Originally Posted by
porcia83
Since 2013 the AMA, via it's clubs, has maintained a relationship with the Wounded Warrior Project.
The WWP has been in the news the past few months given the controversy surrounding their leadership, their salaries, and their expenses over the past year or so. The scrutiny culminated in the president being removed from office recently. The issue seemed to die down, but just this week more questioned were raised.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/charges-...rrior-project/
As with any story in the media, there are two sides, and then the truth.
Overhead costs seemed to be the sticking point, with figures being reported in the 40-50%, although nothing substantive to prove more than 35% or so was noted. Those figures are high for charities, however it was also correctly noted that the past president significantly increased the amount of donations to the WWP, more than doubling them, so a fair argument could be made that it takes money to make money.
Total donations (via Aviation Day donations) since 2013 are just under $270,000, last year just over $92,000 was raised via Model Aviation Day. Clubs of course are not required to make any donations to the WWP, and can chose to either not raise any money, or use money they have raised as they see fit.
I've been to a few club meetings lately where the issue was brought up, just wondered if it's something that's been discussed elsewhere.
Just a couple of weeks ago my best friend told me a story about his Co-Pilot. It seems that his child was born ill and would need constant attention for the rest of his life. This fellow became a Single Parent, only because his wife did not want to deal with the situation.
Thru, the years this fellow had to purchase equipment as in wheel chairs, lifts, etc., just to move his son around.
With his son's 12 th birthday approaching he decided to purchase a new lift for his son, which totaled out to the sum of $12,000.00 and he paid for it in full. But, before his son reached 12, the child died. Now this father was stuck with a paid for $12,000.00 lift. Knowing that he had no more use for it, he thought what can I do with it ? He thought about it for a while and decided to call " Wounded Warrior Project " in his area, of which I believe was the Jacksonville, FL area. He was sure that Wounded Warrior's could use the lift for our soldiers and offered it to them FREE as in absolutely no charges.
Do you know want to know how the Wounded Warrior Project replied to his offering. Well here it is from the mouth of the Wounded Warrior Project representative. QUOTE: WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT ONLY ACCEPTS MONETARY / CASH DONATIONS AND NO WE DO NOT WANT THE LIFT !
This fellow was stunned ! Could not believe the reply that he received ! He eventually called some local hospitals and they put him in touch with some rehab institutions and he offered one the lift, whom were overwhelmed and grateful to receive such a generous donation.
I can only say, that after I heard this story and now that you have read it, that all you folks out there will have to decide on your own and make up your own minds as for donations to Wounded Warriors Project.
Let me PERSONALLY say now that I am a VET ! I know many Vet's and have seen the horrors that wars have brought to our soldiers. I believe that as Wounded Soldiers they all deserve our respect and support. BUT !! Until the Wounded Warrior Project cleans up their act and proves that they have to the general public , that no more monies should be given to them.
Like I said, this is how this VET " Personally " feels and thinks.
