My Nonprofit Reviews

Taken at face value this organization serves a noble purpose; Providing a volunteer bugler to sound "Taps" at a veteran's funeral. However, upon further investigation there are several glaring issues. The first of which is it's founder. The founder of the organization Tom Day, masquerades as a veteran of all 5 services wearing current military uniforms. He appears in literally dozens of photos online posing as a USMC Gunnery Sergeant, a U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, an Army Sergeant First Class, and a USAF Colonel. Furthermore, he adorns these uniforms with awards and badges that he did not earn. Presumably this is to entice those with a heart for veterans to donate to his organization.

According to it's 2010 tax return Bugles Across America has accepted over $600,000 in donations. One can only assume that it is approaching $1,000,000 at this point. The BBB gives them the lowest score for a 501 c 3. The organization has no board of directors and no oversight. Mr. Day is the "sole proprietor" of this non-profit. Please remember the individuals performing the actual service are unpaid volunteers.

One can look to the Stolen Valor Act of 2013 and piece together what might be going on. "Whoever, with the intent of securing a tangible benefit or personal gain, knowingly, falsely, and materially represents himself or herself through any written or oral communication (including a resume) to have served in the Armed Forces of the United States or to have been awarded any decoration, medal, ribbon, or other device authorized by Congress or pursuant to Federal law for the Armed Forces of the United States, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 6 months, or both."

Investigate this organization carefully before giving them your hard-earned money.

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