Wounded Warrior Project

Wounded warrior project stepped out of the shadows and retired me and my family, saving my life and marriage. They helped me see I needed help and supported me in my recovery. I too have been do blessed that I now volunteer as a peer mentor to help other warriors in their transition.
Maybe not perfect, but I can't say enough good about the mission and organization!

As to nay sayers who say the money doesn't go to warriors, let me tell you from experience, it does.

WWP invited me to an Alumni event. Let me tell ya, it was my very first event! This was a Bungee Jumping adventure! I was so afraid. Heck, I was registered for this event at least 2 weeks out...that left me with a lot of time to think about it. Believe me, I did. I was talking myself into it, and talking myself out of it...but, no matter what, I was going to attend. Once I was there and meeting all of the other Vets and their families, I was ALL IN!!! I felt so comfortable with them. If only for a little while, I felt like I was in the military again, with my troops! That alone, was amazing! We all worked together, encouraged, and inspired each other. We ALL did it! We did it as a TEAM! So, for me it was not about the jump. It was all about the teamwork and support for each other. I was encouraged to Believe in myself and to face my fear; to own it. I did. I felt like I was reborn! I bounced right back!!! Guess what? We all did. Thank You for this re-awakening experience!!!

Life saving and standard setting organization.
I was so grateful to the wwp for helping my family and I find a new Normal and reason to keep going that I agreed to be a national spokesman and put my very personal journey into public view.

I recently completed my second WWP Event (The first was attending the Lion King)-Teh 2014 Atlanta Soldier Ride -A four day cycling oriented retreat hosted out of the Stone Mountain Marriot Evergreen Lodge.
From the beginning to the very end this was a world class event- the quality and attention to detail only improved with every turn -From the Registration to the Farewell, from the Bus Drivers to the attention to our uniquely demanding physical and psychological needs we were truly Honored and Empowered by the Staff of the Wounded Warrior Project.
I am so grateful to all of the Sponsors of this beautiful organization-From Trek and UHaul, UnderArmour, GEICO, USAA and so many others- your charitable donations to the Wounded Warrior Project are being used to directly Serve us-I have witnessed it and was in awe.
Thank You Thank You Thank You

William Beverley-Blanco
LTC, USA (Ret)
100% Disabled Veteran

the wounded warrior once again hit a grand slam with the pathfinder program. I attended a WWP pathfinder program in Atlanta i gotta tell ya awesome. they gave us so much help and information about school benefits programs i never heard about and i,m pretty knowledgeable about such and they walked us through everything you have a problem call so and so you have this problem contact this person and they will walk you through. this seminar was incredibly put together the food hotel entertainment was awesome. it was also about meeting other alumnus kinda guess it was a social event also anyone who is kind enough to support donate to this program will be helping a lot of people not just soldiers but there wives families it crazy how things fix themselves ..i personally wen,t from not even thinking about school at42 to enrolled and starting in aug full-time,i had no clue what to or how to enroll but after this i,m set and ready to go...thanks wounded warrior for all your help...john N

I had the privilege of attending a Francis Marion University softball game. It was an awesome experience. The sports director and his staff were so welcoming. They made me and my family feel very comfortable. I also had a chance to hang out with other Warriors and their families. The connections you make during these events are so good. Makes me feel like I'm not alone. The softball team rocked it out. I had the chance to throw out the first pitch and the team signed the ball. It was a great experience. I would recommend this to other Warrior Alumni.

Recently I had the privilege of attending the WWP-DC Soldier Ride. This was only my second WWP event, and the last one I attended was only for 3 hours so this was a big deal. On Tuesday I checked in and right off the bat I was welcomed with open arms by Shana Gibbs and Dan Schnock. As the week’s events go by all of the WWP Staff (Dan from DC H&WP, Lonni from Resources, Big "T" from Resources, Angela, Big Dan, and Shana) took care of every worry, need, and concern the entire 6 days (and even afterwards, I'll explain later). In this day and age, to be completely provided for, with no headaches or worries of the care you're getting is a miracle. Top Notch service, we all felt as if we've joined a new expanded family.

As the events died down and we all were departing, I asked Dan Schnock if I could buy one of the jersey's for my wife, we both like to cycle together and I would love us to match. Dan responded quickly and said no, but I can give you one! They didn’t have her size (she's tiny), so I emailed Dan her size and my address and one week later I received the package in the mail, to our surprise Dan also hooked up my wife with not only the jersey but some extra swag. He made our Day, Week, and Month by providing us such generosity. We've worked very hard to get where we're today (coming from very humble means as children), and no one has ever given me anything without wanting something in return.

This man did it out of the kindness of his heart, and that symbol of kindness is exactly how they treated us the entire 6 days and every fellow Wounded Warrior attending. I want to give a Personal Thanks to Lonni Maddux (Resource Officer) for her sweet personality and taking care of me the entire stay (On your Left!), Shana Gibbs for all of your efforts planning and arranging every detail, Dan Schnock (SR Director) just for being a top notch individual and a "bad joke teller", Angela for being a royal pain in the butt with a smile on her face the entire time, Dan (DC- H&WP) for keeping us motivated, stretched and being a friend to us all... Many Thanks to each and every staff member named and unnamed, you all saved me from a great depression that's been affecting me for years after service.

This was my second, but hopefully not the last event/program I ever become apart of with the Wounded Warrior Project.

Semper Fi, OoRah!

WwP has helped my husband and myself with the many empowering and educational events and programming that we have had the pleasure to be involved with! I have truly never met a more dedicated staff who work extremely hard to touch each warrior and their families on not just a group level but a personal level as well .

I have attended several WWP events and each one has helped me get just a little further along towards my goals. This organization does a great job at helping those that are in need and willing to seek the help that they need.

I have attended several WWP events and each one has helped me get just a little further along towards my goals. This organization does a great job at helping those that are in need and willing to seek the help that they need. This particular event was a college baseball game in rural NW Oklahoma and the college treated my family and I like royalty and did a remarkable job at making me feel comfortable and at ease with my surroundings. I love baseball and seldom get to enjoy going to a game so this was a great opportunity for me to go, heck I even got to throw out the first pitch!
Great job yet again WWP!

WWP has help to change the lives of so many veterans in Northern Colorado by providing funds to Path International, which in turn distributes funds to accredited therapeutic riding centers. Our program, Hearts and Horses for Heroes, has worked with over 73 veterans since the program began in 2012. Many of those veterans received support from WWP in order to participate in our equine program and feel the program has been life changing for them. “The Hearts for Heroes program is a safe and sacred place where we feel empowered to heal our wounds and each other’s. We take great comfort knowing that WWP is helping to ensure this safe place will always be here for us. Your continued commitment to funding the Hearts for Heroes program speaks volumes to your integrity as an organization and dedication to your mission. You know how critical it is for alumni to know intrinsically that they are not forgotten and you speak this truth through your actions. I am eternally grateful that you give freely this gift.” Gretchen Moran CW2 US Army

I was introduced to Wounded Warrior Project in 2009 at a dinner function, and I'm really glad i took that first step. See back then it was hard for me to get out and socialize with anyone. I had no motivation to do anything and couldnt hold a job down. Life was so mundane after combat. I went into self destruct mode and did not care what happened, I abused drugs, alcohol and battled suicide several times. After attending several WWP events over the years now from Project Odyssey to smaller local events I have tools and the confidence to use them when i need them. What happened on my deployments will never go away and nor should it but it shouldnt dictate what i do in life now either, and im happy to say because of Wounded Warrior Project im thriving in life and I love everyday even on the worst of days. Now I am a proud father of 2 boys and getting married in a couple months! I have held down the same job for almost 4 years now and have had several promotions within that job as well, also I volunteer for Wounded Warrior Project and my fellow Warriors as a Peer Mentor. This has also given me new drive and purpose to help other warriors that were in the same position I was years ago. I could have easily ended up as another "statistic" but Wounded Warrior Project saved my life! Thank you

I met the Wounded Warrior Project while still in Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2006. They brought me a back pack like they have done for so many. That was the start of a very rewarding relationship. Through various events WWP got me out of my shell and doing things that I thought I would never do again. Those events themselves are great but really the greatest part of it all was that those few short events translated into friendships and confidence that allows me to get out of my house everyday and go to work or to the store or whatever it is I want to do. I'm not like I was before the IED blast but in some ways I'm better and WWP is a big part of that.

In 2013, I had plans to go back to school, filed for VA Compensation rating increase but I wasn't getting to lead way doing by myself. My Marine Corps brother, Jemel Smith introduce me to the Wounded Warrior Projects. Mr Smith took to the San Diego WWP office to met Dennis Mesday, where I was enrolled in Alumni for future events. I was able to get a copy of my DD214, I was able to get my GI Bill so I could go back to school for business. Dennis show what Wounded Warrior Project has to offer. I took full advantage of everything! I was able to use Warrior to Work, joined dodgeball, kickball with fellow veterans. My experiences with Wounded Warrior Project was the best thing that happen to me. All the plans I wanted to accomplish in 2014 are being done. I want to thank Dennis Mesday, Chase Sterling, Ron Conway and the rest of the WWP San Diego office for their help for a better future for my family.

WWP has helped in so many ways. They have done so many positive things for me and my family. They all truly care about the wounded warriors in the program.

By far the best non profit out there. They truley know how to aid these current and newer veterans out there. My hat is off to them for above and beyond approach they have to meet the needs of those who need it! By the way, I'm one of these wounded veterans. People complain a lot about them, but if you walked a day in my shoes. You'd see them in a entirely different light.
Best,
Alex Perkins
USMC Ret.

I am writing this review to help all that don't understand what wounded warrior project means to me and my brother's and sister's.
I was injured on july 1 2003 by (IED) witch changed my life . I asked myself where do i go from here.I lost my family one that i had for 16 years . But i did fine family the WWP family they have been there for me threw the thick and thin of it all .yes my life has changed but with the WWP family. There was light at the end of the tunnel.they was there when i had thoughts of the end and pulled me out.they where there when i needed a friend to talk to. When i needed help with finances. But most of all WWP Family was there when i needed a Family.they have tought me so much to beleive in myself and others.now i am in am mentor for WWP to empower outhers brothers and sister's to become a alumni and peer mentor . If it wasn't for WWP i wouldn't be here today. I love my new family and you should understand what they do for our soldiers comes from the heart. Thanks to the WWP Family for being part of my life And letting me be a part of yours .
WWP Mentor David Allen Calhoun

Since Jan 2013 to right now Apr 2014 my life has changed completely. I went from being an isolated person to one who is more friendly, active in society, involved in different projects. The Wounded Warrior Project has given me the opportunity to make this change; it has empowered me to participate in different events at no cost to me or my wife. I got to meet other warriors who with I could relate and make friends.
The Wounded Warrior Project is a magnificent organization always looking for the veteran's welfare.

WWP has been under fire lately. The bottom line is they do amazing stuff to help veterans like myself who are suffering from PTSD. Many veterans like myself are far worse, to include missing limbs and amputees.

I will always be there for my fellow warrior! I will always be there for the WWP, because they have always been there for me! They empower the warriors to be better! Live better, get better jobs, eat healthier!

Keep up the good work WWP! You like the Warriors who didn't make it back, will never be forgotten!

I just returned from a WWP Summit this weekend and I can honestly say that the leadership at WWP are the real deal! Every single leader I met had only one goal in mind; to help wounded warriors. After meeting most of the leadership from the top down, I can honestly say that I am honored to be a part of this organization. The WWP are genuinely passionate about helping their fellow wounded warriors and their families. The vast majority of the WWP leaders are combat-wounded veterans themselves. As a Wounded Warrior with PTSD, WWP helped me though some difficult times in my life and now I look forward to helping my fellow warriors in any way that I can.

When introduced to Wounded Warrior Project, I never imagined that they would have such a strong and positive impact on my life. The two events I have attended, Tampa and NYC, play such a huge part in my day to day life and remind me to maintain what I can control and let go of the rest. It reminds me that I am just one person and it's okay to take time for myself. As a caregiver to my husband, I tend to forget this.

On every event, I have been surrounded by some of the most courageous and inspiring women that are caregivers of wounded warriors, but most importantly, that are wives and mothers loving their veteran with a love that runs so deep words can never describe. Our stories are all different, yet so much alike. We do this because of the love we have and share with our men. I could not have asked for better women. I am blessed to have shared this opportunity with these women and will forever hold them in my heart.

Thank you WWP for allowing us these opportunities, for funding it, and for being there every step of the way as we find ourselves on an unexpected journey. Every time I try to find the right words to show my appreciation to WWP for not only the most recent trip, but also the one in Tampa last year, I struggle because works never seem sufficient enough. WWP is changing lives of caregivers and veterans across the nation on a daily basis!

I love wwp. My wife and I have had wonderful times with them. I feel lucky and blessed to be a member.

What We Do
L.A. SHARES is a non-profit materials reuse program, which takes donations from the local business community of reusable goods and materials (both new and used) and redistributes these items FREE-OF-CHARGE to non-profits and schools throughout Los Angeles .

How We Do It
Through their interactive website www.lashares.org , interested schools and non-profits create an online profile of their organization, including a "Wish List" and "Top 20 List" of needed items. This profile is then entered into our unique, relational database, which proactively identifies each organization's needs and continuously seeks to match those needs with the donated items on record.

When a need is matched, the recipient is notified, via e-mail, to come to one of our two area warehouses to retrieve their items or instructed to go directly to the donor for pick-up. Either way, this state-of-the-art system is designed to help schools and non-profits obtain needed items quickly.

Who's Involved
The success of L.A. SHARES is a true collaboration between an outstanding Board of Directors and a host of extremely generous financial supporters, "material" donors and in-kind partners.

Our Background
Created in 1991, L.A. SHARES was formerly a pilot program for the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department known as Materials For The Arts. In 1994, in an effort to expand and service even more non-profit groups and schools, L.A. SHARES became an independent, non-profit organization.

Since 1991, L.A. SHARES has worked with 1,000+ local companies to give away more than $120,000,000.00 worth of goods and materials to over 2,500 organizations throughout Los Angeles .

Our key partner is the City of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works, Bureau of Sanitation, Solid Resources Citywide Recycling Division.

Together, we have made a commitment to increase the amount of reuse opportunities available to the citizens of Los Angeles, in an effort to reduce the amount of goods and materials being sent unnecessarily to our already overburdened landfills.

Program Benefits
In addition to L.A. SHARES' obvious benefit to recipients, donors receive tax deductions for items contributed and save on the disposal cost of unwanted items.

L.A. SHARES will immediately arrange for a school or non-profit to quickly pick up your donation.

We have done this thousands of times in our 23 plus year history. L.A. SHARES will not let you down.

Of course, donors can also drop off their donation to one of our two, local warehouses.

By utilizing L.A. SHARES, California businesses adhere to Assembly Bill 939, which requires them to reduce their landfill-bound waste. Last year, L.A. SHARES helped companies divert more than 1,000 tons of useful goods and materials from needlessly entering local landfills.

Our Achievements
L.A. SHARES has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, The White House Task Force on Recycling, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the City of Los Angeles for its outstanding environmental achievement. Consequently, L.A. SHARES is now used as a "model" program for similar materials reuse efforts throughout the country.

L.A. SHARES has helped more than 2,500 organizations and schools throughout Los Angeles County including: Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Organization for the Needs of the Elderly, Habitat for the Humanity, Inner City Cultural Center, Union Rescue Mission, Angeles Girl Scout Council, the San Fernando Valley Child Guidance Clinic, John Marshall High School, Canoga Park Elementary School, Los Angeles Family School, and hundreds more.

Moreover, over the last 14 plus years, L.A. SHARES has partnered with the local business community to become the largest single donor of goods and materials to the Los Angeles Unified School District, the Arts community, After School Enrichment Programs, the Recreation and Parks community, the Theater community and the Alcohol and Drug Recovery community, among others.

Please visit our website www.lashares.org for more information and ways to contact us.

WOW!! I don't know where to start due to joy. I must say that I am very suprised with reassessment results of my claim. I received 100 percent for PTSD. I must admit that I had my personal doubts as to what exactly the WWP were doing, but the way that they presented the arguement left the VA with no choice, but to approave 100 percent. I thank you and the Wounded Warrior Project for helping with this matter. I will anything that I can do to endorse, assist, or support theWWP. Once again, Thank You!!! WWP is a great non profit that I would recommend to every veteran.

As a caregiver to a Wounded Warrior, I never knew all the resources out there for both me and my husband. The WWP HOUSTON helped us grow closer again, yeet reach-out for support from other who understand our situation(s).
We always donated to the WWP, but never realized we, too, would be using their resources.
I am more thankful to WWP Houston than I can ever acknowledge.

The Wounded Warrior Project is a bright light in the dark storm. This organization is filled with the most helpful and knowledgable staff I have come across in my 7 years of caring for my 100% combat disabled husband. They have helped us with benefits obstacles and legal challenges. They have supported my Warrior and my family in some of the most difficult and intimate times. WWP offers so much to Warriors it is amazing, from education to mental health and beyond.
I have had the honor of being most closely involved with the region headquartered in Houston. I can honestly say I love thisWWP team. They closely follow their Warriors and families and leave no stone unturned to provide all the support and assistance in their power. It doesn't even matter if it is on a weekend or after hours. The Houston team is there. They are dynamic and fun in addition to being capable and intelligent.
I would encourage all Wounded Warriors to enroll in this organization. It does not matter if you are in need or doing great. There is something for everyone. Don't miss out on the chance to become part of the greatest WW network in existence.

I was out of the service for a few months, and could not get work.. I had a opportunity for a great job if i had a certain osha training, well rudy pulled it off and i received the training within hours. the job never called me back but rudy and his team had a great weekend work group for veterans and they gave me the confidence and tools i needed to get in front of people and do great at interviews. now i just complete my first week of work at an amazing job and i give many thanks to the houston wwp, and all the wwp staff that came that weekend to help us all out..

thanks again..

While attempting to raise money for the WWP, we submitted the application along with Credit Card information to cover their expense. Was told it had been accepted as a Fund Raiser. Two Days later received a call from out of Jacksonville office stating that because a National Resturant Chaine, Tilted Kilt was involved they withdrew from Tournament after we had made up Posters, Signs and sent out emails. They took awhile before refunding the Deposit. Never will we attempt to raise money for this organization as they selectively pick who they want to assist.

Read their 990 tax form, then tell me what is good about them? They farm out all the help and do not pay for it.

Any one who donates to them is wasting your money.

See facts do not lie, here is the tax return directly from their website.

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/media/477620/wwp-900-fy-2012.pdf

My exposure to WWP started while I was still enlisted as a flight medic. They made available time resources and advice to those coming home in a different position than they deployed. They also focused on the families of those coming home to ensure everyone's needs were met. When I was medically released I became a volunteer for them and when I was reached out to and told I qualified as an alumni a new and amazing world of opportunities and friends became open to me. I am still struggling with illness and transition and they are there for me and my family in a comprehensive way that no other agency has been. If ever an agency has made a personal and life changing difference it is WWP!

after 18 years of service I was medically retired because of injuries received in Afghanistan. not knowing what to do or what I could do after over 2 years of healing I found the WWP and they gave me a direction and support. this is a great origination! the Seattle office is always ready to help and is always adding new things to the list of outings and activities.

Getting back home out of the military after multiple deployments and coming back with some mental problems, Wounded Warrior helped me both administrative, physical and mentally. They are always nice and they have the best intentions. This has to be the best non-profit organization for veterans out there and #1 that i know of.

I was medically retired from the U.S. Navy after a tour in Afghanistan. I found out about WWP through the internet and word of mouth from other veterans. At first I thought it was just a program that held events that veterans could attend and meet other veterans.

I couldnt have been more wrong. Since joining WWP, I have been able to thank my family for their sacrifices by taking them to family events sponsored by WWP. Some of the events I would have never been able to do without their help. These events helped bridge the gap between the father that left and the one that came home.

Then their Project Odyssey, 6 days of camping, hiking, canoeing, and therapy with other veterans helped open my eyes that I am not alone in the war on recovery. It revealed resources, and gave way to future bonds of friendships that I would have never thought possible. I arrived feeling defeated and broken and left feeling like the man I should be.

I look forward to more events and interaction with this organization!

I was recently medically retired from the army after 12 years. I moved to Florida with my wife and kids and was seeking help for the next steps to take. My wife and I decided to visit the wounded warrior office in Tampa and were completely amazed at how quickly we were greeted and helped. They immediately got us in touch with everyone that could walk us through this transition. They have since provided us with a laptop, money for an interview suit, and job leads. Not only that but they are walking me through all the steps with the va and making sure my family and I are taken care of. If it weren't for all the great people at wounded warrior I would be lost and confused as to what I should do next. They have followed up consistently to make sure they are there to help in any way possible. We have been on an all expense paid fishing trip with them and will continue to participate in all of their programs and activities. I can't say enough positive things about everyone we have encountered at the wounded warrior project. We are so grateful this is available.

I have been a service member for over 24yrs and I have never seen a organization so equipt to handle the damage conflict has caused. The programs are amazing, the opportunities to meet other veterans and share in the healing is priceless.

I so whole heartedely support our veterans and Wounded Warriors. They are all wounded in some form. They can never come home the same. My husband was a Viet Nam vet so I have seen the lingering pain first hand. I chose to donate on a monthly basis with the funds taken out of my checking account. Pretty simple huh? I am very seriously considering ceasing this. Why??? I still receive frequent letters begging for more. Money spent, needlessly in my opinion. And now to my biggest gripe about this organization..... I received a "gift" from them. I send my money for our Wounded Warriors and I expect every possible cent to go to them. I do not need or want a "gift". A cheap piece of fabric they call a blanket. Now for my biggest gripe of them all........ my gift was made in...Yes!! you guessed it CHINA!!! Who are we supporting here our American troops or the country of China!! Yes, I am furious about it. I would truly love an answer from someone with some authority in the organization!

At least I feel better getting this off my chest!

Flowergirl58966

Though there are plenty of people who have had positive experiences as wounded vets, of which I am grateful, a recent submission of executive pay (CY 2014) disclosed that top executives are paid hundreds of thousands to millions a year. Perks like private jets are also provided. I do not like the idea that a gross percentage of my money is going to provide a high lifestyle rather than helping vets. Thus, I have ceased my donations and will find a group with a more charitable approach.

Had a very bad experience with Jay Rudolph out of Houston, TX . He was very uninformative on an event and ignored my call and texts. Will never participate in any event with that group.!!!!

Woundd Warrior Project is truly dedicated to assisting all Warriors. They do whatever it takes to make sure our Warriors are "not forgotten". They have assisted me in many ways and there are no words to express my grattude. I am forever grateful to Wounded Warrior Project.

I serviced 13 years with the Marine Corps and have been a member of Wounded Warrior Project for about a year now. I have been to a lot of events hosted by WWP and i have all ways had a great time with the other veterans. I was laid off of a contract drafting job in November of 2013 and was having a problem finding a new job. I talked with Rudy and he gave me a couple of leads to check on. Rudy would call at least once a week with leads and some words of encouragement and that really meant a lot, just knowing that there was some body there to help me and lift me up. I was invited to the Warriors for Work Roundup. Over the 3 days I learn so much about doing job interviews,resumes ans cover letters. I did not know how much I did not know about resumes and interviews. The staff took time with us and answered every question that we had and even gave us one on one time. I want to say thank you to Rudy and Brain and the staff for the event and give an big thank you to the staff member that came in from Florida for event. I learn so much and I took what I learned and was able to apply it and land a great drafting job at N.O.V. I had a great time at the Houston Rodeo and with the other veterans at the event, I cant wait for the next event weather its a football game or baseball game its all was a great time.

Wounded Warrior Project is not only what Veteran run organizations should strive to be like, but the caliber of people that work here area amazing and is what they should strive to have on their team.

I have had the pleasure of working directly with, Joseph Franzese, the Warriors to Work Specialist for the Midwest Region.

He is an enthusiastic and passionate advocate for Military Veteran’s and their well-being and is always striving to assist Veterans in their job search and transition. I have had the pleasure of working alongside Joseph and have seen his invigorating attitude in regards of placing Veterans in meaningful employment. Joseph was an essential part of my military transition as he assisted me to not only gain meaningful employment, but persuaded me to further my education and attend DePaul University. I’m proud to consider Joseph one of my most trustworthy colleagues as well as a friend.

I now work at another nonprofit that is similar to WWP, and I always look forward to working with Joe and assisting him or him assisting me.

Sincerely,
Juan Perez

The WWP is truly there for the Warrior. They helped me find a great job, prepared me for the interview process and helped to make sure that I looked the part. They are an organization built to serve those who have served. I am so blessed to have worked with the Warriors to Work program.

WWP is the best thing ever. It has helped my find employment, connected me with community services, and provided financial, spiritual and emotional support. The WWP tied me in with great organization and got me training in Life skills, they provided me with counseling opportunities and weekly the WWP Talk program operators would call me to see how I was doing.

WWP has a great team of dedicated professionals. As a recently returning Iraqi Freedom Vet, they have been able to assist me in some of my darkest hours. Thanks for all your help WWP staff and volunteers, especially the Warriors to Work team, Alumni Team, Welcome Coordinators, Odyssey Team, PH&W, and CSRP.

Best,

Joe Marine

I have been a member of this GREAT Org. for over 7 years, ( Aaron Miranda ) And the staff In Arizona,
have been a God sent in so many way. There have been times I didn't know where to turn or what to do, Wound warriors was there for to get advise or just someone to talk to. The free gift are great too! LOL

WWP is an amazing organization. As a caregiver to a wounded warrior WWP has helped me redo my resume. I also participated in a caregiver retreat this year and met so many wonderful women in the situation I'm in and learned new ways to deal with stress.

I can not tell you how much Wounded Warrior Project has changed my life. My husband is a wounded vet. WWP not only help's my husband with dealing with the VA when he has needed it, they also refereed us out to another organization when we were having finical issues, made our kids Christmas extra special with a visit from Santa but they also sent me on a Caregiver retreat for 4 days. Those 4 days changed my life. I made friends that I talk to every day and a support system that I couldn't have ever dreamed of having. I'm no longer so alone in this new life of dealing with my wounded warrior everyday. WWP is an amazing organization that is helping and changing lives on a daily bases.

As a marine facing medical retirement I know what it means to have a brotherhood there for you and the wounded warrior alumni is that and more and each fellow member is brought together to help and guide through so much. Wounded warrior helps us to better understand that we are not alone and that we deserve better and that we will always have that brotherhood and sacrifice.

I have been watching the TV adds, It breaks my heart. I'm a 100% service connected DAV, 1st Gulf War. I decided last night to go online today to do a monthly contribution even though I live on a tight income. I have donated to many charities for hungry children, until I read financials and what really went to the children. I came on here to review that first and read ratings. I am so disappointed about the salaries and the only people saying it is ok are probably those that make that or more! These veterans that are 100% disabled are paid by the VA maybe 1% of that 319 thousand (not to mention tax free) that the director makes. They almost gave their lives and then this organization forms so these staff people can make a ton of money it seems to me. Superbowl tickets which were probably donated, fishing trips etc, probably donated as well. Their volunteers care and give their time, energy, and real concern to the Vets they help. No one that actually wants to work for a non-profit should expect to be paid that kind of money plus bonuses, healthcare, etc. You should want to work for the non-profit for a reasonable salary and out of the goodness of their heart because they want to do for the people for whom the organization is set up to help. Help financially the vets with things that MEDICARE AND THE VA will no longer pay for. IE: They non longer pay for DA Vets to have someone to come in an help with housework or cook. Only baths and if they live alone like me, with no help from others, can't do that stuff for themselves and with a limited income can't afford to actually pay an agency to come in and do it for them they have to sit in a dirty house, not have a hot home cooked meal. eat cereal, microwave dinners, lunchmeat, canned tuna and junk food. Healthy foods that you don't have too cook are to expensive. I will not be giving what little I could give monthy to this organization. PS..The paid professional actors on the commercials were not what caused me to want to give it was the disabled vets that made me want to give. I understand them. Save the money and use real people, real volunteers who I'm sure are more than confident enough to either memorize the lines, or read them off a prompter and would not have to ACT like they are concerned about the DA Vets because they would truly be feeling it. It's great what they are doing for the DA Vets that left a review here but they could do so much more with that money and pay the direct even 100K which may be reasonable but based on what he collects not bonuses for what he collects. The rest the staff are way overpaid as well. I bet some of their volunteers only make minimum wage at their jobs outside this organization yet graciously give their time unpaid.

My monthly contribution stops immediately until WWP staffing gets real. If indeed the senior staff gets this type of monetary reward then you all better go back to the drawing board and come up with some realistic salaries. No way should the amount of money being received by the Project be distributed in the manner demonstrated within the IRS 990. Military personnel are entitled to leadership and this is by no means that. Leaders make sacrifices don't you ever forget that. Here again, if 3.5% is the true final contribution to our veterans, then you have some serious problems.

I have had an OUTSTANDING experience with WWP. There were some things that I was going through that I couldn't do alone and WWP stepped in to help me out with everything. I work with Aaron Miranda here in Arizona and he ALWAYS answers my calls, provides resources and support when needed. He has gone above and beyond to help me. I am very pleased with this organization and I would encourage other Veterans to join WWP. They do not just help when you are in a bind, but there are a whole slew of other services they have for Veterans. It's a great organization. Thank you.

As a Nam Vet, I must say that I am appalled at how much money is paid to staff and Managers and I think of how much these dollars could go to benefit more Veterans. This is somewhat sickening to me. I will only give to the Disabled American Veterans Org for they do not pay extravagant amounts to their Staff.

This company has one thing in mind and its not the wounded warriors. They get hefty salaries in all levels, unlimited spending on $10,000 dollars credit cards for all staff members, unlimited under armor clothing for all staff, all medical and dental benefits are paid fully by the company yes the company. Insperity is who they use for the money matters so everyone knows. Staff spends absolutely crazy amounts of money on motels, food, and luxuries for themselves. Oh the key words are "in support of" wounded warriors. These people are all getting rich of the wounded warriors in this country. They are despicable and arrogant and need to be stopped. They hand pick who attends events that they sponsor, hand pick for who they want to work in there companies like Pepsi. Why they keep getting away with this is because they use their legal to threaten all employees, they fire veterans they hire and rehire a person of the street who drinks the kool aid and keeps his mouth shut. They use Jim Collins leadership books to run the company Good to Great.

I CAN believe that so many stupid Americans can be dupped from their money without questioning the top end payroll. Looks like a whopping 3% is their give back.The rest goes to wages, advertizing, travel, and office supplies. Shame Shame Shame.

they have been there for me and my family by helping with Christmas presents for my children helping with bills and home repairs, while on active duty and being a disabled veteran. they sent me and other veterans hunting and fishing to get our minds off our troubles , from combat and home. they are a life saver. I know they got our backs. please support them and keep them going , their has never been any support at home like wounded warrior project for returning combat veterans in the past. their are other groups that are just the same for support too . Just pass it on and keep giving

gee, why can't i open up your 990 form and see how much your president/ceo and officers are making off of our donations?

Wounded Warrior Project helps connect disabled and wounded veterans to help us build a community of support with veterans who understand what we are all going through. WWP encourages us to stay active and work on overcoming anything that would try to hold us back from living a full life post injury.

I am a combat wounded veteran. The WWP has been there for me during the lowest and most stressful times, and has also provided some of the most memorable times. The warriors to work specialist work countless hours to find employment for us veterans and do an amazing job at helping us create, or customize, or resumes. I am also a college student on a Post 9/11 budget. My lap top crashed, which I need for any college course, and the wounded warrior project was able to provide me a lap top to be successful in courses. Knowing that I always have a support system of open ears to listening, other veterans to share similar experiences with, and the feeling that I am never alone dealing with the stressors of PTSD are all great reasons to be a proud WWP alumni member.

I am a disabled veteran, seeking unemployment - the Wounded Warrior Project has helped me get clothes for an interview, redesigned my resume and send out a weekly listing of employment opportunities that may end up in full-time employment. This group of people are absolutely AMAZING! They go the extra mile ALWAYS! Lines of communications are always clear - they help in so many ways! We look forward to connecting with other veterans and veteran families. Our family no longer feels alone after leaving service. WWP is an extended family that helps begin the post-military healing. 20 Stars!

I am a disabled Veteran and a consumer of the programs that Wounded Warrior Project provides. They have never let me know down and always seem to keep me engaged in the positive so that I don't think too much on the negative. My goodness, there are so many things I can say about WWP but I could go on all day. Lets just say that I learned to live a better life thanks to WWP and their amazing staff. I honestly do not know where I would be right now had WWP not stepped into my life when it did. Unlike the VA, Wounded Warrior Project has been there for me unconditionally. Its an amazing organization and I would stand by them through thick and thin. I'm a proud Alumni, Supporter and Advocate for WWP. From their Project Odyssey, Care Giver Program, Running Programs (WHICH I LOVE SOOO MUCH. THISA HAS HELPED SHAPED ME INTO THE PERSON I HAVE BECOME), Benefits Program, and their constant outreach to us. I cant say enough!

I am a disabled vet with three children and was having trouble finding adequate work to support them. The Wounded Warrior Project helped me get employment through their career services. My career adviser changed, not only my life, but the lives of my kids! I'm grateful to have had their support. I do not know how to thank them enough for the positive changes they helped me make!

I was afforded the opportunity to attend the Super bowl with a fellow Warrior and mentee. This was very special for he, and I since our time spent together is limited due to the distance that are between us.

Not only did we get a chance to converse on all levels, but we experienced five star accommodations. The hotel, food, and other amenities was absolutely amazing. I had time to bond with my mentee who has become a friend. We were blessed by having a chance to share our life experience, ideas, and stories abound. These were days, I know made a difference in someone's life, and they in mine.

Being able to get away and experience something of this magnitude is definitely a game changer. Especially, when I know it was something almost impossible for me to do without the generous donation you made. Your contribution is making a difference one life at a time. I am grateful and thankful to have been chosen to receive such an honor.

Thank you and God Bless!

The wounded Warrior Project has been of great support for myself and my family. we have received assistance to help with our needs and support from others going through situations like we are. I am also proud to be a peer mentor and able to assist others who need assistance. It helps them to know they are not alone and also helps me with my issues.

Thanks you for everything that you do for us.

My first interaction with Wounded Warrior Project was a dinner seminar in January 2014. Prior to this seminar I had seen the WWP logo on clothing; however I never knew the mission of the WWP. Troy Brin provided the seminar and information. After hearing his speech and seeing what the WWP does for our veterans I immediately knew it was my job to assist by spreading the word.

At this very seminar a veteran (who is wheel chair bound) began speaking to me. During the conversation I discovered this veteran could not get in and out of his house as he did not have ramps for easy access. Troy overheard this conversation and within a matter of 2 minutes had a man on the phone who committed his time and resources through the WWP to install ramps for this veteran. Within two weeks this veteran is entering and exiting his residence with ease.

Since that moment forward I feel it is my duty to help give back to my fellow veterans and wounded warriors by spreading the word of WWP in a positive manner. Thank you WWP and thank you Troy Brin.

I'm a combat vet and WWP has by far been the most helpful in getting me back to a normal life. From helping me get a job to getting me help with when times got tough. Through thick and thin they have been there to get me back on my feet. I have not seen any other charity do what they do without any hesitation.

I am a combat veteran of the Iraq war. WWP has helped me out by providing programs to assist in making an easier transition from military to civilian life. Not only do they just help the wounded service members, but they also assist there family as well. Caregivers and family are not forgotten by this organization.

I have received assistance since getting out of the Marine in 2007, and being part of such a life changing organization, I have taken an interest to start giving back to veterans in my community as well.

WWP is an awesome organization. I know so many warriors who have grown from their experiences with WWP, me too.

$148 million contributions, $36 million fund raising, fiscal Year Ending Sep 2012........those prime time TV ads with Professional Actors, are just too slick, don't you think?
Senior Vice President, WWP, sits on the Charity Navigator Board. WWP ignores requests to verify whether their TV ads use professional actors........'nuff said?
US Army Veteran

I am amazed at the number of people who have not been served by the WWP writing these assessments. I am a combat veteran with 27 yrs of service to our nation. I have received training, counseling, empowerment and education support from the WWP. They have provided my wife support in dealing with being a care giver of a wounded veteran. I have seen thousands of people served by this charity.

I have witnessed it save lives of our wound and injured warriors. I see alot people's sour grapes but question the validity of the complaints. I was able to ride a bike, I was told I would never do again, I visited places around the country I had not seen and found a new purpose in my life...after the military...Thanks to the Wounded Warrior Project! Judge not unless you have walked hobbled or crawled in the shoes of the people you are actually hurting! 58% toward support of warriors is the classification if you do not count items and gifts call acts of good faith which would actually included be 70% goes to the Warriors.

Please read:http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/wounded-warrior-project-spends-58-of-donations-on-veterans-programs/2132493

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/media/477620/wwp-900-fy-2012.pdf This Wounded Warrior Project return should make everyone sick to your stomachs.

i note every vet group limits what they do and who for. I was an officer at a big older org and found they have great ratings and MANY OTHERS TOO, DO NOT SHOW SALARIES OF MOST OR MANY ACTIVITIES, INCOMES and EXPENSES. Separate accounting for various divisions can make agencies look very different than they actually are. Most big charities pay big $$ to top execs. Be nice to have more willing to do it for less but reality is that is not the case anywhere. Reasonable salary vs program figures are the best we can hope for. Asking for more inclusion and more useful programming is always a good idea.

I'm a Vietnam Vet who loves to volunteer and be a donor to the Wounded Warrior Project. They can and do help a lot of wounded warriors over come there hurts that are of body and mind. You have to realize that they can not help pay for peoples homes, cars, education to get a job, and legal assistance. No organization could get enough money to do that. Wounded Warriors do a "GREAT" job helping veterans and we should also do our part and help in anyway we can.

I was so disappointed to read this. I have been donating, monthly, to what I thought was a good orginization, helping veterans. I'm 86 yrs. old, on a limited income so it was a bit of a sacrifice for me. Can't something be done to correct the handling of the money? I hesitate to donate anymore.

As a Disabled Vietnam Vet. it is important to me that every veteran be treated with respect and dignity. Nothing upsets me more than to think I have VOLUNTEERED my time and energy just to fund someones pay check. If that's the case then I want a percentage of what I have raised and I will personally give it to veterans that I know need it. Either you are going to volunteer your time or your not, there is no in between and it sounds to me like someone is taking advantage of people who have already sacrificed everything so that these people could collect a pay check. That makes me mad.

After he came home from Iraq, our son started to have these rage episodes about every three months. A year ago - December 2012, he attempted suicide. He said he was unable to live with the memories of the things he saw and/or experienced in Iraq. Through a friend, we were provided with the name of the alumni care coordinator for the Wounded Warrior Project. Within 5 minutes, that gentleman had provided us with all of our next steps, getting our boy to the VA, outlining everything we needed to say and do to ensure that our son got the help he needed.
Since then, our boy, his wife, his father and I have been provided with opportunities to retreats or activities that have provided all of us with education to help us all understand PTSD and caregivers' fatigue.
Thanks to the WWP, the cycle was broken.

This non-profit is a business that thrives on money coming like most businesses. The more that a directors gets for salary the least that will target the recipients. The Salvation Army pays its director about 35,000 dollars and it does great work in helping many people in need. The director job is no different than the one for WWP. If more efforts were placed on veterans and less on celebrities there would be less criticism on the program. As a wounded veterans with two Purple Hearts for engagement with the enemy who served in Vietnam I am not considered a wounded warriors. Before they were them, I was me. Shame on them for trying to steal the honor of others veterans wounded in action. If they are going to call themselves the WWP they should served all who fell in the battlefield.

in 2010, according to their SF990, their top 5 people made about $1.5 million? I also question how much they pay all the Hollywood stars to do all their ads. This used to be a wonderful program, there are better out there, sadly these folks have lost their way.

As role it should have a selection that says "Client NOT Served." I contacted this organization for legal, financial, and educational assistance and received an invite for a fishing trip. As a disabled vet, I don't need a hunting, fishing or boating adventure. I needed assistance so that my home wasn't foreclosed on, my cars weren't repossessed, and an education to get a job, and legal assistance so that my rights would not have been taken away because of a mistake that never would have occurred had it not been for my disability. This program is a SELF LICKING ICECREAM CONE, no satisfaction.

We have donated to WWP in the past. On the Charity Navigator site it shows the breakdown of what the WWP donated funds have been used for. 30 cents from each dollar go to the veterans we all have thought we were helping. This and the sad reviews from needy vets on this forum should be made known to everyone that shares our thanks and sadness for their sacrifices.........God bless every one of them.

I'm always amazed that people think non profits should pay their people nothing. That's why many non profits have under educated people running them. One poster said that the advertising budget was way too high. Are you kidding? Do you know what people have to pay to get their ads in the media. It is rape to be sure but it's rape by the media. I like the WWP because they do what they can with what they have. One poster said he had an amputation and all sorts of problems but his complaint was that they didn't use him enough in their ads. Many of the complainers are 100% disabled from service related issues. My father was 100% disabled from service related wounds in Vietnam. My sister is 100% disabled from service during this war. My two brothers are still active, both officers, and with over 30 years each, they have a few issues and have been deployed more than their share. (The majority of service personnel never actually see combat) but my brothers certainly have and still are. My dad was retired, disabled and a little bit more than a little beat up but he still found something to do to pay the extra bills beyond his disability, retirement and what ever else the USAF gave him. My sister is exactly the same way. Retired after 20 she has quite a few physical problems, and is considered 100% disabled but she doesn't complain she just soldiers on. My brothers have both seen more than their share of goatscrews mostly due to things that a person sees that he can't unsee. But also due to the inability of the American Military to train it's officers properly and stop being the welfare system that attracts every guy who thinks this is a free ride. Some of you guys need to stop whining and embrace the suck. No one put a gun to who ever started the WWP's head and said, " hey create a non profit to help out where the US Govt. is failing our brothers, or we'll blow your head off!"

This guy started this because he thought he could help. Because if he had any smarts at all he would start a for-profit organization and retire to Tahiti or someplace. The American population has this so backward that I can't believe it. Non-profits are penalized for using their money to try to make money! Because if they did use their money to attract the brightest talent and make TV ads that played during primetime instead of 3am on a cable network, they would be solving all the problems they set out to solve because the money would flow in. But Nope Instead, they spend too much time answering the backlash of criticism from whiny people who demand that some one other than themselves be responsible for their lives. Which is asinine because you knew when you enlisted that you weren't working at McDonalds.

Listen if Haji kicked your butt in the sand pit, and you didn't come home in a box then put your boots back on the ground and help yourself and these non profits out. If you didn't get out of them what you had hoped to get out of them then find out where they are failing and see if you can help in some way.

The WWP has become very much like the Pink Ribbon Campaign, very little money actually makes it to the very people they claim to be helping. It has become a corporation operating as a 501c3. I personally know far too many veterans that simply need cold hard cash, whether it is to make the rent, get their car repaired, or get caught up on their utilities. The stress of not being able to meet their basic needs adds to their PTSD and physical disabilities more of a struggle. Many are stuck while waiting for the ratings to go through, meanwhile they go further and further into debt. It is a downward spiral that is difficult to get out of.

Very few organizations out there help w/the veterans financial needs, that is where I want to see my donation go, not for clothing to advertize, rubber arm bands that no one wears, magnets, watching the big wigs schmooze wining and dining while using our veterans as a prop. Nothing makes me angrier than to see our guys being patronized for the sake of a dollar. It wasn't until I got into the non-profit world did I see how much money is wasted by so many charities. I do not begrudge anyone a salary, but $300 grand is excessive. I simply do not like this organization or the people that I have encountered that work with it.

As I read the reviews of WWP I am stunned that people think that Mr. Nardizzi's salary is high. If you drill down in the most recent IRS 990, you will see that his actual compensation is about $160K. He gets further incentives to raise funds bringing his total to $319K. That is CHEAP people. Compare salary levels with other non-profits and you will be amazed. Furthermore, what do you think lead staff of an organization should be paid to run a national organization?

While I question other aspects of the WWP financial statement, the compensation issue is not as important as direct application of the funds. WWP should be granting all funds collected each year after expenses. Why do we limit non-profits but think it is perfectly OK for corporations to bestow high wages on staff? You get what you pay for....let's look at total numbers of Warriors and families served for the money raised!

I am a badly disabled veteran of 13 years. I just got out. Initially they show up & look at you. They have agreed to be my VSO but have proved to do absolutely nothing. MOre harm by doing nothing than good & they have wasted a year of my time. When you call they make all these promises of help over the phone. Not one, not ONE has come to fruition. No PTSD counseling, no Dr help, totally incapable of handling my case logistically or otherwise. They collect money & waist hopeful veterans who are on the verge of suicide. I am sure veterans on the edge have gone over due to the lack of follow through of this incompetent or corrupt program. I haven't figured out which it is yet. In the midst of failing to help me, they have the audacity to invite me to charities & then sometimes redact it, probably because I am not disfigured enough to parade around.

You have to wonder why there are SO MANY UNFAVORABLE reviews.

Please note that all positive comments in regard to this charity are done by WWP operatives. Please check Fisher House and other veteran nonprofits before you plan to help Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. WWP simply spends too much on their corporate officers, and corporate offices. Check out their mid-town Manhattan office, and you'll see what I mean. There isn't much left for the vets when they are done writing checks to themselves, and rent for their corporate offices. Churches take note: WWP refuses to take donations from religious organizations.

I've donated to Woudned Warrior many times in the past and it does a lot if good work. However, my mail box overflows with solicitatons and after some research (Charity Navigator for one and the State consumer affairs agencies) its clear to me that the could do so much more if the were more eficient. I know you have to spend money (avertising) to raise money (incresae fundraising revenues), but with just 61% of its resources spent on programs its not lean enough to continue earning my limited dollars.

I reviewed the financial information. It shows that almost 83% of funds go to programs that support veterans, their families and caregivers.

I wish I could say that I was a Client Served. How ever I guess that I not Disabled enough because I am a Service Connected 100% Disabled Navy Veteran. I signed up on the web site and to get Connected with the Wounded Warrior Project Organization. I asked for Help and Got No Response! Just an E-mail that said there are no contact person in Central Virginia, Go Figure! I find the organization to be a FRONT for the Board Members to use it for a tax shelter and a way for them to get PAID!!!! Please ask yourself how can they collect 83 Million and only help Veterans with 450,000 Dollars in 2011. Just look at thier IRS submitted paper work I did!

I work in the nonprofit field. I gave up a lucrative investment banking job to help nonprofits run more efficiently so that more staff time and more donor money goes towards the mission.

A CEO of a $70mm organization would be paid in the millions. Why should a CEO who grows awareness and total revenue by almost 3 times in the past few years not be compensated? Why should someone capable of making 10 times more be criticized for making $300k? They are basically donating millions of dollars in opportunity cost by choosing to work for this organization.

Frankly all the operational staff of this and other nonprofits forgo top pay and work long hours to support the missions and constituents for which their organizations exists to serve. Without them there would be no programs. Think also the all the WWP marketing goes well beyond WWP and raises awareness of what our Vets have given to this country and that we as citizens have a duty to take care of them when they come home.

I'm a Wounded Warrior and spent years stationed at a military hospital. Dealing with amputation, limb salvage, and burns. Retired with 100% combat related disability. What I saw with this program was that if you had an extremely bad and very visible injury they wanted you on every trip and in every picture. Maybe these few do benefit but at the cost of selling themselves to the program's cameraman. The majority of us never get invited to do anything with WWP except fundraisers so they can stuff their pockets. There are a lot of other programs out there that don't exploit Wounded and don't draw 100k+ paychecks. Donate to them, not WWP. Do your research! Just because its popular doesn't mean its good.

Get out and see what this organization is doing. Then you may have a better understanding on what advertising and compensating talented people can achieve. The old saying of "you get what you pay for" is evident even with charities. I personally have no problem with the CEO being paid for outstanding work. Advertising is exactly how they bring in this amount of donations to fund their programs. The other Vet organizations are great and I commend them for what they are doing, but they are not reaching today's Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with the same impact as they may have once done for previous generations. They are doing their best and certainly provide help, but WWP understands how to connect with today's wounded, determine their needs, and empower them to get the help using more modern methods.

This charity has tremendously helped a few wounded veterans that I served with and I have seen the impact they've had with many more. I can completely understand why most posters here would draw their conclusion from just looking at the financials, but I encourage you to look at the bigger picture. Connect with a Wounded Warrior that has been helped by this organization and it may help you understand.

I couldn't be happier to be a donor and support these guys for the great work they do!

Though I also cringe somewhat at the CEO's $316K+ salary, it is unfair to conclude that 45% of the donations are going to stuffing the pockets of the administration personnel. WWP is one of the most advertised programs out there, and I would surmise that this advertising eats the vast majority of those admin funds. This is a corporate decision all businesses deal with. Do you "waste" a bunch of money advertising and, as a result, raise more money? Or, do you not advertise and make do with the less money, which will surly be the outcome. I will continue to give WWP the benefit of the doubt.

The ones that DO NOT receive any compensation are; The American Legion, Disabled Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Hearts, and the Vietnam Veterans Association. And these are just a few, there are many others, some local and some not as well known.

Those that DO receive compensation are, in my view, just want to ride the coat tells of the Veteran.

Bad PR for all worthy Non-Profits! I agree with the other comments on this organization. How can a company proclaim to be doing good for veterans when 45% of all donor dollars go into executive and administration pockets?

Its far better to give locally to a vets type orgainization where people are volunteering and a greater % of money goes to vets. Who cares if there are no local vets getting the money at least if it goes to any vet who deserves it that is better than seeing some national non-profit siphon off 45% for personal gain.

We don't need more laws to get rid of this stuff. We need people to use social media and other methods of PR to get the word out and make this go viral.

Look for a website and FB page to be the watchdog for donors of all Nonprofit groups. Its time the good ones are separated from the rip-off artists. For example, there are only 95 reviews, people who cared enough to write about this travesty. There ought to be thousands talking about this!

I have been a donor going on two years and would like to think my $ is helping our vets. but its disturbing to see the excessive salary the director is making. makes me question what Mr.Steven Nardizzi is really in this for? I am considering cancelling my donation and just giving the cash to a vet in person.

how can a charity that only spends 55 per cent on client get three stars??!!

Wounded Warrior Project pays other organizations 100,000 to NOT use the "wounded warrior" wording. What a waste of money! Instead of paying off other people- maybe they should actually help people. WWP pays their employees a lot of money to collect donations! The CEO makes over 320,000 a year! Please spread the word! Help those who really need to be helped! WWP should be ashamed of themselves!

If all the reports of excessive administration cost and minimum gong to VETs is like some other so called non profit charities I have reviewed, maybe it is about time there were some congressional action on these rip-offs that might generate a law that restricts the percentage of gross funds for administrative cost for SO CALLED NON PROFIT Charities.

The greatest casualty is how you are ripping off the warriors with 44.8% in expenses and only 55% being used to help warriors.

Shame on you!

WE ARE ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED WITH THE WAY THIS CHARITY IS BEING RUN. And to think all of our adult kids donated to this cause in our honor at Christmas because we asked that they do this instead of buying gifts for us. We are a Christian family and just feel used by the people who are heading this charity. Shame, shame, shame on you. After all our good soldiers have done in keeping us safe and this is how they're repaid......by the people in charge making hundreds of thousands of dollars that are donated by good-meaning people trying to give something back to our soldiers. We and our adult children will NEVER give another cent to this organization ever again. We have been checking into other charities that help our soldiers and one of them that looks like it is on the up and up is OPERATION HOMEFRONT!

This is not a "Great nonprofit". Please read their Form 990.
Their CEO makes $340K per year. They ahve ten "executives" that make nearly $200K per year.

How these people can take that much right out of the mouths of wounded
vets and their families is beyond me.

They also spend 40% (about $30M) on marketing/fund rasiing.

Please find another way to help vets.

I have been troubled for sometime about the number of solicitations and unwanted merchandise sent to me by WWP, believing that their resources could be better directed towards service provision. (Reviewing the actual percentage of funds spent on administrative & fundraising costs reinforced those concerns.) The recent response by WWP re: the topic of church-related fundraisers, however, has pushed me over the line & caused me to decide to direct my donations to another organization, i.e. one which will also be a better steward of those gifts and the intent behind them. (Personally, I've chosen the "Navy Seals" organization, which does a much better job of managing administrative overhead & designates a much higher percentage of funds towards "service." Check them out--they're highly rated!) Sorry, WWP--you've lost this donor.

Our Ks. post donated $1200.00 recently to the wwp had we known that they can not except donations under the causes that our vets and men an women are fighting for we sure would have done something else with our money. please DO NOT call your self a vet or pretend to be for there welfare. you have under mined the cause and wasted there financial help. BY THE WAY OUR MONEY WAS BLESSED JUST BEFORE WE SENT IT TO YOU.

BAMBAM42

I too was ready to donate to Wound Warrior because of my respect and gratitude for those who serve in our military and especially those wounded in the line of duty. I had already entered my Visa number and then thought I should research a bit. Glad I did. Anti-religion? Anti gun? 48% admin costs? Come on man! Great cause... poor leadership. This charitable christian will look for other ways to get my contributions to those that need it.

My husband and I have donated religiously for the last 2 years. We have always been bothered by the amount of solicitations/give-aways we receive. They did send us a very nice car magnet with their logo which we proudly displayed on our SUV. Perhaps they should reconsider sending these to donors . When we drive in and out of our church parking lot, WWP may be associated with a religious organization! We will reconsider our donation not only because of their policy but because so little of their funds go directly to wounded warriors. We are thankful this has all been brought to the public's attention.
.

Dear Donors to WWP:

I think it is my duty to bring to your attention that WWP REFUSES donations from any religious-affiliated organization/corporation/business (visit link to news story: http://www.gopusa.com/freshink/2013/02/02/wounded-warrior-project-rejects-funds-from-local-church/?subscriber=1 ) . Should you be a donor, and a person of faith, you should know this information. Our Founders created our once great nation on the Judeo-Christian principles, this is evident in many buildings and references in DC. However, this administration is striving to remove our religious foundation from our nation. Obviously, WWP has fallen victim to the pressures of this administration. I will spread this information to all my contacts within the TEA Party movement and will be moving my support for our wounded soldiers to the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Kindest regards,

Concerned Citizen

My labor union supported this charity last year. Good idea, good cause, very poor execution. 48% spent on admin costs? Come on man.
At least they are smart enough not to allow political or religious affiliations. You do realize that they are dependent on ALL Americans to fund them, right? As cheap as the average Christian is towards tips or any other cause outside of throwing away 10% of their income to pay to go to Church every week, who cares if you bible toters are offended.? Not me.
Anyone who doesn't understand why a public charity would not get involved in the rampant religious and political extremism in America is just not thinking beyond their holy noses. Only Christian vets deserve help?

I, like others in this thread, am appalled at the actions of the WWP. I had been giving monthly as an automatic draft; I will be stopping this. If it is also true that WWP only gives each wounded warrior a max of $150 in assistance, then I am glad this came out. There are other veteran's organizations, and a VA hospital right here in my hometown who would gladly accept my donations directly. Very very sad. R Bert

Was just about to send them money when I read that they won't accept donations from churches. Huh? Got me looking more closely, where i discovered that LESS THAN HALF of what they raised in 2011 went to programs --- the rest was for administration and marketing (see http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.reviews&orgid=12842). They pay themselves well, and I wouldn't be surprised to learn they own the marketing firms they use as well. I'm glad I investigated; my money will go to an ETHICAL veterans charity.

After reading about WWP's refusal to accept funds from religious organizations and gun rights (Second Amendment) groups, I have decided that I will no longer support WWP and sent an e-mail as such:

I made contributions totally $1,000 USD last year and just discovered from a media story that your organization has rejected funds from a church. Unbelievable! Though I'm from a family of several veterans, I must protest and will withhold any further contributions.

Furthermore, I intend to encourage my friends, family and subscribers to look for alternative organizations to which they can give any charitable contributions. It is my sincere desire that you reconsider your policy of rejecting funds from (apolitical) religious organizations.

Regards,

Anthony Moreno

I am disappointed with several aspects of this nonprofit. The first being the high administration costs. The remaining concerns are what appears to be a bias against Christian Churches and their anti gun stance.
The admin costs alone should steer you away. I chose Special Operations Warrior Foundation to donate to as I had before.
It is sad to see an organization that should be focused on our Veterans play the political correctness game, and self enrichment.

I believed in WWP, until they showed blatant discrimination in not just one area that members of the military enjoy and want, but two.

Both areas are EXACTLY what the military defends freedom of and stand for, 2nd Amendment rights and religion.

WWP refuses donations from 2nd Amendment businesses. WWP boycotts 2nd Amendment events, radio and TV shows. WWP refuses sponsorship from 2nd Amendment businesses. These actions are in direct contradiction to what the military and those who join the military stand and fight for.

When was the last time WWP knew of any member of the military to not be proficient with a firearm?

Next up came religion. Refusing donations from religious organizations. Boycotting religious events and sponsorship.

I am confused. WWP stated that the reason for not accepting 2nd Amendment is due to Veteran suicide. Boycotting religion is for what reason? By removing God and religion you are saying sorry, no gun, no hope get a razor. Bravo!

The bloated salaries and lack of actual help to verified Veterans is staggering and just another way to take advantage of the American public who really do support Veterans and our military.

Hang you head in shame, YOU have been exposed.

I just sent this email to Wounded Warriors Project:

Greetings,

My wife and I are frequent contributors to your organization.

I simple want to know is this article is true and you refused donations from this church:

http://www.gopusa.com/freshink/2013/02/02/wounded-warrior-project-rejects-funds-from-local-church/?subscriber=1

I expect a very prompt response.

My wife and I were just talking about providing a monthly donation to this cause to show our gratitude to all those who have served and have been injured. After finding out today that they do not want to accept donations from Christian Churches or Firearm industry we will be look for an alternative charity. I am not sure how they received 3 out 4 stars looking at the financials. Sad to see such a great cause be destryed by greed and ideology.

Over the years my wife and I have donated over $11,000 to WWP. As a Vietnam Veteran, I appreciated its goals and help to our wounded warriors. Now that I discover it refuses donations from Christian groups and businesses involved with guns, it is no longer on my charity list. The military has Chaplains, why can't the WWP allow Church groups to donate? Time to clean house at the top of this group. Would not hurt to fire the whole bunch. Looks like it is turning into a charity to benefit a special few instead of the many it was established to honor and assist. I still honor the Wounded Warriors but can no longer support the folks in charge.

Will their future TV ads say "Donations not accepted from American Christians."?

Since WWP Cannot accept money from a church you cannot accept money from me. I guess Christians do not get wounded. I have been saving to make another donation to WWP. Please remove me from your mailing list. I do not want to hear from WWP or receive mail from WWP.

I was a doner for many years but learning they refuse donations from faith based organizations and Gun Rights groups they will no longer receive my money

If this organization turns down money from faith-based sources, they are really misguided. I am convinced that we as a loving and giving American society are able to contact individual veterans to make the best use of our donated money. There is really no reason for an organization such as this to exist. Every citizen of this great country of ours has the ability to contact the nearest military base or contact someone in the military to find out the needs that are not being met. When the administrators of an organization are taking too much money off the top it is time to shut them down and handle it on the local level.

I WAS a donor in the past. I will not be in the future. Not after finding out today that they refuse to accept donations from religious organizations or churches. Shame on them for turning a charity, that should be more concerned about helping our soldiers, into a PC only group that prefers to follow in the divisive footsteps of our current government. Although I should thank them for having done so, because I have now found out about other organizations that would appear, given the information on this site, to be much better run, with more of the proceeds actually reaching the people that need it. So that is where my money will go in the future.

This charity should be boycotted until they begin taking donations from ALL people and/or groups. Whether they have a religious affiliation or not. It is pathetic to turn down donations from Liberty Baptist Church and Academy. WWP needs to change their discriminative and ridiculous policy of not accepting donations from religious organizations. I will no longer support them. I will support veterans in other ways.

I have been reviewing several miiltary charities to decide where best to make an impact with my donation. I honestly believe WWP should be investigated for possible fraud. What exactly do they offer for our wounded veterans?? There doesn't seem to be a clear mission or program other than a vague reference to helping wounded warriors. It is disgraceful that an organization this large is unable to make a larger impact on the lives of wounded warriors.

Sadly, I agree with other reviewers that WWP appears to be exploiting our wounded heroes by parading them out to garner pity donations. PLEASE can someone look into this organization? Our veterans deserve better than this!

I was floored to see that only 43% of all donations are actually spent on Veteran Programs according to Charity Watch Org. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Arizona used to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project but not anymore. We recently turned of $4,000 to the WWP and ask if the funds could be earmarked for local projects and they said "no". That all donations must go the the national pot and disturb accordly. Don't get me wrong, when they do support wounded warriors but they also support them selves.

Of the $74.1 million in revenue Wounded Warrior Project generated last year (most of it from donations), $13.8 million was spent on fundraising, according to IRS documents.

Other expenses are listed on its audited financial statements:

$11.5 million in salaries

$8.9 million in consulting and outside services

$5.5 million for meetings and events

$3.1 million for travel

We will not donate to them anymore. We would like for all of our donations to be spent on actually projects, not salaries and advertisements.

I've volunteered with Wounded Warrior Project long enough to witness its growth from a nonprofit that cared only about serving warriors to one with a split personality/split focus.

On one side, you have the overpaid leadership which cares about nothing more than making Wounded Warrior Project more and more dominant (while increasing their individual power and influence in the process). On the other side, you have the hard-working, underpaid staff who care primarily about serving warriors and live in a constant state of fear for their jobs.

If you really want to help out wounded veterans and their families, find a smaller cause that actually pays attention to the effectiveness of its program or programs, rather than counting the money it raises and trying to figure out how to maintain its ratios, which are questionable as well.

As both a recipient of their help and an employee I have seen first-hand the good and bad of this organization. As a recipient I can tell you they do have some great programs however, I have to say, what I truly have seen as an employee of this organization has been very disappointing. I have witnessed first-hand how some of the donor dollars are being spent to pay for alcohol and bar tabs from each level within the organization - from a board member, a director, a manager, and specialists. To hear them state they justified it by stating they were either labeling it under "team building" or "client relations" is a preposterous. They are quick to take your donations but do you realize they receive so much that now they are providing grants to other organizations instead of boosting their own programs. By the way, organizations wanting to apply for these grants must also sign documentation stating how they will not use the term, or similar, wounded within any of their documentation to provide assistance to that population since WWP wants to make certain to control that term and keep other organizations with similar missions from receiving donations which WWP feels was intended for them. I wanted to provide you all with this factual bit of information from someone with first-hand knowledge of the inner workings of this organization. Every chance I get I expose their true colors to potential donors.

As a double above knee amputee and veteran of the war on Terror i participated in a couple programs offered by WWP as they have a constant presence at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in washington DC. That said the so called programs they offer are nothing more than opportunities to raise money by proping the more severly injured in front of cameras. they treated both myself and a friend of mine who also was a double above knee amputee and a Navy Seal as an after thought leaving me without my wheelchair sitting on blacktop when it was almost 100 degrees and my friend without prosthesis while everyone else stood up and walked over to a tent for lunch to raise money. we had to scoot on our butts to the shade while my brother ran around trying to find us food and water, Since this was a Soldier Ride and we were cycling almost 35 miles that day. I have many other senarios that occured that would make you sick. This organization does indeed raise awarness, however it doesnt know the first thing about how to accommodate a severly wounded person with a physical disability. I urge anyone reading this to not to donate money to these people as the money spent on "programs" are really just fronts for fundraising.

I sent in a $50 donation in memory of someone per the family's request. Had I known that I would continue to get almost weekly mailed requests for donations that pretty much negate my donation I would never have done it. The amount they spend on fundraising must be huge. I tried to get myself unsubscribed through email to no avail. It was hard to find a phone number. This site gives a number for their Jacksonville office, and I just called and the woman in theory took my name out of the system. We'll see. At this point, I just cringe when I see one of their letters in my mailbox.

Have you noticed that TV ads for this charity never provide any specifics on what the WWP actually does for wounded veterans. General comments are used, such as, "helping wounded warriors help each other," What does that mean? No specific tasks or acts are identified. The amount that actually goes to wounded warriors pales in comparison the the total money raised. There are a number of far better charities for helping wounded warriors. Check CharityNavigator.org before you donatd. Unfortunately many "veterans charities" do not rate very high on CN's scale.

Before I give to charities, I research for info about the financial costs of the organization. I had seen the ad on TV and thought it was a great idea to send monthly payments. After research, no way. the people who deserve the proceeds will not get it.

Before I donate any money to a charity I thoroughly investigate how much money actually goes to that cause. From this websites details WWP collected $74+ million and "claimed" $58 million in program expenses. This is a disgrace,, that only $20 million went to the veterans. The executives each made more than $200,000. Congress should make it a law that no more than 10% of the revenues can go to salaries. People are getting rich working for charities and that is just plain wrong.

Last Night my wife watched a WWP commercial and asked me to look up on Charity Navigator and see how much of our regular monthly donation gets to the troops. I was appalled at the amount of money that is taken out for fund raising and salaries. I am a president of a charity and I demand we keep our administrative expenses down to 12%. I grant you this charity takes in a lot more than most but the numbers don't lie, we can do better than %55 for the troops.

I had supported this organization for 3-4 years and recently found out that their executive director and others taken an anti-gun and ant-knife stance (anti-2nd Amendment) which I find extremely hypocritical due to the fact they will accept funds and events from companies and individuals who do stand behind the 2nd Amendment. After some additional resource, I also found out that they are NOT good stewards of the funds donated. Don't take my word, do your own due diligence! I am a veteran and I NO longer support this group due mainly to their hidden agenda (now revealed) and their willingness to undermine our heros sacrifices for their own benefit! God Bless veterans, we can do better for you!
Sub Sailor

I recently learned that WWP has chosen to distance itself from "2nd Amendment and gun related activities and organizations." As a staunch supporter of our 2nd Amendment, it is this kind of cowardice that diminishes our sacred freedoms and casts a shadow on all law abiding gun owners. I was a monthly donor, but not any more.

I am currently a monthly donor to WWP. I have been looking into WWP, both on line and by telephone calls to Jacksonville, to determine how my/our contributions are being used. I am not pleased with what I have found. I have several problems with WWP; I believe the Executive Director being paid $320,000/year is highly excessive and makes me wonder about his motivation--is it the desire to serve or the desire for a very generous salary and, I'm sure, other perks; I do not believe slightly over 50% of revenues applied to program activities is reasonable nor effective; And, expending approximately 15% of revenues to fundraising against 51% toward program services makes me believe WWP is more interested in raising money than in providing services. I will be cancelling my monthly contribution and I urge others to reconsider whether this organization is truly committed to our wounded warriors.

I support the cause of this organization but question how much they really do for the individual soldier. I do not like all the mailing and "stuff" that is sent. I would prefer the money spent on that "stuff" be channeled to the men and women who really need it.

I have a nephew was severly injured (lost both legs) in Afghanistan. He received some clothes from WWP and went on a soldier ride in New York. During the trip he and the other soldiers were threatened that if they did not participate in all activities their command would be notified - my nephew was still having medical issues. They put them up in non handicapped rooms -which was challenging. My nephew was very disappoint and will not take any more trips with WWP. My view was they exploited these guys to raise money. They are excellent as raising money. There are much better charities such as Yellow Ribbon and USO.

If you donate to them once, they will hammer you with letters, cards, and phone calls to give more. My $20 was meaningless. They have to have spent that much several times over in an attempt to get more money.

Saw this charity on Bill O'Reilly but decided to check it out first. I won't give to a Charity that puts so little into the programs. If you want a good Charity for Veterans and Wounded Vets go to "Fisher House Foundation. 98% of the money goes to programs. I have been giving to them for over a year and I don't receive a bunch of mail asking for more money. This is an excellent Charity for our Wounded Servicement.

My son is an injured service member and the WWP has been extremely helpful during his stay in Bethesda, MD. The staff is very dedicated to helping all the service members during their stay at Walter Reed.

$.45 of every $1.00 raised goes to Administrative and Fundraising expenses. That's way too high for me. I'll find another charity that is more efficient to donate to next time.

This is one of those so-called "charities" that exists to enrich themselves. Note the excessive salary of the boss! They prey on the emotions of people watching on TV and then steal the donations. If you want to support a good charity for our warriors, look at Hope for the Warriors.

It disgusts me when non-profit groups take advantage of disabled wounded vets. The majority of this money goes to paying their employees. if you look at the tax records you will see the President made over 300,000 in 2010! This is ridiculous.

I think that this charity is one of the best I have seen lately. It helps our troops that have been wounded or lost one of their limbs. I also believe in one of your spokesman(TRACE ADKINS) because of his truthful and heartfelt sincerity towards our troops and the problems that they have to deal with day after day.

Any 'charity' that spends boatloads of donated funds on expensive TV commercials is not to be trusted. Wounded Warrior Project receives low ratings from many Charity rating groups (for example a 'D' rating from Charitywatch.com) because of the low percentage of donated funds that actually make it into programs that benefit the intended recipients. Why does WWP need a multitude of 'board members' that each receive in excess of $200K per year? What real function do they provide besides leaching off donated funds? The same goes for the president/chairman/CEO of the charity. Why should they be making half a million dollars a year all from donated funds? Wounded Warrior Project brushes off low ratings from independent rating organizations by noting that they get a favorable rating from the Better Business Bureau... In case you hadn't heard, the BBB is also nothing but a scam where businesses pay for top ratings. Do yourself a favor and visit the Charitywatch website and donate to worth charities such as Fisher House Foundation

With a TOTAL REVENUE of $74 million and only $32 million being allocated to the actual program, more work need to be done before I contribute. When fundraising and salaries exceed $26 million, there’s even more work to be done.

Any idea where that $19.95 a month goes that Chet Atkins asks you to donate?

John Melia, Former Executive Director, receives compensation of $205 thousand a year. He is also listed as an independent contractor with the project and receives an additional $191 thousand dollars a year. Executive Director, Steven Nardizzi, puts down $319,692 a year. Not a bad gig for enlisting the aid of a website and a few telemarketers to receive from those hungry to help our brothers in arms.

Before you give to any program, research their efforts.( i.e. where does the money go?)

As a retired, disabled veteran, I have donated to WWP over the last 3 years. I am troubled by the relatively low proportion of program expenses and the relatively high proportion of fund-raising expenses. Too, I donate in what to me are relatively large amounts so I find my self frustrated to continually receive additional solicitations, with included "gifts", throughout the year. Finally, their apparent position against organizations supporting firearms usage is a slap in the face to all of us who participate in legal and healthy shooting sports. Accordingly, I have decided to terminate my donations to this charity and find alternatives more consistent with my view of contributing to the welfare of our returning veterans.

The WWP policy on receiving money from or associating with members of the firearms industry is unacceptable. They have been removed from my donations list.

I am a member of the NRA and just made a 180.00 donation to the WWP. If this is in fact true, that the WWP will not accept donations from Firearms Companys, I will definately consider who I make my donations to the next time.

I was about to start contributing to WWP in response to a mailing I received. One thing gave me reason to pause (the mediocre rating on Chartity navigator) and the second stopped me. While I own no firearms myself, WWP's policy of refusing assistance from firearms companies is simply amazing to me and the reason given related to some suicides with firearms by very troubled veterans is nonsensical. If you think some vet is going to be encouraged to kill himself with a firearm because your charity took a contribution from a firearms maker, you are delusional and you lose me as donor no matter how much good work you are doing. There are other charities with a lower overhead, anyway.

I have read the email traffic between Tom Gresham and Leslie A. Coleman, Public Relations Director for the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) where she states the WWP policy on receiving money from or associating with members of the firearms industry. To place my comments in context, my wife and I are both retired members of the US Air Force and I am a 90% VA disabled veteran. The twisted logic that Ms. Coleman uses in trying to come up with some sort of justification for the WWP policy is amazing. She says: "Our position regarding firearms and alcohol is in response to the struggles that many injured service members face with substance abuse and suicide and the roles those items often play in those issues." In other words, since some veterans commit suicide using a firearm, we at the WWP will not be involved with that industry. Ms. Coleman, if a vet were to commit suicide by running a hose from the exhaust of his running car into the passenger compartment would the WWP refuse to partner with the industries that make, distribute, and sell automobiles and rubber hoses? This is another case of political correctness run amok. My wife and I will no longer have anything to do with the WWP.

Wounded Warrior Project Email Exchange
by Gun Talk on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 9:56am ·

After Sunday's show, we've gotten many emails about Tom's remarks after WWP declined an interview request on Gun Talk Radio because it's a firearms-related show. We've also seen the forums that are suggesting many things that are not true. So, I'm going to lay it all out right here.

We thought it would be great to book the WWP on the Veteran's Day show to promote the organization, so I contacted them. I was flabbergasted when their PR contact, Leslie, sent me an email saying they could not participate because our show dealt with firearms. Knowing that WWP has a booth at SHOT show and various gun shows across the US, takes wounded warriors on hunts and range days, raffles guns and accessories as fundraisers, etc., their policy didn't make much sense. I forwarded the email on to Tom to get his take.

-Sarah



The following is the complete email exchange:

====================

Hello, Leslie:

Sarah forwarded me your email after I asked her to invite the Wounded Warriors Project to join me on "Tom Gresham's Gun Talk" radio show.



I'm stunned at your email saying that the WWP doesn't participate in an interview or activity related to firearms. Inasmuch as there are 90 million gun owners and most of them support wounded veterans, I think they would be shocked to hear that they are, by way of their hobbies, somehow not worthy of helping with the Wounded Warriors Project.



Does your policy apply also to police agencies and the military, since they are "related to firearms?"



I'm hoping that we have misunderstood your email. Can you confirm that it is, in fact, an official policy of the Wounded Warriors Project to not do interviews with or participate in any activity related to firearms?



Thank you.

Tom Gresham



============



Good afternoon --



While we appreciate your interest in Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) you are correct that we decline the media opportunity.



Please note the following notice that appears on our website which also applies to WWP public awareness policy and inquiries from media outlets:

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/additional-opportunities.aspx



WWP does not co-brand, create cause marketing campaigns or receive a percentage or a portion of proceeds from companies in which the product or message is sexual, political or religious in nature, or from alcohol or firearms companies.



Thank you for your inquiry.



LESLIE A. COLEMAN

public relations director



O: 904.405.1433

M: 904.654.8138

F: 904.296.7347



Wounded Warrior Project

4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300

Jacksonville, Florida 32256



====================

Thanks for confirming that, Leslie. It was a simple opportunity to promote the WWP on a national program in an effort to send donations your way.

I'll pass along the info that you don't want or need the help of America's gun owners.



Best regards,

Tom Gresham



=====================



Good morning --

This policy is not a judgment on those who own and use firearms – clearly every member of our armed forces has been trained in the use of firearms and then called on to use them in the course of their service to this country.



Our position regarding firearms and alcohol is in response to the struggles that many injured service members face with substance abuse and suicide and the roles those items often play in those issues.



Thank you.

LESLIE A. COLEMAN

public relations director



=============================



Hello, Leslie:



Thank you for that explanation.



I do think -- and I'm being as kind as possible -- that it's the nuttiest thing I've heard in years. Suicides are not linked to firearms. Japan has a much higher rate of suicide than does the U.S., and they have essentially no firearms. Suicide is a serious issue irrespective of the methodology used.



This explanation doesn't pass even the most simple "does this make sense" test.



Your policy does, in fact, brand firearms and the companies which make them as undesirables, and by association, you are saying that those who own and use firearms for recreation, hunting, self protection, and other safe and legal uses are to be avoided.



It's certainly your option to ostracize the firearms industry, the 90 million gun owners in America, and the media which support firearms safety training.



At this point, I feel an obligation to make sure the millions who listen to my radio show and watch my two national television series know about your policy.



I cannot fully express how much I feel you are doing a disservice to our wounded veterans, and how disappointed I am to discover this bias at the Wounded Warriors Project.



Sincerely,

Tom Gresham

WWP only benefits veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom. Too narrow a focus, what about other veterans, they are not worthy of help? Fund raising expenses too high. I donate directly to local VA hospital, that way 100% of my donation benefits veterans of ALL conflicts, and not paying salaries of guys in suits with executive titles. ( Wayne Specht, South Dakota.)

The goal is admirable, but fundraising over 10% is excessive. I give directly to the services department at my local VA hospital - no expenses, no fundraising and it all goes to the vets.

WWP is one an organization I highly recommend to donors, friends, family and colleagues because of their work with and services for our disabled vets.

My husband was seriously wounded in Iraq & is permanently disabled. As a result of his injuries, he is no longer able to work. I had to terminate my career in order to care for him full time. Until this week, when I found WWP, I thought I was alone without support. WWP has restored my hope and given me resources I never dreamed of. They have been a huge part of my husbands healing for a while. I think that WWP saved my sanity.

$4,000,000 plus for , from what I can find out, 14 board members?? c'mon, thats an average of $285,714 per year salary,

WWP's fund raising expenses are high, which cuts into the amount going to our vets, BUT they keep their administrative expenses low at 8% (anything under 15% gets the highest rating). The overall percentage that actually gets to the people in need is high compared to a great deal of charities out there. I'd love to see WWP cut down on expenses and be able to deliver more of the donations to the troops, but overall I'd say they are doing a great job.

I am a regular, monthly donor to Cup of Joe for a Joe, Move America Forward, and TroopsDirect (not reviewed on this site). The warm and frequent pitches for WWP piqued my interest and I was considering becoming a donor. Before writing a check, my enthusiasm declined because of the astonishing heavy volume of DAILY mail solicitations. In keeping with my personal practice, I decided not to give to an organization that seems to be spending so much of its resources on promotion -- keeping the administrators well compensated but leaving me in the dark as to the effectiveness of the organization.

I have helped this group in the past and raised tens of thousands of dollars for them. Not anymore. The new leaders disgust me with their greed. The top people all have numerous family members on the payroll. Their "business" expenses are ridiculous. People don't want to call them out because of the worthy cause.

They should be ashamed. They're using the same accounting tricks that the scammers use to try and avoid IRS scrutiny and fluff the numbers. They claim $41.6 million in "media ad value" within revenue and support and then turn around and list it within program services as an expense. That way, from a quick glance, it looks like they waste less of your donation than they actually do. The California Attorney General just busted Help Hospitalized Veterans for doing this (among other things).

I think more of the donations should go to the "WOUNDED WARRIORS" instead to Administration & to "trinkets" etc. I don't want "junk" in my mailbox to be enticed to donate to a charity. I want my donations to go to the WOUNDED WARRIORS. I am VERY DISAPPOINTED at this discovery as to how much of the donations go to useless advertising and administration. FIX IT...or else...you will lose more than you receive. You are deceiving the donors.

This is an incredible organization with dedicated staff (mostly wounded warriors themselves) helping warriors, caregivers, and families cope with the issues they have. The employees have voted this the best charity in the US to work for in each of the past 2 years.

Received a solicitation mail from WWP INC. yesterday. Came with a cutesy key chain/dog tag freebie - MADE IN CHINA. Pfffftt! How hard would it be for WWP to finbd an AMERICAN source for these gimmicks??? Did our troops lose limbs for China or the USA?

I understand that a lot of people think that this charity does not look good on paper but the statistics do not tell the whole story. This charity is not just a few people sitting in an office waiting for people to find them and donate money. They are out there getting everyday people involved through fundraising efforts like Tough Mudder. I am one of tens of thousands of people who have participated in a 12 mile military styled obstacle course designed to push your body to the limits. If it were for events like this I would never have heard of the Wounded Warrior Project. It takes a lot of money to put on events like these but it gets the word out about the Wounded Warrior Project. It also makes people who wouldn’t normally think about veteran charities become more aware and hopefully more involved. Aside from Tough Mudder it takes a lot of advertising money and large staff to launch and run a new charity foundation. Please don’t divert your money just because this charity does not look good on paper. Ask a wounded vet how he or she feels about it.

What a Worthy Cause: HOWEVER, why is this charity and the people who run it taking a lion's share of the funds INSTEAD OF HELPING THE WOUNDED TROOPS WHO HAVE SUFFERED SO MUCH? This charity should have a FIVE (5) STAR RATING given the cause, yet it only manages 3 stars. I WOULD DONATE FAR MORE AND MORE OFTEN IF IT EVER RECEIVED A 5 STAR RATING.

I donated to the WWP a couple years ago and I quickly began to receive a lot of marketing material - trinkets, pins, buttons, notepads, etc. I contacted them on 3 occasions asking to please stop sending the stuff and it still comes to this day. I don't need a button or ribbon to give me warm fuzzies about making a donation, I feel like half of my donation has come back to me in the form of junk mail instead of getting to the people who need it!

I'm having a hard time reconcilling how much money actually goes to program services. Charity Navigator says it about 65%, my own review of the latest financial statements shows about 72%. And the WWP page says it is 82%. To calculate it my self, I took total program service expenses of $89M divided by total revenue of $123M = 72%. Am I missing something? How does WWP come up with 82%???

I find the Wounded Warrior Project to be one of the most unethical organizations that exploits wounded members of the military service, and the generosity of people truly wanting to help, only to line their own pockets with high salaries, bonuses, entertainment and travel reimbursement, etc. I can't believe Charity Navigator would give this organization even 1 star. I have over 30 years in the nonprofit sector and have thoroughly analyzed the IRS 990 for this organization...and it reeks of excessive spending with very little actually going to direct programs. People needing help are turned away and individuals and organizations that would like to raise funds for WWP are charged a fee to do this. How sad is that!!

I'm pulling my donations from this organization. Go check out their financials at http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/mission/financials.aspx and scroll down to their Form 990. In 2009 their CEO was making $199,000 and then in 2010 received a $120,000 pay raise to $319,000. If that wasn't enough, their Deputy received a $103,000 pay raise. While our country was going through a receission and injured service members coming home, this organization decided to give their top executives huge pay raises. Seems like a misuse of my donations.

We tried to donate a dollar for every "like" that author Dalton Fury's two fictional thrillers received on Amazon or Barnes & Noble from late Apr 2012 to Oct 16 2012. I sent them an email with an attachment of the flyer posted to our FB page. I received a form letter back telling me of the several dozen other ways to donate to WWP, but that our little project was not sanctioned and not approved. They also wanted $99 to sanction our very minor event and to use their logo in promotion. We did a little research and see they pay two people 200k each. After reading the other reviews, I'm very pleased that we are not giving a single penny to this organization. There are plenty of organizations out there that are more concerned about the wounded warrior and the generous donar than about their own trademarked logo or some sanction fee.

One of the biggest problems with a watchdog site like this, is that some dishonest people will use it as a forum to run smear campaigns against NP organizations, or in some cases, to promote their own organization by disparaging their competitors.

I do not know how many of the above reviews fall into that category, but I would wager far more than 50% of them.

WWP runs one of the most upstanding and well-respected organization in all of fundraising. Even that aside, the actual soldiers who received a backpack, attended one of WWP’s programs, or in other way benefited from WWP’s efforts, won’t hesitate a breath to tell you how grateful they are to WWP.

You can’t fake video testimonials, and you can’t fake the fact that WWP employs a sizable number of actual Wounded Warriors across the U.S. Don’t believe the naysayers, WWP puts the letter to the deed – they help wounded warriors.

I have been a donor for 3-years now, and have never regretted it even once. I will continue giving to WWP, and I would encourage others to consider doing the same.

Offered free and perpetual airtime to WWP to assist with their fundraising. After a three week runaround, finally got a return call from someone in their marketing department that wanted us to do pages of paperwork to "license" their logo and grovel for the blessing of their legal team. All this hassle to GIVE THEM free publicity for fundraising. We were finally told "we're not interested in your assistance" as if THEY were doing US a favor. So be it, WWP. We're quite glad to move on and never look back. It's a huge red flag when an organization is more fixated on legal warnings to prospective allies, long 'applications', and protecting a trademark than they are gracefully receiving assistance worth tens of thousands of dollars. There are plenty of other veteran-helping groups out there who will be glad to accept our gift. After the thousands we have already contributed over the years, the WWP has received its last dollar from our organization.

We are a family of a critically would soldier. When my wife lost her job to be with our daughter as her non-medical attendant at WRAMC she contacted WWP July 2010. WWP never responded. We are not beggers so we never followed up. March 2012, my wife and daughter are still at WRAMC/ Bethesda, contacted WWP again to talk to a lawyer about medical boards. Again WWP was NO HELP. I highly recommend familiesof the wounded.org. They sought us out as a family. 100% of the funds go to the families of the wounded. CAPT William Haneke is our hero.

We raised $1,000. for wounded warriors last year in addition to giving monthly to the cause. We wanted to have a representative receive the donation at our annual meeting of the American Legion. We also wanted to have them at our Ladies Aux. so that the Aux. donation of $1,000. could stay in our community. No one would come to receive the donations. Emails from the Jax WWP were received, however, they made it plain that they only work during the day. We eventually mailed them the check to the Jax WWP office. The Ladies Aux mailed their $1,000. check to the national WWP office. This year we raised another $1,000. for veterans, but have decided to give to another charity.

I am a wounded warrior. The only thing I ever got while in WRAMC from WWP were some promotional products. Their finances may look ok on paper but the reality is their 14 executives are profiting from our misfortunes. I dont know how they can sleep at night. I,ve contacted them for assistance more than once, all they do is point a finger towards govt. agencies or outside charities. Does anyone else find it stange that their new tv ads don't have any specifics at all as to what it is they do for us wounded warriors? Total disgrace!!!

Way too much money goes into the pockets of the directors! Their recent commercials are poorly produced and reek of greed for the two top scam artists. Shame on these assholes for taking advantage of military heroes.

Very disappointed in donor stewardship shown thus far. WWP must be receiving so many donations that they don't feel the need to thank donors or confirm gifts. As the Executive Director of a non-profit, I know the importance of confirming the receipt of gifts and thanking donors in a timely manner. (We get out confirmations and thank yous within 24 hours of the gift.) WWP is a great cause, great advertising campaign, but very poor follow through with donors. Have called numerous times to speak with a representative to confirm my gift. My call was continually referred to "Donor Services," where I was given the "privilege" of leaving a voice mail for someone to return my call within "two days." Still have not heard from anyone. I will be canceling my monthly contribution. Sorry.

My husband and I gave throughout 2011 and it was one of the charities that reaped a higher giving, which was a stretch given what's happening with the economy. After seeing that 2 executives are taking 400K off the top and a large amount goes to fundraising and who knows what else (most likely a close friend or family member doing the advertising) the final dollars for the cause is horrible. How can you ask others to give of their incomes when you take so much for yourself? If you want to show you really care for the wounded vets Steve and Ron, how about giving back to the cause you plead others to sacrificially give to?

I am concerned about the lower percentage which applies to the end user of the service. I am a Board member on several 501c(3) organizations and our goal is 90 percent for services or supplies provided to the purpose for which our organizations were formed.

I checked out this organization on BBB's site and the thing that caught my attention was the money dircted to "public awareness" comprised the largest chunk and in the body of the paragraph describing the "programs" I couldn't find a definition of "public awareness"; which sounds like advertising to me. I believe that if their advertising expenses are lumped under that category it greatly affects the number that reflects the portion of donations going directly to effective programs. This would be a misleading manipulation of the numbers. So, for me, there is this blank area, the undefined "public awareness", that makes me wonder about it's absence and how the numbers would work out if it turns out to be advertising and were placed in that category.

Raised money for them by hosting an event. Got no assistance from them except for some wristbands which I had to pay $99 for to register the event. Wow! And the Ex. Dir. makes $199,000 in compensation. Made two complaints, didnt even respond. Probably too busy counting all the donations. Very sad.

The CDR of Salvation Army receives less than $40K per year. Charity CEO's should get in line with that. I can't see such exorbitant salaries.

I would certainly like to review your expenses, down to the pennies. Your television ads are costly and the amount of donation suggested is prohibitive to many. There are many well qualified financial advisors who are retired and could be attracted to volunteer their services as general board memmbers and thereby reduce your adminitrator salaries. I am generally fed up with charities that require paid administrators versus a volunteer administrative staffs. I freely give of my time, talents, and monies. Why don't you?

First, I'm sure that all the financial data on this watchdog website is out of date. WWP's latest annual report reflects that their expenses are in line with the top charity organizations and getting better as we go out in time. Here's their annual report for 2010.:

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/media/75923/2010-annual-report-small.pdf

As for being bombarded with requests for donations because WWP shared someone's address, that's pure B.S. I''ve being sending in weekly donations for nearly a year now with my home address, email address, and phone number all over the submitted documents and have not been asked by any other organization for a donation.

Let's get real here and above all, be truthful.

This charity is not what it seems. Read their tax records.

I also received information about this organization while at the Jacksonville Airport. I made a donation on the anniversary of my husband's retirement from the USMC. Veterans charities are especially important in my household since my husband is a veteran having served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I have not had any issues with my name being sold to other companies, I have received address labels, etc. but not an excessive amount. Yes, they do not have a WRITTEN privacy policy, but if you call them and ask to be taken off their mailing list, I'm sure they'd be more than happy to do so or be able to explain what their policy does entail. In my opinion, the person "Laura" that posted a review previously doesn't appear to be very Internet savvy and thinks a Nigerian Bank scheme solicitation is coming from the Wounded Warrior Project, which of course is not. Generals have more important things to attend to than soliciting donations for a charity. Unfortunately, I did not see a "No" button for "Was this review helpful?" in response to Laura Smith's comments which prompted me to write a review.

While in the Jacksonville, FL airport last fall I saw the rocking chairs of the Wounded Warrior Project and picked up information. Thinking our service people need support and assistance from all Americans I included the WWP in my year end giving for which I received acknowledgment. However, they have more than spent my donation in mailings during 2011 asking for more money, and unfortunately I did not know about their LACK of donor privacy assurances. I have been BESEIGED with requests from more than the usual veterans' charities (the ones that keep sending me return address labels that lshould last through my grandchildren's lives). In particular, requests come weekly from a General Singlaub - I am sure these are sent under his name for a worthy cause, but I will not be sending the WWP any more donations and will be checking Charity Navigator more closely in the future. I think the administrative and fund raising efforts far exceed those of a well run charity.

LWS, Atlanta, GA