1 person found this review helpful
Review from Guidestar THE VETERANS SUPPORT ORGANIZATION
Invite reviews
Invite friends and colleagues to share their experiences with this nonprofit
February 23, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
Veterans Support Organization. They were in the Dover Mall this past Christmas and have been set up at the Camden Wal-Mart this week collecting CASH or CHECK donations. I had some reservations about the group (they wear BDU's with service emblem hats and black combat boots) and the "Vets" didn't appear or sound legit when I asked a few questions about what they did or where they served. But, when I discovered they were back and now at Wal-Mart, I wanted to dig a little further.
An Internet search was very eye opening.
#1- On their own site, www.TheVeteransSupport.Org. Their financial report for 2009 shows 35% of the money collected went to management expenses, over 800K.
#2- The cards they hand out claim they are serving Vets in Delaware and Maryland. However; Delaware is spelled wrong on the card, the toll-free number is for a NY or PA branch and their own web site does not list any active services provides to Delaware Vets.
#3- This organization IS NOT on the list of Congressionally-chartered Veteran Service/Support organizations. Additionally, the are NOT listed on the National Resource Directory for approved Veterans Service Organizations.
#4- Some of the people they use at their collections points are NOT veterans of the US military. In fact, according to news reports I found on the Internet, some of these people are convicted criminals. Even more upsetting, these "vets" at the collection buckets are paid 25-30 percent of the money they collect each day. That's right, heart-felt donations from hard working people are "skimmed" off the top before they even have a chance to help a real Vet. Of the two "vets" working at Wal-Mart today, one admitted he is not a vet (while wearing a Red Marine Corps baseball hat and BDU's) and the other one would not answer my questions.
#5- They are using the word "Vet" or "VSO" as a marketing tool. Using these titles, they are preying on the public's admiration of the military and desire to support our troops. This organization is using this level of trust and respect for Vets and the real USO to siphon away money that could be going to local groups that actually support Delaware veterans.
#6- A Fox News New York investigation uncovered even mor. Use this link to verify this info. http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/shame/veterans-support-organization-20110203
I am passionate about supporting our troops and I get personally offended when I see groups like this, taking advantage of people and using the titles of honor and respect for personal gain.
Thanks for listening, for caring and shining a light on this shameful group. Dennis Desilet
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I watched them accept donations for Vets under false pretenses.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Become much more transparent and drastically reduce the overhead costs/ I would not pay "Vets" to collect donations.
February 19, 2011
ATTENTION VIETNAM VETERANS MC: THIS VSO GROUP IS A DECEIT SCAM RIPPING OFF VOLUNTEERS AND MOST OF THE DONATIONS THEY SOLICIT IN THE NAME OF VETERANS. KEY FIGURES IN THEIR ORGANIZATION ARE PROFESSIONAL CON ARTISTS, SOME WITH RELATED CRIMINAL RECORDS. SEE: http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/shame/veterans-support-organization-20110203
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Reviewing their published bogus P.R. and their financial statement(s).
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Report them to Vietnam Veterans MC. Hang them by their cajones out in the Everglades.
1 person found this review helpful
November 30, 2010
1 person found this review helpful
This group is not a Veterans group. One guy told me that he is serving in the US Army as a "Full Bird Colonel". Today one of their people told me that he was in the US Army Green Berets and when I asked him what rank was he, this little so and so told me that it is classified! I was a Major in the Australian Special Forces and I can tell you that this guy WAS NOT in any way in the US Army Green Berets. I contacted the American Legion HQ in Texas and the bloke I talked to told me that he knows all about the VSO. I also talked to the VFW national HQ and they said the same thing.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
in a bad way.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Disband them and send the heads of the VSO to prision.
July 16, 2010
I joined the Texas Chapter of The VSO earlier this year. At the time, I knew nothing of the Organization. In the short time I've been a part of the Organization, I've met and spoken to many of great people. Veterans that have served our Country and non-veterans that have such huge hearts that give their time and attention to our veterans. I work with veterans and non-veterans that have struggled in life. The best part of this Organization, in my opinion, is that it offers a work program. This program is for anyone having difficulties, who want to improve their own personal finances while at the same time help our needy veterans. I've seen first hand, people taken off the street and given a place to stay. I believe whole heartedly in this Organization. The help it provides to people and the love to our veterans, past and present. Being a part of VSO has opened my eyes to how much people really do need help and aren't just looking for hand outs. This Organization is great and I'm honored to be a part of it.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Visiting a local VA during a fundraising event that was sponsored by the Organization. I see the thank you letters that are received in the office from the VA's for the donations received. I've spoken with veterans, thankful for the grant they received.
More feedback...
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
July 15, 2010
I was a little reluctant to donate until I got talking with this group. They took the time to show and explain to me what they do and how they do it. By the time I left them I was completely satisfied with all of the information given to me and recomend everybody to help this organization out. They are doing great things for the local communities.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Tampa, Florida
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the knowledge and the friendlyness of their people.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
nice and personable.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
July 6, 2010
I've heard countless stories on how the VSO has helped from suicide prevention, to jobs for the chronically unemployed veteran, and emergency assistance at the VA hospitals through volunteer services. All of this without any grants or government help. It doesn't get much better than the VSO.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
By attending many meetings where clients have given testimony on how invaluable VSO help has been.
More feedback...
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
July 5, 2010
This organization is Great. It Helps The VA with Programs through the Voluntary Services department. It helps other Veterans groups when they need it. "I have seen it first hand." They have a great transitional housing program where I have met Great people and seen great success from these Veterans that have entered this program. The work program has personally helped me through tough times while I was on medical leave and when I was medically discharged from the Coast Guard. It is a Great Program and I would recommend it to any Veteran that is struggling to make ends meet. The Organization also has a grant program set up through the VA's to help with there Deliquient utility bills, rent or Mortgages.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
This organization helped me through tough times while I was on medical leave and shortly after my discharge. They have helped my family and I through their work program. I enjoyed every minute of there work program.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the people you help and Meet.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
real helpful and Very grateful for what the do.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Build more transitional houses and add more work programs that in return would help a huge number of Veterans
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
July 5, 2010
I was looking for a job and I contacted Mr. Tim Thacker of the Veterans Support Organization and he told me at the time that I called that there was nothing available. Since then, I have came to work for this organization and I can truly say that this is a one of the finest if not the best organization that I have worked for,due to the fact that they really care about the welfare of the veterans. I am truly thankful for the chance to work for a outstanding place.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
as mention above
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
There is nothing to change
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The caring that the people who runs this organization has for the veterans. I am honored to have been selected to be a part of this organization.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
The majority have a caring attitude and really want to help this organization.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Open up more chapters and homes for the veterans, start work programs, education.
Ways to make it better...
There is nothing to say
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Not enough stores/corporations taking the time to understand the concept of this organization.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Outstanding Organization.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
July 5, 2010
My stepdad asked me to help out a charity. I saw these guys working at a store and they explained what they do. I asked if I could help out. On the big day I got to hand out over 100 new jackets to some really sad homeless veterans. The look on their faces was something I will never forget. Some of the guys cried and I felt good. I am going to try and help out more if they let me.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Give away lots of stuff to sad homeless veterans.
More feedback...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
1 person found this review helpful
July 5, 2010
1 person found this review helpful
My son was in recovery and needed a job. He looked everywhere. He went to all the veterans groups for help. No one wanted to give him a chance. This was a couple years ago. Today he is working for VSO in that area helping vets with recovery issues and has been doing better than ever. Every other group always says we help more, we don't get paid. HA, try and get help from them. This group changed my sons life, gave him a direction, guidance and emplyment. They have given over 300 vets a change to earn a living and these are lives touched and changed. How many lives have parades changed.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
In changing the lives of a lot of young vets.
More feedback...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Filter by reviewer role:
Support This Nonprofit
Help this nonprofit get more reviews
5 tips for getting reviews