Jessie Bacon
A1
Mr. Reuter
Jessie Bacon
A1
Mr. Reuter
Wounded Warrior Project is a non-profit organization that raises money for veterans who have been physically or mentally affected by the war following the events of September 11, 2001. Their founders include Albion Giordano, John Melia, Jim Melia, and Steven Nardizzi. This organization has given millions of dollars to help thousands of veterans and their families pay for high medical costs and treatments. But over time, the donations that have given to this organization, soon have been more focused on fundraising than helping veterans.
Last Thursday, COO’s Steven Nardizzi and Albion Giordano have been fired following a January news investigation on the two men. Dozens of reports from former employees who said that the organization was spending money on lavish parties and meetings instead of the actual veterans themselves.
Over the last 13 years, Wounded Warrior Project has raised over a billion dollars. People who donate this cause believe that they're giving “to honor Wounded Warriors,” as their company's mission states. However, CBS revealed that “charity spends between 40 to 50 percent of their money on overhead – while other veterans’ charities spend an average of 10 to 15 percent of the same expenses.”
Over the years, the Wounded Warrior Project showed an increase in consumer spending. $26 million was spent on employee conferences in 2014, compared to $1.7 million in 2010. The events were described as “boozy, such as one annual meeting held in a luxury hotel in Colorado Springs, where 500 staff members attended a four-day conference that came with a final price tag of $3 million” (Fox News). Also, when arriving at various meetings, Nardizzi would arrive on horse’s and a Segway.
Many Americans trusted the Wounded Warrior Project with their money with donating over 372 million dollars last year. It’s ridiculous that over half of those proceeds went to first class air tickets, employee retreats, and extravagant salaries. The money that went to these stupid spendings could have been sent to wounded warriors who needed the money to undergo various surgeries. An example of how they effectively helped a veteran is when they gave assistance to Sgt. Michael Schlitz. He lost both hands and suffered from burns that covered over 85% of his body after his car was hit by a bomb in Iraq. He soon was contacted by the Wounded Warrior Project, who helped pay for his expenses. There are so many great things that this organization does for people like Sergeant Michael Schlitz. But it’s heartbreaking that the money that people thought were going to this organization was going to the higher priced champagne bottle and a company trip to Colorado.
Another example of a veteran who could have received money but was turned away is James Glover, who did two tours in Iraq in 2006 and 2007. Glover suffered from a case of PTSD which eventually caused him to lose his job. He contacted Wounded Warriors and asked for their help, but they said they can’t. Glover then contacted other Veteran organizations, and they gladly helped him out. Because wounded warriors are turning away veterans like James Glover, this causes an increase in demand for other Veteran companies to help fund for James.
Thank God the opportunity cost in this situation is the fact that soldiers like James Glover won’t get the help that they need to ensure that there is enough booze at their company meetings (Totally Kidding). By no means am I trying to come across that this isn’t a good organization with good ideas. Originally this started as an honorable program with great intentions to help veterans. But overtime they got lost in the glitz and the glamour, and forgot what they were all about-supporting veterans. Wounded Warrior Project needs to learn how to budget their finances effectively to ensure that majority of the money is going to the veterans.
Work Cited
Fishel, Justin, and Jennifer Griffin. "'I Still Have a Fighting Chance': Wounded Warriors Share Stories of Survival, Recovery | Fox News." Fox News. FOX News Network, 2013. Web. 15 Mar. 2016.
"Wounded Warrior Project Sacks Two Executives Over Spending Scandal." Fortune Wounded Warrior Project Sacks Two Executives Over Spending Scandal Comments. 2016. Web. 15 Mar. 2016.
"Delaware County Veteran Frustrated With Wounded Warrior Project." WBNS-10TV Columbus, Ohio. Web. 15 Mar. 2016.
Wow that's really upsetting to read. I had no idea that this charity was spending their proceeds in places they never mentioned prior. I bet there are more charities that cheat the system as well, which is disappointing because people are told their money is going to war veterans, when it's not. It really is a shame that these people who once thought of starting a charity to save people are spending the money on themselves, selfishly. The opportunity cost is just ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteIt's extremely disheartening to see a charity with such an amazing platform be wrongly used for selfish peoples' personal gain. That's just disgusting, to take away a veterans ability to receive benefits for their tour altering disabilities. As for the people who did it, in all honestly I think the should be put in prison for the wrong they did, to i'm sure plenty other needing veterans. PTSD is a crippling illness, and the fact that someone denied Glover assistance is simply ridiculous. Lavish parties aren't at all necessary. I don't understand what those individuals take from stealing all of the money to support their own pathetic, egotistic needs. All of the money should go back to those veterans.The veterans that fought for our freedom, our sovereignty, are just taken advantage of. It's so disrespectful. Those soldiers didn't choose to go in the force for their own selfish gain, they joined to maintain our freedom and our safety. None of made the choice for themselves. Only for us, back at home. Really sad. But very strong piece, I found it very thought provoking.
ReplyDeleteIt's really interesting to find out how many charities aren't actually spending the money the way they say they are. This charity has a great idea and the money would go to a great cause, but it's unfortunate the people who organize it spend the money on themselves. At least two of the people have been fired showing their employees are loyal to the charity and don't condone the excess personal spending.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame that greedy people had to ruin this worthy cause! Unfortunately, expensive getaways are part of corporate management! Hopefully the removal of those individuals will help to bring back the integrity of this worthy cause. Please don't give up on this much needed charity! So many in our military suffer from physical and psychological needs and need these types of organizations to help cope with their injuries and move forward!
ReplyDeleteThis kind of thing happens too often, where people are taken advantage of for the benefit of another. Once you use donated money for something other than it's intended purpose, you become nothing more than a common thief. While it's true that some of that money must go to towards keeping the organization running, this should be a minimal expenditure. it's a bit disheartening how easily greed corrupts the hearts of man
ReplyDeleteKelin Olson