Wounded Warriors Project - Beware?

[Cooper]

The Dumpster using vets as campaign props is despicable. Typical, too. Between 2009 and 2013, the billionaire's foundation gave just $57,000 to veterans groups. Last night he bellowed that he would be donating more than $1 million (to his own foundation) for vets, now that the cameras are on and he's in the spotlight. Maybe this douche should ask John McCain to oversee the expenditures, to kiss and make up, or PTSD Palin, who is similarly disgusting.

 

Kenny, Your political input is appreciated but not in this Forum. If you want to discuss Mr. Trump and his charitable giving, take it to the Political Forum.

[+ WilliamM]

William....Go back and sort through the posts. There are two FFs posting in this thread. But yes, I agree with you about Fluffy. She's a true southern belle, just a bit misplaced in the big city up north

 

jawjateck, I have checked this thread many times in the last few minutes and count only one post by FreshFluff. To be fair to everyone, perhaps FF deleted a post. But I am responding to your comments, which were made just 23 minutes ago.

[jawjateck]

jawjateck, I have checked this thread many times in the last few minutes and count only one post by FreshFluff. To be fair to everyone, perhaps FF deleted a post. But I am responding to your comments, which were made just 23 minutes ago.

 

The other FF, Frequentflier, posted here, which I believe is the post to which Kuriousity addressed his comment.

[+ bigjoey]

Almost all my giving goes to local organizations where I now or in the past have volunteered and know first hand how money is spent.

 

Other charitable requests always get a check with Charity Navigator. But one rule I have is never give to a phone solicitation (unless it is a friend I know for a local charity that I know). These phone calls are by outside companies that take the bulk of the money and turn little over to the charity. These calls are often for some type of first responder group (firefighters, police, sheriff, etc).

[+ WilliamM]

The other FF, Frequentflier, posted here, which I believe is the post to which Kuriousity addressed his comment.

 

If he is writing about frequentflier, Kuriousity did not read his link to Puppy Rescue Mission, which helps reunite soldiers with "their battle buddies" (both dogs and cats).

 

Anyone who has served outside the U.S. knows this is a problem that is seldom mentioned, especially concerning cats. Even if a member of the military is able to find a new home for her/his pet, which does not happen often, he/she is afraid that the pet still may be abandoned soon.

 

I understand that some people may find Puppy Rescue Mission odd, even silly. But, it is not odd or silly to the pets' owner or the pet.

[+ purplekow]

Well, FF, I am going to take that as you just do not like us military people or our families, and leave it at that....I have had friends who have been helped by Fisher, and I am passionate about the organization because I have seen the work in action. If you are going to let ceo compensation blind you to the work, then that is a flaw in you.

I think his point is he wants his money to go to those that need it, not to an overcompensated bureaucrat. But perhaps I misread his post.

[+ beethoven]

Another well-managed organization that assists veterans is the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, (to which I contribute).

This was set up by the founders of the Intrepid Museum in New York, the site of the former USS Intrepid, which saw combat from the 1940s through the 1970s.

[mattr]

I thought it was common knowledge that WW was at best a problematic "charity". There are plenty more effective ways to help our deserving vets. There is a local group here that builds homes for wounded vets. Every penny goes to the projects, no salaries, expense account, etc. so I give to them. I have met some of the vets and the joy they get from having a home where they can function effectively is overwhelming!

[+ Just Chuck]

I read this heartbreaking article about wife and caretaker of a triple-amputee veteran who kept asking WWP for real assistance but just kept receiving WWP logo wear and trinkets.

 

http://usmclife.com/2015/11/military-spouse-of-triple-amputee-blasts-wounded-warrior-project-in-viral-post/

 

I had previously given to WWP and have several pieces of their logo wear now. I'll wear them to change the oil in the car or paint something in the garage, I guess.

[+ FreshFluff]

As you read more and more of FF's post, I am certain you will change your mind about her. She is a particularly wise and kind person.

 

William....Go back and sort through the posts. There are two FFs posting in this thread. But yes, I agree with you about Fluffy. She's a true southern belle, just a bit misplaced in the big city up north.

 

:oops: Thanks, William and Jawja.

 

I wish I were a southern belle, but unfortunately, I'm all California. BVB has more southern belle in him than I do.

But some things never change, whether over time or space.

[mike carey]

So, mansplaining has been around foh evah? Who knew?

[mike carey]

I read this heartbreaking article about wife and caretaker of a triple-amputee veteran who kept asking WWP for real assistance but just kept receiving WWP logo wear and trinkets.

http://usmclife.com/2015/11/militar...blasts-wounded-warrior-project-in-viral-post/

I note that Nicky Blue Eyes, an amputee USMC veteran who has been well reviewed on Daddy's, donates a portion of his fee for each session to the Semper Fi Fund.

[+ not2rowdy]

I have been a contributor to Wounded Warriors, Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society, Disabled American Veterans, Fisher House and others. In the old days there used to be a annual donation campaign for military members as part of the Combined Federal Campaign. They gave out pamphlets that discussed many charities and their statistics (amount raised, percent to fundraising, etc). What I noticed over the years was that organizations changed. It was not unusual at all to see that as they grew in size they also seemed to loose focus on their original purpose. More and more of their donation income went to fundraising and salary.

 

If you are thinking of donating to any national organization check Charity Navigator first!

 

For military related charities here is a story that might be of interest. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. Info is from Charity Navigator. +1 to Fisher House. They will stay on my list this year - I hope they don’t go down the dark path (I will check every year).

 

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/01/30/top-charities-give-larger-portions-to-services-than-wwp.html

[Guest]

I note that Nicky Blue Eyes, an amputee USMC veteran who has been well reviewed on Daddy's, donates a portion of his fee for each session to the Semper Fi Fund.

I hired Nicky once, and can say with confidence that he says things which aren't necessarily true. When I asked him what medal he'd earned, he told me that he had received a Gold Star. I thought at the time "Hmm. Never heard of that one." When I looked it up when I went home, sure enough, that medal doesn't even exist. Also, he told me that he was given a dishonorable discharge while he was in the military hospital recovering, due to having been caught smoking marijuana. He told me that he was simply handed his papers while he was in the hospital. I thought that was also rather strange, so I asked some Navy veteran friends of mine how a decorated service member could be treated like that. They told me that it can't happen that way. They told me that dishonorable or bad conduct discharges can only be issued after a court-martial, and that, in any case, marijuana use wouldn't normally result in a dishonorable discharge.

Finally, after our meeting in his hotel room, I came out of the shower, got dressed, and when I go ready to pay him, found all of the cash gone from my pocket. Now, in this case, I don't know for sure that he took the money (I had to go to an ATM to withdraw the money after our session). It's possible that I got pick-pocketed between when I parked my car and when I got to the hotel room (I checked my pocket when I parked the car). But I had the money in my front pocket, so the pick-pocketing possibility seems unlikely...

The sad part is that I probably would have hired him again if it weren't for the shady statements. Given his apparent complete lack of knowledge of even basic stuff like what kind of medals exist and how discharges are handled, I even wonder if he ever was in the military at all. All I know is he lost a leg. From his good reviews, I'm guessing that other clients haven't mysteriously found their money missing...

[mike carey]

Thanks Unicorn, that's good to know.

[Guest]

Yeah, since that time, whenever I meet an escort at his place or hotel room, I check my money right before entering the room. Probably a good tip for others to follow.

[marylander1940]

I know many posters and viewers of this site admire and want to help those who serve or have served in the military, especially veterans who've been injured, whether mentally or physically, as a result of their service.

 

Yesterday's New York Times includes an expose of lavish spending and high administrative expenses by the Wounded Warrior Project, one of the most visible of the charities established to help injured veterans.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/28/us/wounded-warrior-project-spends-lavishly-on-itself-ex-employees-say.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0

 

Read it and decide for yourself.

 

hypocrisy our national sin!

[+ WilliamM]

I hired Nicky once, and can say with confidence that he says things which aren't necessarily true. When I asked him what medal he'd earned, he told me that he had received a Gold Star. I thought at the time "Hmm. Never heard of that one." When I looked it up when I went home, sure enough, that medal doesn't even exist.

 

I could understand someone losing track of a medal because everyone receives a medal or two in a combat zone. But, his "discharge" and your missing money point to a true con artist. I am very sorry this happened because there must be other people he fooled. Also, I'm sorry you essentially paid twice. Thanks for posting, Unicorn. It may not have been an easy decision.

[bigvalboy]

:oops: Thanks, William and Jawja.

 

I wish I were a southern belle, but unfortunately, I'm all California. BVB has more southern belle in him than I do.

But some things never change, whether over time or space.

 

 

 

How did I get dragged into this?.....

 

[+ FreshFluff]

How did I get dragged into this?.....

 

Hey, I need to give some credit to my mentor.

[+ Just Chuck]

I found the article I read that made me stop giving WWP money:

http://controversialtimes.com/news/triple-amputee-marines-wife-blasts-wounded-warrior-project-in-epic-viral-post/

[+ WmClarke]

I hired Nicky once, and can say with confidence that he says things which aren't necessarily true. When I asked him what medal he'd earned, he told me that he had received a Gold Star. I thought at the time "Hmm. Never heard of that one." When I looked it up when I went home, sure enough, that medal doesn't even exist. Also, he told me that he was given a dishonorable discharge while he was in the military hospital recovering, due to having been caught smoking marijuana. He told me that he was simply handed his papers while he was in the hospital. I thought that was also rather strange, so I asked some Navy veteran friends of mine how a decorated service member could be treated like that. They told me that it can't happen that way. They told me that dishonorable or bad conduct discharges can only be issued after a court-martial, and that, in any case, marijuana use wouldn't normally result in a dishonorable discharge.

Finally, after our meeting in his hotel room, I came out of the shower, got dressed, and when I go ready to pay him, found all of the cash gone from my pocket. Now, in this case, I don't know for sure that he took the money (I had to go to an ATM to withdraw the money after our session). It's possible that I got pick-pocketed between when I parked my car and when I got to the hotel room (I checked my pocket when I parked the car). But I had the money in my front pocket, so the pick-pocketing possibility seems unlikely...

The sad part is that I probably would have hired him again if it weren't for the shady statements. Given his apparent complete lack of knowledge of even basic stuff like what kind of medals exist and how discharges are handled, I even wonder if he ever was in the military at all. All I know is he lost a leg. From his good reviews, I'm guessing that other clients haven't mysteriously found their money missing...

Wow. Scratch him off my list.