Vets using Kickstarter/GoFundMe to solicit money?

2015-03-05T07:00:45-05:00

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?

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Mar 5 at 2015 7:05 AM

2015-03-05T07:05:16-05:00

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.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 5 at 2015 7:12 AM

2015-03-05T07:12:56-05:00

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.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 5 at 2015 7:23 AM

2015-03-05T07:23:41-05:00

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.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2015 10:09 AM

2015-03-05T10:09:30-05:00

We did use fundly on here a few months ago to help a veteran who had an emergency need but unless it's someone I've talked to directly or had contact with, I would suggest this is a scam or sadly someone who got the idea to solicit money this way for themselves which in my opinion is inappropriate.

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Mar 5 at 2015 11:07 AM

2015-03-05T11:07:47-05:00

Really got no problem with this, sounds like this great patriot is thinking outside the box

Response by SPC David S. made Mar 5 at 2015 11:13 AM

2015-03-05T11:13:37-05:00

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.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 5 at 2015 11:26 AM

2015-03-05T11:26:59-05:00

Trust, but verify?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2015 12:07 PM

2015-03-05T12:07:43-05:00

I see no issue with it. People use those sites for less honorable things than to get an education.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Mar 5 at 2015 1:50 PM

2015-03-05T13:50:31-05:00

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.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Mar 5 at 2015 1:55 PM

2015-03-05T13:55:57-05:00

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.

Response by CW2 Eric Scott made Mar 5 at 2015 2:13 PM

2015-03-05T14:13:05-05:00

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.

Response by PV2 Violet Case made Mar 5 at 2015 6:40 PM

2015-03-05T18:40:57-05:00

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.

Response by SPC Neil Hood made Mar 6 at 2015 11:01 AM

2015-03-06T11:01:31-05:00

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.

Response by SPC Bryant Holmes made Mar 6 at 2015 11:51 AM

2015-03-06T11:51:09-05:00

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

Response by SPC Lukas Jones made Mar 6 at 2015 12:32 PM

2015-03-06T12:32:37-05:00

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.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Mar 6 at 2015 6:17 PM

2015-03-06T18:17:54-05:00

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

Talladega Nights End Credits And Bloopers

Funny outtakes from the Talladega Nights movie's ending credits.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Mar 6 at 2015 7:57 PM

2015-03-06T19:57:28-05:00

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.

Response by SP5 Andy G. made Mar 8 at 2015 1:54 AM

2015-03-08T01:54:48-05:00

Shut him/her down!

Must be an "X-gen" veteran who is paving a path to a life of entitlements. Next thing you'll see is their name on placards "Disabled Veteran Running for Congress".

First, give BACK to fellow veterans who are REALLY struggling, then you will receive your just rewards down the road.

Response by SSG Michael Rowan made Mar 8 at 2015 10:17 AM

2015-03-08T10:17:51-04:00

I wouldn't use go find me for my personal financial problems except as a last resort. That's just not how I was brought up. Reduce expenses, get a part time job, or work more would be me solving my own problem.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Mar 8 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-03-08T11:29:55-04:00

Make use of available resources.

Response by MSG Scott McBride made Mar 8 at 2015 11:56 AM

2015-03-08T11:56:49-04:00

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.

Response by COL Roxanne Arndt made Mar 11 at 2015 12:47 PM

2015-03-11T12:47:05-04:00

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.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 4:55 PM

2015-03-30T16:55:45-04:00

I Just couldn't DO IT! I am way too proud. I'll get a part-time job at McDonalds before I ask for money from strangers. Nope.

Response by PFC Mike Mcdermott made Mar 30 at 2015 5:49 PM

2015-03-30T17:49:55-04:00

Hopefully someone in the E4 mafia and they're also setting aside some money for beer…

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 30 at 2015 5:56 PM

2015-03-30T17:56:48-04:00

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.

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Mar 30 at 2015 6:05 PM

2015-03-30T18:05:37-04:00

Sounds well thought out and creative. I hope he gets what he needs and is legit.

Response by TSgt Liza Kazee made Mar 30 at 2015 6:10 PM

2015-03-30T18:10:09-04:00

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.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 7 at 2015 1:51 PM

2015-04-07T13:51:31-04:00

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.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made May 7 at 2015 4:53 PM

2015-05-07T16:53:00-04:00

Vocational Rehab would help such person. They are purely using the title to get $.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2016 3:34 AM

2016-08-18T03:34:07-04:00

I absolutely Hate and Love GoFundMe I have just experienced one of my old battle buddies utilizing it and using that he was a poor vet and was homeless as a reason to get funds and assistance ... I dug a little deeper only to find that he really needed the money to pay off legal fees so he wouldn't go to jail... This I find very offensive there really are homeless vets that need the money ! I warn people all the time that if they come across a GoFundMe me account dig a little deeper message the individual and get the background story and see if it matches the profile . This will ensure that the person knows where their money is going and being spent

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Aug 13 at 2017 9:25 PM

2017-08-13T21:25:42-04:00

As with any of these sites "let the buyer beware"!