I helped these scam artists set their first office up. I even donated money myself. I was never compensated for any of the work I did. I submitted evidence to the attorney general that their costs didn't add up -as others have also pointed out here - and they were supposedly investigating them. That was over 10 years ago, so I guess they gave up and this group of parasites are still out there. They had a crackhead running the place who used to take funds they raised at the bar and spend it on booze. I wrote a review previously that gave more details but it's been removed, so I'll keep this one short. Don't want to give an excuse to have the review removed for doing something horrible like exposing literal crime. Give to them if you enjoy funding addicts and getting ripped off.
I reposted this from the VA Blog. I was an unemployed Minor in WV. Then couldn't pay my bills and landed on the street. The second day of living in my car I saw a charity donation table. The ladies was very nice, answered my questions. She gave me a phone number to call and a website. When I called the number everything started to change. The guy who answered was a fellow Vet. This time no run-a-round, or call back tomorrow. Here is what NROTC did. First they got me into a shelter. Next they found me a job I could get to. Then they got me into the VA for a checkup at the clinic. At the clinic they discovered I had Mesothelioma. After 4 months in the hospital I was homeless again. NROTC kept track of me and continued to work for me. They follow up! They really cared. Now I have a nice one-bedroom apartment, am able to work part time. My VA disability checks and 5 new friends. Thanks to them and VA benefits I received with their help I am on the road to recovery. George you are doing GREAT things for your fellow VETS. Here is picture of all of us on Veterans Day.
Thanks Mike S.
I am the new President of National Remember Our Troops Campaign. There are so many changes that Started under the second President Alexander Rich and are continuing under my term that began in January of 2018. Here are some highlights: NROTC.org has been completely redesigned. The general public now can easily find and identify our donation tables. Yes we still use paid authorized representatives who are paid as Independent contractors because most are Veterans, low ranking military reserve, or members of a military family who need the additional income from a part time business. The others are Veterans who volunteer. The Admin office moved from Baltimore MD to Cross Junction, VA for the paper records and Now as we get these scanned and uploaded to the cloud, National Remember Our Troops Campaign will be Headquartered on our secured virtual cloud. In 2017 we assisted just over 10,000 Veterans and/or military families. In 2018 we hope to advance that to 12,500. Please go to www.nrotc.org or National Remember Our Troops Campaign, Cross Junction, VA on this site to see the reorganized NROTC.
What a transformation! As they continue to work hard, their programs are certainly growing. This organization has supported 18 VA sponsored Reveille Community Stand Downs this year that assist the HOMELESS Veteran community within a local community, they provide services to Veterans and Military Families through their website and directly. You will be amazed as you look through their website. No wonder so many of us support them whole heartedly. Here is a link to their newest program: Gold Star Acknowledgements: http://www.nrotc.org/gold-star-acknowledgements/. What a great idea!
Review from Guidestar
Previous Stories
I am a Veteran. I was in desperate need. Contacted
about 10 Veteran’s groups including WPP basically all said no via
email or IM. Not knowing what to do I tried one more phone
number. A fellow vet answered, listened to my situation and said
“we are very small, but let me see what we can do.” I really thought
it was going to come to more bs with no help. I thought no one
actually gave a crap about a stranded vet. Thought about just giving
up. Was dialing the crises line when my phone rang. It was NROTC!
They called back. I couldn’t believe it. Garret asked lots of questions and told me to use my last $10.00
to get my sewage tank dumped. Stay in my trailer one more night and he would get me back on the road
in the morning. I was in the Walmart parking lot with no money, no gas, and seriously thinking about
suicide when the Cop knocked on the door. Thought I was headed for jail. But the cop had a McDonalds
meal, a drink and told me a Marine League brother from Virginia had called the local State Police Station
to find a league member who could check on me. The cop gave me $15.00 so I could get to the dump
station get rid of the horrid smell in the trailer – get fresh water. Then he went with me to the
laundromat to get my sheets and clothes washed. We even stopped at the truck stop and I had just
enough to get a shower.
Here is the rest of the story. It was Garret from NROTC who called in his fellow Marines. He and his wife
used their personal finances to front a Walmart Money Gram for me from NROTC. Then drove 30+ miles
one way to the nearest Walmart to buy the money order because Walmart wouldn’t let him buy it
online. All this was done for one vet – me. Then he messaged me to make sure I had the money and was
on my way back to Texas.
When you hear things about NROTC that they don’t help – it’s a lie. That they don’t care – it’s a lie.
When you hear, they help when no one else will and they follow up to make sure you are ok. That’s true
Thank you NROTC, Thank you Garret & your wife (name?) I get my first check next week and will be
sending NROTC $25.00 each month. Wish I could do more.
I have watched over the past months how National Remember our Troops Campaign (NROTC for short) has grown changed and bloomed into one of the most dynamic Veterans and Service Members Charities ever. The leadership has become stronger, their dedication has no match and their desire to ensure that veterans get the direct help they need is unsurpassed.
During the first three months of 2017 they have used $28,082.97 in donations to provide $181,778.00 worth of direct services. This demonstrates the truth in the willingness to ensure the vets needs are met. Within this, 2000 homeless vets were provided with thermal winter blankets, that protected them from the brutal winter, as well as shelter them from the summer heat by providing cover. Assistance was given to 11 Veterans struggling to fight their way through their claims process, shortening the time by nearly 90-120 days. 11 veterans with PTSD were provide 6 months worth of treatment. while others received an increase of 50 more days of services and treatment .
NROTC's Pro service team completed 990 charitable acts for veterans, service members and the families in the last 90 days that is quite a feet for an organization as small as they are.
When NROTC tells their donors that 50% of all donations go directly to helping veterans, service members and their families, those givers can rest assured that it what is happening. Overhead cost are kept to a bare minimum not exceeding 5%. All commissions and salaries are capped, no one getting rich here.
Glad to see that NROTC has stepped up and followed through. GOOD JOB.
In the late summer of 2016 This organization went from being a small regional charity helping a few to a National Organization with a reachable, sustainable goal of helping thousands of our Veterans and Military families. They upgraded their emergency funds programs, started working with Mortgage companies, Utility companies, and collection companies to get those in temporary trouble due to VA disability claim delays some relief. When folks call a human answers NOT A MACHINE! Then they even call to follow up to check on you. NROTC not only helps THEY CARE! Here is the difference
We applied for aide in 2015. Left a message. Did get an email response saying they were small and couldn't help.
In November of 2016 facing foreclosure we tried one more time. A person answered the phone, no message this time. I told them our circumstance. We got referred to New Day USA who worked on our mortgage. NROTC called back asking our progress. They ever called our bank and got the bank to suspend the foreclosure. They also got our VA 100% disability claim moving that had been stalled. We got our first check last week. Now we have a mortgage payment we can afford and monthly income. Thank you NROTC.
Tim Matthews
Review from Guidestar
Greetings to all who read this review. I recently started working with NROTC after I read all the documentation and the good and bad experiences. This is a REAL non-profit organization. Those who work within it have large hearts and are donating time and money to the cause from their own pockets. It is small, and has not received many donations from the public, so we all chip in. The documents may say that 60% went to salaries, but guess what? The majority of our employees ARE VETS who were in dire straights. So those 60% salaries are BENEFITING the ones in NEED! Those who are not vets donate their pay right back into the cause. For example: I have spent about $200 getting started purchasing my own supplies. Then I spend hours weekly with no pay recruiting and scheduling events. Then one day in the future I may get a percent of an event's earnings, to pay me back. It is a true and honest labor of love!
I use to work with the NROTC. They are a small organization doing what they can to help vets. I am sure that the President of the NROTC has given more than his fare share to keep the doors open for this organization. People don't understand that to keep things rolling takes money and money doesn't come easily. Mr. Ruley would bend over backwards to help anyone, not just the vets, he's that type of person. Yes, sometimes people have a rough experience with a donation. That doesn't mean that the entire organization is like that, there are bumps in the road, but you have to keep moving forward no one is perfect. I am sorry that you had a bad experience, but they are trying to do a very difficult task and it's not always peaches and cream. Wayne.
Would give 0 stars if possible. Now mind you, this is in reference to their employees that actually sit at a table outside of stores asking for donations; this isnt directed toward the owner. It's Sunday, June 7, 2015. My best friend, my two young children and I all went shopping to the Shoppers Grocery store off of Solomons Island Road in Annapolis, MD. This experience is literally the entire reason I never donate to non-profits or foundations that I'm not familiar with. There was an older, very heavy-set woman with reddish hair. Sitting next to her was a VERY young man that appeared to be and gave off the vibe of a criminal. I believe he has tattoos. He looked extremely rough, unhealthy skinny, and acted/appeared to be on some type of stimulant drug. Not a legal kind either. I believe I heard her call him "Mike". My friend, children and I approached them. The man had a very nasty attitude, but I was very kind and polite and tried to approach the woman. She introduced herself and described the non-profit, gave me false statistics and numbers, showed me her credentials & then proceed to tell me the man was a homeless veteran that the current money in their donation box was going to help him to get a roof over his head for the night. As far as I knew, that's not how non-profits worked. I don't believe the person is supposed to reach directly into the box and hand actual cash donations to this "man" who was sitting with her. Yes! For him to go help himself to cigarettes and food. I dont think that's how this things is supposed to work NROTC people! The woman also told me that over 90% of donations go to veterans, when doing research I found out that its more like 15%. And the woman tried getting me to give a large donation, "as much as i can give, the more the better", so it could directly help the man. Absolute insanity. The man claimed to be a veteran of 6 years, but couldn't give me any details or information on the supposed service he did. Im more than thankful for what our vets do, but to act and pretend to be a veteran for personal gain, which is against the law! NO WAY! Thats where I draw the line. Even while shopping after I decided not to donate, because every other minute that I tried carrying on a conversation with the woman, the man who swore he was an employee and veteran, would very nastily cut the woman off and yell "Stop talking! Stop getting distracted! Pay attention! Move on!". So rude! He was extremely nasty to me and wouldn't even acknowledge me when I tried speaking to him. Whomever the owner is, I would do some serious soul searching and employee searching - because this charade, fraud you're carrying on is absolutely, insanely ridiculous. And I would keep an eye on employees that leave the donation box with men that dont even have credentials while she goes shopping, puts her hands directly in the box and removes money to put into the hands of this so called veteran. I will take my donations to a real foundation, that properly and fairly distributes the donations, and actually helps real veterans. Not young men who seem to be hurting for a fix. Get professional! Horrible experience!
Ok!!!! everyone first off, charitable contributions are GIVEN to charities not given out by charities, charities like NROTC give grants (not a charitable contribution as per the IRS and the US government) Ship free vehicles all ove the country for needy vets (not a charitable contribution, again a grant as per the law), the shipping adds into bills like lights, phone, power. Same with the cost of wiring money or cutting a check, also a bill. use your common sense or shut your mouth. uneducated people piss me off and also got alot of my brothers killed.
I have worked for National Remember Our Troops Campaign in the past and am working for them right now, taking pledges to help our troops, disabled and hospitalized veterans. I was paid then and now get paid every week.
They are great to work for, friendly and helpful.
It plainly states in your paperwork, you don't get paid until the pledges start coming in, which takes about 4 weeks to get your first check. Then you get one every week after that as long as your are generating pledges.
This is one of the best jobs I've ever had, and you DON'T have to pay them for them to let you work.
I worked for NROTC as a telerecruiter. I was to be paid 40% per the total amount any telfundraiser made. I never received anything. I think this company lacks focus.
From Tom Ruley, Founder and President, National Remember Our Troops Campaign:
FIRST - I strongly object to the total untruths posted here attacking my character. I do not personally hate anyone or profess hatred of anyone including the person who made this terrible accusation. I am NOT a member of any group that encourages hatred or violence. I totally deny laughing at the news of the death of Trevon Martin. You will not find any anti Obama remarks anywhere on our website.
SECOND - Regarding Where Does The Money Go?... Percentages etc:
I wish I could tell everyone that 100% of every donation dollar goes directly to troops and veterans. Such is not the case. We would have to be a total volunteer organization with our office, our electric, our phones and other associated bills and other expenses such as computers, ink cartridges, paper, envelopes, postage, workers compensation, state unemployment compensation, the employer’s 50% of social security tax withholding contribution, liability insurance... and such... all waived or donated!... So far… The Federal Government, the State Government in the states where we do business, our internet and telephone provider, our gas and electric provider, our landlord, other suppliers, vendors and such, do NOT do this for us.
I really wish that people could be in my shoes and do what I do and they would have a better understanding. I believe that anyone who watches the news is well aware that there are SCAMS out there and many have been perpetrated by charities well-known and not so well known, even military and veterans charities such as ours. I understand perfectly why people may and SHOULD be suspicious before donating, volunteering or working for any organization!... WE ARE NOT SCAMMING ANYONE!… and here is my substantiation:
Our 2013 IRS Filings are yet to be submitted. Deadline May 15 2014. As documented by NROTC’s IRS filing for 2012 found here:
http://www.nrotc.org/990ez2012_complete_signed.pdf
In 2012 I paid myself $3,909.00 which is $75.00 per week. No one person in our organization has ever earned more than $30,000 per year. Some of our successful fundraisers by working hard, have managed to earn a fair living. My 2013 earnings were $7,659.00 or $147.30 per week.
I give you my personal assurance that there is no scam here, otherwise I would probably be earning more, not driving a beat-up 94 Ford Bronco and be able to get my teeth fixed. I invite you to investigate as thoroughly as you want.
What you will find is that charities have expenses just like other businesses and from our very first day in business we, like many small businesses, have struggled just to pay our bills and our help. In fact, what you will learn is that I personally have loaned NROTC over $20,000.00 for which I have not been repaid, paying NROTC’s bills when NROTC was unable to. I am 62 years old. All I did was have a heart attack and decide that I wanted to spend the rest of my life supporting our troops and their families, wounded and needy veterans. For a small organization mainly consisting of a President, a Vice President and the efforts of mostly one hard-working employee, plus a few other employees who have come and gone, we have not done too bad. I have not profited by this 10 year effort and I remain proud of what our small but growing organization has accomplished. We hope to do more.
In an effort to have larger percentages to use for charity, we have tried very hard to fundraise through the use of volunteers and the results have been mostly unsuccessful.
To view each of our IRS annual filings for every year we have been in business, go to: www.nrotc.org and click “About Us”
I hope this response answers any concerns adequately and satisfactorily. If anyone needs further clarification I am at your service.
Tom Ruley
NROTC President
Office Phone Number: 410-686-4183
I researched this charity after being directed to it through a White House "Joining Forces Site" this charity looks like a scam with at least 60% of donations going to salaries and commissions according to a tax record I accessed through their web site. My blood boils when organizations scam on veterans and their families and those who want to support them.
High commisions to telemarketers (+/- 40%)- Salary/bonus/commisions for management- costs of business operations- DO THE MATH. Any time a donor receives a phone call, half if not more of the donation never sees the cause. I know there's a better way. The programs and goals of the organization are noble- if only more of the donation was applied accordingly.
For All Who Read This Stuff... It is a shame that Great Non-Profits allows people to create false pseudonyms and use this site to wreck havoc. GNP cares little to set the record straight. For the bad reviews listed below, I know who she is that wrote them. She is a criminal and thief. Well known in Dundalk/Essex/Middle River MD for stealing from her roommate and anyone else who has tried to help her out. She likes to do Heroin and other drugs. She has AIDS and has no compunction in spreading it to any unfortunate sole who will pay her for sex so she can buy more Heroin. She currently works for and steals with a fraud outfit out of Dundalk, Support Our troops Foundation where 93% of the money goes in their pocket Not to the Troops!, see my other posts. She is also known to be living in Winchester VA. where she is continuing her thievery. It is a shame she continues to bad mouth two organizations that tried to help her, whom she stole from, and now in return for their concern and assistance she creates false names and posts malicious reviews. I hate this woman and I will never let her share my place again. Neither should you.
The experience I had with this organization was great. I found them to be very helpful and respectful. BTW Not that it should matter but I am also black and they helped me when no one else would. I for one wish them all the best!!
I AM A FORMER VOLUNTEER OF THIS ORGANIZATION. THE PRESIDENT OF THIS GROUP DOES NOT LIKE BLACKS OR JEWS AND IS A MEMBER OF THE ARYAN BROTHERHOOD A NEO NAZI ORGANIZATION THAT ENCOURAGES VIOLENCE AGAINST MINORITY GROUPS. I WAS AT HIS HOUSE WATCHING THE NEWS AS HE LAUGHED AT THE DEATH OF TEVON MARTIN!!! THIS GUY IS SICK AND DOES NOT SUPPORT AMERICA. YOU CAN READ SOME OF HIS ANTI OBAMA INFO ON HIS OWN WEBSITE, PLEASE DO NOT GIVE TO SUCH A HORRIABLE GROUP!!!!