Wounded Warriors Project A Legal Scam
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. The only thing I can see is to start my own 501(c)(3) and start
cooking the books with a big $300 K a year salary for my work. Member
and eagled-eyed scrutinizer Bruce spotted this heartbreaking article.
Just when we thought it was safe to come out of the woods after the last
news of the Big Six VSOs
padding their bank accounts on the backs of all our disabled, along
comes this article and investigation revealing nothing is sacred among
thieves.
If you were thinking about donating to the Wounded Warrior Project,
think twice. It would behoove you to get in your car and drive
cross-country to deliver the funds to the charity you hope to help. More
money would end up in their hands than entrusting it to the WWP for
disbursement. The Beatles song
Tax Man comes to mind- Here’s one for you, nineteen for me. Here’s what I received. It’s ugly.
I’m really sad to read this about the Wounded Warrior Project. I have
definitely been a supporter up to now. The attached 2011 990 tax return
is a real eye opener! For one, that’s a lot of BIG salaries they are
paying at the first and apparently the second (outsourced) level for
executive compensation! Obviously it’s not only corporations that can
get greedy.
>Sad to say, the Wounded Warrior Project is bled dry by a top
heavy, greedy executive structure and the remaining funds are disbursed
to multi-tier distribution organizations with similar management
structures. By the time the money actually goes to direct benefits for
veterans, there is probably less than 10% that reaches them. Below are
results of an investigation by a retired USMC Colonel.
At a recent meeting of a veterans association with which I am
involved, a suggestion was made that we contribute to “The Wounded
Warriors Project” (WWP). As an officer of the association, I was asked
to do some research and make a recommendation regarding contributing to
WWP. As one who fervently believes that our wounded warriors and their
care-giving families deserve our unqualified support, I also believe
that the public should be informed of the appropriateness and
effectiveness of charitable organizations that support veterans.
The results of my research are disappointing, to say the least. To
summarize, the WWP collects a fee in the form of generous compensation
paid to WWP executives who outsource fund raising, collection and
distribution of funds to other 501.c.3 organizations which provide
services that directly benefit veterans. The WWP would make Bernie
Madoff proud!
My actual report follows for your information.
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2013 8:01 PM
Subject: Wounded Warrior Project
Pursuant to your request, I have reviewed the Wounded Warrior Project
(WWP) FY 2011 Form 990 (copy attached). In addition, I have surveyed
other available information pertaining to WWP.
I did note the pie chart percentages which you mention
(Administrative Expense: 4.4%, Fundraising Exp.: 12.8%). Based on the
WWP Form 990, these figures are misleading. Total 2011 revenues were
$154.9 MM with total fundraising expenses of $20.5MM and total
administrative expenses, including outsourced services, of $95.5MM. Note
that the total administrative expense includes fund raising. Therefore,
as a percentage of total revenue, administrative expenses amount to
61.63%, including fundraising expenses of 13.2%.
This equates to 38.36% of revenues available to benefit wounded warriors.
As far as I can determine, WWP outsources all major functions,
including fundraising, legal, donation processing, donation
distribution, etc.
Compensation for the top ten WWP employees runs from $150K to $333K per officer annually.
As
far as I can determine, WWP does little, if any, direct support of
wounded warriors and wounded warrior programs. Rather, WWP makes grants
and contributions to other 501.c.3 organizations which operate wounded
warrior programs and/or serve veterans directly. Examples of 501.c.3
organizations receiving WWP funds include Fisher House, The American Red
Cross, The VFW, Easter Seals, and numerous little known and unheard of
local and national organizations.
While many of these
organizations provide valuable services to wounded warriors, many more
are suspect. As an example, I question an expenditure of $300K for a
parade. Some organizations are known to be inefficient and not
the favorite of veterans (e.g. The American Red Cross). I also question
the use of funds for lobbying activities. It would appear that HMM-265
Veterans Association would be eligible to receive WWP funds.
It is true that WWP was the center of controversy involving
their anti-Second Amendment position, as mentioned during our general
meeting.
There is no question that WWP does contribute substantial funds for the benefit of wounded warriors.
Notwithstanding,
it appears that a more effective use of Association funds would be to
contribute directly to The Fisher House, Navy-Marine Corps Relief, The
Salvation Army, and others.
Attached below is IRS Form 990 revealing the perfidy of their
spending (or lack thereof). Please, sir. May I have another parade?
wwp-900-fy-2012
P.S. There seems to be a little misunderstanding about how I can be
146% disabled. If I round it up, it is actually 150% but I have claims
pending which will add to it and hopefully pay me for being housebound
until I reach room temperature. If any of you are familiar with Chapter
38, Code of Federal Regulations (38CFR) , please turn to Part 3, §
3.350. Or, in the alternative, look at 38 United States Code, § 1114.
There you will find a wealth of information on how you, too, can exceed
what you perceive, or have been told, is the ceiling (100% rating).
The Statute and the regulation both deal with what is known as Special
Monthly Compensation (SMC). This is in addition to your normal ratings.
For example, if you have a foot or hand blown off, you get SMC “K” for
about $100 more in addition to any rating(s) you have. If both your
buttocks are shot off, you get one “K” for that as well. You can have up
to a maximum of three “K”s simultaneously. If you have separate,
ratable disabilities above and beyond 100% (or TDIU), that add up to 60%
or more using 38 CFR § 4.25 tables, you get SMC “S” or housebound. If
you have two (2) 100% ratings and become severely ill, losing the use of
both your legs or both your arms, you are entitled to the next higher
rating above SMC “L” which is “M”. This 100% “bump” continues right on
up to SMC “N”. If you simply cannot conceive of being more than 100%
disabled or vehemently deny its possibility, then I suggest you look in
the mirror. VA has been doing it since WWII. They do not advertise this
(obviously) as a number of you have never heard of it. This has
absolutely nothing to do with this post but somehow has suddenly become a
stumbling block for those who seek to find anything to destroy the
thrust and import of the post. If you still do not believe me, I suggest
you consult the Court of Veterans Appeals (CAVC)decision of Buie v.
Shinseki
http://asknod.wordpress.com/2011/09/27/cavc-buie-5-v-shinseki-0-2011/.
It explains the concept very clearly if you are even remotely versed in
the English language. If you are illiterate, then no one can help you
absorb this concept. Quite simply, thinking the ratings table ends
abruptly at 100% is like insisting the earth is flat. A Marine I helped
who ate more Agent Orange and Blue than me now has a 280% rating. He
would prefer to have his Chiropractic practice back just as I would
prefer to still be building houses. It’s far more financially rewarding,
both mentally and physically, to work than to live on a VA compensation
check and be viewed as a goldbrick.
And lastly, I take no pleasure in bearing these bad tidings. Dean
Graham, no relation to me, of Help Indiana Vets was the progenitor. He
and his organization are now being sued for revealing that the WWP
Emperor is naked. I suppose they may try to sue me as well. Good Luck.
I’ll be dead long before they get an assigned docket date. I’m Stage 4
as of June 2012 and the Bingo light is flashing red. I received the WWP
info from Bruce McCartney (Tip of the Spear) in Georgia who many may
remember from
In The Shadow Of The Blade
video of the immortal Huey UH-1 chopper video. He did four tours back
to back in-country as a combat medic in a dustoff. I think he speaks for
all Veterans of the Vietnam Boundary Dispute. All Veterans help sites
aspire to one thing-unity and helping Veterans of
all
generations. WWP was the first to advocate segregating us by which
period we served. They are also the first to take umbrage with the U.S.
Constitution (2nd Amendment) and organized religious entities helping
Veterans under the auspices of WWP. Always remember, they alone
spearheaded the passage of the VA Caregiver Act,
making it a benefit only to those who served after 9/11.
Pray tell, how is a Vet gutted and left helpless and severely disabled
for life by a Bouncing Betty in 1968 no less deserving of a full-time
caregiver than a Vet horribly disabled by an IED in 2008? This dichotomy
is the hallmark of the WWP and no other Veterans organization. Try to
understand that before hurling your epithets at us. Believe me, none of
us seek Andy Warhol, fifteen minute fame for a cheap shot at WWP. In the
immortal words of John Rambo “They drew first blood, sir”.
I add a PP.S. to this. WWP has been using fake wounded warriors at
their sponsored events as well. This came to light very recently
http://asknod.wordpress.com/2014/02/16/wwp-saving-sargent-ryan-webster/
Related Posts:
Short URL: http://www.veteranstoday.com/?p=280439
COMMENTS
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Activist and fundraiser Dan Pallotta calls out the double standard that drives our broken relationship to charities. Too many nonprofits, he says, are rewarded for how little they spend — not for what they get done. Instead of equating frugality with morality, he asks us to start rewarding charities for their big goals and big accomplishments (even if that comes with big expenses). In this bold talk, he says: Let’s change the way we think about changing the world.
See the video here:
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You can ‘rescue’ ‘adopt’ ‘save’ (or otherwise alter the life of).
All for 19.95 (per month)
There are Real People Really Hurting. (also other critters)
I end up yelling at the TV several times a day (not fit for family radio)
Even as people hurt, a passel of rent seeking creep frauds are marching across my TV.
If you want to get money to those in need, try the Salvation Army.
I am very fond of them (though I am not religious)
I am certain there are others who do not spend it all on themselves (and on marketing).
John
I think the Salvation Army is on the up and up,
and any stats I heard on them are good
(they use the money as intended and overhead is minimal.
I spent my Christmas in SHU one year..
They brought us cookies (chocolate chip, homemade)
and a Plastic Mug and a small Pocket Bible.
I ate the cookies (one morsel at a time, made em last)
I kept the Mug and the little Bible, I cherish them to this day
(and I know just where they are!
Funny how the Little Things Endear (and Endure)
or in other cases abrade (think weather ‘cuts’..
John
Yes, the missing Haiti donations (millions missing and went to a few top politicians) is another example of an age old scam. Thanks for exposing these users and cons. The veneer of these cons to the public is thin and when asked for facts about where every dime goes they cringe or attack. Why because they do not care about anyone but themselves (it’s called selfishness). America is filled with good, caring charitable folks who are unfortunately easily scammed by groups such as this. Yes, Madoff would be proud of ‘em. Thanks for exposing this scam which takes advantage
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When I came home I had no community, many of these VSO’s and their chapters, posts, and other programs helped me reconnect and obtain VA Benefits. I understand you try to help others too with your blogs, etc. and kudos for your willingness there but I’m not sure that
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I am not paid to write here on VT. Unlike some,I consider it a privilege to help Veterans free of charge. I have studied VA law for 5 years and one thing is certain. Having a VSO represent you is akin to no representation at all. Read my book. I have gone through the experience three times beginning in 1989. DAV, AmVets and the MOPH all had a golden opportunity to help me (and others) and couldn’t be bothered once they obtained my Power of Attorney. None of them, nor any others I have encountered, have legal training to do more than fill out the claims forms. No one ever told me or the thousands I’ve worked with that they needed a nexus letter to win. The Court of Veterans Appeals has now taken judicial notice of this shortcoming and equates representation by a Veterans Service Organization to that of
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Here’s where we disagree, and you have now exposed yourself to being blatantly biased. I am quite a bit selfless and thrive on being amongst and helping in whatever small capacity, my veteran brothers and sisters. I think we all do this as individuals, or at least I hope we would. Having a sense of community, and knowing that we can depend on each other to the death is the fabric from which all honorable souls
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Thank you for your comments. I, too, have had the pleasure of a one year vacation at a VAMC to glue my body back together 4 times so I think I can say I am well-acquainted with the concept of down range. 40 years ago I developed a virus from a contaminated transfusion following a GSW. Unfortunately WWP does not offer the services of which you speak to Vietnam Veterans,I have no complaints with that facet of their shortcomings.Divide and conquer seems to be their strong suit. I experienced much the same when I came home in 72. One of your enlightened VSOs, the VFW, would have nothing to do with Vietnam Vets
Mr. Nardizzi and his former VA cohorts may have an excellent track record delivering t-shirts and backpacks. Again, I commend them. They along with your esteemed VSOs you seem enthralled with are mountebanks,
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However, I think I better your point, and where this is coming from. It seems based on your statements, you had negative personal experiences when returning home, and being poorly received by other Veterans Organizations, you came to dislike or distrust many or all of them.You mentioned two others in the same post.
So I think this is personal for you that WWP has a specific mission statement and focus, and you are not a part of that generation.
I think I understand now, this isn’t merely because of a flawed 990 form, or slinging mud because people work for a living and get paid to do a job, this is because you believe WWP honors and empowers one generation over another, and
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It’unfortunate your psychic and psychiatric skills are so limited. This has nothing to do with me. I simply published a report by a fellow Veterans organization that wished to tell a story. It is not about me or VT. It does, however, have everything to do with the new breed of “help” for Veterans. It seems clear that WWP wants to limit their clientele (and their charitable good deeds) to post 911 Veterans. I do not fault them for it. I similarly do not fault them for their anti-Second Amendment stance nor their perceived shunning of religious organizations who wish to help Veterans. I merely disagree with the idea of raking off grossly excessive amounts of money for salaries as the Big Six VSOs are now doing as well. No one can dispute the WWP’s salary figures, yet many attempt to divert the conversation away from it.
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when Haiti got slammed they raked billions, the Haitian people got military occupation, concentration camps, kidnapping paedophiles and more, all in the name of “charitable help”?!! its how they operate.
UNicef, Save the Children, and countless others, are all the same because its “legal”.
In northern NY I used to get calls from a man with a Bronx, NY accent who said he was collecting for the annual NY sheriffs canine association/police dogs etc–was the funniest scammer ever but he always got real nasty when I told him over and over to send the info, and I also told him he was a crook.
the media always cries about a downed officer but never says what kinda SOB mightta deserved it.
theres a recent infowars article about a santa rosa cop who shot a young teen carrying an airsoft gun seven times, who is right back on the job about 6 weeks later.
police dogs: defending yourself from an animal trained to rip you to shreds is regarded as assaulting (or killing) an officer, and we are supposed to respect an organization that regards us as being less than and less important than their trained attack beasts? HAH! they invade homes all the time killing family pets for daring to bark and THEY are never charged with murder, but they’ll sure charge YOU!
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but a “compliance tool” like a tazer, which has killed well over 500 people nowadays, isnt ever going to be considered an officer being assaulted. hell no I’ve never been a cop, but it is also my belief it is the duty of the office of a Sherriff to protect the people, more often this is failed when FEDS operating outside their jurisdiction decide to attack-raid someplace.
yeah I can relate, finding kids with rifles or what looked like rifles on a campus would be a very scary situation, if they were criminals, just saying “BOO” couldda got you shot at!
(glad it was your scariest moment and that you excercized good judgement and restraint)
training has also changed, it used to be about shooting to disable-subdue someone, not unloading a full clip to guarantee eliminating a threat, permanently! somewhat understandable with consideration given to crazy youngins
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I’m sure we both get it debates like this could go on for a long time, and to me it isnt really argument, accusations, or “case making”, just real world thoughts, considerations, a bit of somewhat intellectual thought provoking discussion that
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If one does investigations on thousands of soldiers, it is easy to see who are the honorable, honest people as opposed to all the scammers.
If you work for the government you will lose
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