Project Sanctuary. In fact, the author of the article you're referencing is doing a piece on our nonprofit in the near future. We are committed to full financial transparency and you'll see that this year 85% of the funds we received went directly to those we serve: military and veteran families. We're extremely proud of our commitment to military families. Check us out at http://www.projectsanctuary.us.
Again, I appreciate your diligence in looking into the nonprofits that you support!
At Project Sanctuary, we believe the whole family serves, and the best way to “support the troops” is by supporting the family. We provide therapeutic retreats, enabling military families to reconnect...
Capt (Join to see)
I wish I had actually known what Project Sanctuary did before Mar of 2012. I had a buddy who had gotten out of the Marine Corps, lived in Monument CO, and took his own life because of PTSD. Your project of helping those integrate back into life with loved ones, would have helped him. He thought he had no where to turn. I appreciate what you all do.
I dont think a lot of people realize how hard it is once the service member gets out of the military and cant get the help they need through the VA.
LTC Jason Strickland
Philip,
So, so sorry to hear about your buddy. That must have been devastating to you, his family, and his friends.
There are 22 veteran suicides per day in the U.S. - a statistic that is unacceptable. Project Sanctuary's mission is to help those who suffer from that - and their families. Because it's not just the service member / veteran who is plagued with this type of invisible injury - it's the whole family that experiences the effects. We are proud to report that we have had zero suicides for families that have come through our retreat. That's over 350 families comprised of over 1,200 family members. We provide the tools (along with a 2-year follow up) to help families cope and address this disease.
Please, if you have any members of your platoon, company, regiment, etc., who need this type of assistance, have them fill our our application online. If you or your leadership deem is vital for them to get help, give us a call and we'll get them in sooner. Right now, we have over 1,500 families waiting to get into one of our retreats because they have become so popular.
Thanks for what you do!
SGT Craig Northacker
That number was created by the VA using statistics from only a limited number of states. CBS did a study and came up with a number more than 3 times what the VA claims.
We will be launching some very serious programs shortly, and I would like to chat with you on how to work together with each other's strengths.
Thanks for the outstanding work you are doing. By the way, WWP 2012 Form 990 showed a $ 49 million profit, with $ 61 million in cash and short term investments and very little in payables. Tough to pass this by an old forensic CPA...which apparently is why they didn't want anything to do with me when they first started...lol.
Also, WWP does not want anything to do with pre 9/11 vets...they changed that policy within the past year.
We will be launching some very serious programs shortly, and I would like to chat with you on how to work together with each other's strengths.
Thanks for the outstanding work you are doing. By the way, WWP 2012 Form 990 showed a $ 49 million profit, with $ 61 million in cash and short term investments and very little in payables. Tough to pass this by an old forensic CPA...which apparently is why they didn't want anything to do with me when they first started...lol.
Also, WWP does not want anything to do with pre 9/11 vets...they changed that policy within the past year.
LTC Jason Strickland
SGT Craig Northacker, just call me up on RallyPoint when you want to talk. Be glad to collaborate in order to help our military and veteran community!
This may be a good reason why. Personally I prefer to support local Organizations where I can volunteer my time and all the money goes to the wounded warrior but then San Antonio is uniquely positioned for this. I would not criticize someone for supporting WWP but when I read stuff like this it reaffirms my approach.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/05/04/wounded-warrior-charity-unleashes-hell-on-other-veteran-groups.html
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/05/04/wounded-warrior-charity-unleashes-hell-on-other-veteran-groups.html
‘Wounded Warrior’ Charity Unleashes Hell—On Other Veteran Groups
What happens when a nonprofit that was started to help veterans becomes the neighborhood bully?
LCDR (Join to see)
The thing that bothers me the most is the head guy has never served and gets paid a lot of money. Now I know the argument about big organizations and CEO pay ect.... but in the end they decide to go after actual veterans trying to give back and that is enough for me to continue my campaign against them. I choose to support the local organization that no doubt will be sued out of existence by these guys.
They turned in to a garbage organization.
If Bill O'rielly quit donated to them, you should know they're up to no good.
Fischer house is were it's at!
If Bill O'rielly quit donated to them, you should know they're up to no good.
Fischer house is were it's at!
I personally haven't seen them help anyone. So I would be reluctant to give my money.
PV2 (Join to see)
They seem to be more focused on suing charities with similar names and logos vs. actually helping vets in my personal opinion
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