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Wikipedia

Wounded Warrior Project

January 01, 1970

Not to be confused with Army Wounded Warrior Program or United States Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment.

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is an American charity and veterans service organization that operates as a nonprofit 501(c)(3). WWP offers a variety of programs, services and events for wounded veterans who incurred a physical or mental injury, illnesses, or co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001. Military family members and caregivers are also eligible for WWP programs.[2]

Wounded Warrior Project, CFC #11425
Formation2003[1]
TypeNonprofit 501(C)(3) Corporation
PurposeVeterans services
HeadquartersJacksonville, Florida
CEO
Walter E. Piatt
Key people
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ken Hunzeker (Board Chair)
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Bill Selman (Board Vice Chair)
Staff
680
WebsiteOfficial website

As of August 22, 2021, WWP served 157,975 registered alumni and 40,520 registered family support members.[3] Since its formation, the organization has partnered with several charities they deem community partners, including the American Red Cross, Resounding Joy, a music therapy group in California, and Operation Homefront.[4][5] In July 2022, WWP partnered with a total of twenty-eight veteran service organizations who collectively received grants totalling over $5.9 million.[6] WWP has also previously provided a year-long Track program, which helped veterans transition to college and the workplace.[5]

WWP allocates 71 percent of its revenue to programs and services for wounded veterans and their families, and the remaining balance pays to support those programs.[7][8]

WWP is recognized under the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) workplace giving program of the federal government of the United States with CFC #11425.

Overview edit

WWP offers a variety of no-cost programs, services, and events for wounded veterans and veteran families. It runs several support programs. Warrior Care Network is a mental wellness program offering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment through four academic medical centers in the United States.[9][10] Warriors to Work is a program that connects veterans with employers and resources for jobs.[11] Project Odyssey is an adventure-based program that provides group activities and psychoeducational sessions.[12] Soldier Ride is a cycling program.[13] The Independence Program provides veterans with occupational therapy, social workers, and rehab counselors.[14]

WWP supports warriors in their transition to civilian life by providing job training, aiding in the navigation of veteran and disability benefits, offering emergency financial assistance, and delivering comprehensive long-term financial education. These services are becoming increasingly important as veterans are feeling the effects of inflation in 2023. WWP's Annual Survey found that in 2023 nearly 39% of wounded veterans did not have enough food for an active, healthy life.[15]

History edit

Wounded Warrior Project was founded in 2003[1] in Roanoke, Virginia[16] by John Melia.[17][18] Melia had been severely wounded in a helicopter crash while serving in Somalia in 1992.[16] Melia assembled backpacks distributed to injured veterans at the former Bethesda Naval Hospital (now the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center) and Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Wounded Warrior Project initially operated as a division of the United Spinal Association of New York,[17][19] which adopted WWP as a program in November 2003. WWP continued to support injured service members by providing them with free WWP Backpacks filled with comfort items.

In September 2005, The United Spinal Association granted $2.7 million to WWP to "develop into a stand-alone charity with its own identity and programs," with the intent to expand its services from providing immediate comfort items to providing longer-term support for returning wounded veterans via compensation, education, health care, insurance, housing, employment, etc.[20]

The WWP Backpacks program remains a central activity of WWP, evidenced by the more than 65,000 backpacks the organization has distributed since 2018[21] in support of transitioning U.S. military veterans.

In 2015, the journalist Tim Mak reported for The Daily Beast that WWP was selling donor information to third parties and suing small charities using the phrase “wounded warrior” or logo silhouettes of soldiers; he also accused WWP of compensating its top officers overly generously.[22][23][24][25] The following January, these allegations were picked up by CBS and The New York Times, whose reports of WWP’s use of its funds on lavish company retreats and personal enrichment of its officers aroused more public attention and led the charity to fire its then-CEO, Steven Nardizzi, and then-COO, Al Giordano.[26][27][28] Several former employees alleged that they were fired because they had raised concerns over the mismanagement.[29]

WWP hired a new CEO in July 2016, Michael Linnington, a retired Lieutenant general in the U.S. Army.[30] He has increased the scrutiny on spending for travel and all expenses throughout the organization.[27] Linnington retired in early 2024 after eight years leading the organization.[31][32]

In April 2021, WWP partnered with the White House's Joining Forces and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to provide supportive programming and bring awareness to the children of wounded, ill or injured veterans. A 2021 survey found that there are approximately 2.3 million American children under 18 living with veterans with disabilities.[33][34][35]

In 2024, retired Major Gen. Walter E. Piatt, was named chief executive officer of Wounded Warrior Project. Piatt is a former commander of Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division.[36] During his tenure as commander he worked to better connect Fort Drum to the North Country community. Piatt deployed with the division's headquarters battalion from March to August 2018, after which he released a paper about the Iraqi people's commitment to achieving peace for their nation after years of warfare.[37]

Incorporation edit

Wounded Warrior Project registered for incorporation on February 23, 2005. WWP was granted accreditation as of September 10, 2008, by the Veterans Affairs Secretary as a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) "recognized by the Secretary for the purpose of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs."[38] The Veterans Administration's online List of Representatives for Accredited Organizations includes contact information for WWP's accredited service officers.[39] as well as a search tool to access information about other VSOs.[40]

In July 2006, Wounded Warrior Project's headquarters were moved to Jacksonville, Florida. WWP Founder John Melia cited a strong local veteran community, access to Jacksonville International Airport, and support from the local business community, specifically the PGA Tour, as the reason for the move. The WWP headquarters underwent a major $1.3 million renovation according to the Jacksonville Business Journal.[41]

Veterans and military support programs edit

Mental wellness edit

Wounded Warrior Project provides interactive programs, rehabilitation retreats, and free mental health counseling.[42] WWP's outpatient care and therapy sessions through Warrior Care Network provide PTSD and TBI treatment alongside four academic medical centers in the United States,[9] including Emory Healthcare Veterans Program.[43] Through Warrior Care Network, Wounded Warrior Project also offers treatment for veterans with PTSD using virtual reality therapy.[44]

Mental health issues account for three of the top four most common service-connected injuries among veterans registered with WWP who served either on or after 9/11, and 3 out of 4 of these veterans reported post-traumatic stress. Many veterans report experiencing anxiety and depression, according to a WWP survey, and half of veterans report moderate to severe symptoms of two or more mental health conditions.[45]

In 2020, Wounded Warrior Project surveyed nearly 30,000 injured veterans who served after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and found that over half reported declines in their mental health during the pandemic.[46]

Wounded Warrior Project launched WWP Talk in 2014. The program, which connects veterans to the charity's staff members for weekly emotional support phone calls, saw a 35% increase in phone calls compared to the previous year during the COVID-19 pandemic.[47]

In October 2022, a dozen veterans with Wounded Warrior Project completed a 400-mile motorcycle ride in California encouraging positive mental health, coinciding with National Motorcycle Ride Day and World Mental Health Day. The ride made stops in Ventura, Santa Clarita, Solvang, Santa Ynez, and the Santa Monica Mountains.[48]

In November 2022, Wounded Warrior Project hosted a 17-mile hike to honor the 17 veterans who die each day by suicide.[49]

Warriors to Work edit

Warriors to Work[50] is a WWP veteran employment program that connects veterans with employers and resources for jobs. Through career counseling, including resume building, interview preparation, and salary negotiation assistance, veterans can find work that best fits their skill sets and allows them to smoothly transition into civilian life.[51]

Family support programs edit

Wounded Warrior Project helps families of veterans reconnect through events that support family bonding and transitional skills. By providing the space and time for veterans to spend with their loved ones, the transition from service member to civilian gets that much easier. Through their veteran family support programs, Wounded Warrior Project also helps guide families through the sometimes confusing process of receiving VA benefits.[52]

Warrior Care Network edit

Warrior Care Network is an initiative providing access to high-quality care for veterans mainly dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).[53] Established in 2016, the $100 million project included four PTSD treatment centers in Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, and Chicago.[53] In October 2018, Wounded Warrior Project announced a $160 million investment in the mental health care of wounded veterans.[54] In 2024, it invested another $100 million to fund programs for post-9/11 veterans that aim to reduce depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.[55]

From 2005 to 2016, the suicide rate among U.S. veterans increased almost 26 percent. Starting in 2016, Warrior Care Network provided care that includes group therapy with other veterans to learn coping strategies, such as yoga and meditation.[56] According to a Georgia Public Broadcasting article, programs like Warrior Care Network's are likely contributing to the declining rate of suicide among former service members in the state of Georgia, where rates were significantly lower than the national veteran suicide rate in 2022. Overall, suicide rates for veterans peaked in 2018 and then fell in 2019 and 2020 by 9.7%.[57]

Project Odyssey edit

Project Odyssey is an "adventure-based learning program" that provides veterans from all branches of the armed services an opportunity to work together in group activities and psychoeducational sessions.[12][58] Through the Project Odyssey program, veterans can engage with other veterans with similar interests, such as motorcycle riding.[59] Rolling Project Odyssey offers a series of group rides for veterans.[59]

Soldier Ride edit

For the past 20 years, Wounded Warrior Project has organized its annual Soldier Ride, a multi-day cycling program. The Soldier Ride originated from the initiative of a single cyclist who completed a 5,000-mile coast-to-coast journey to honor post-9/11 injured veterans. Since then, Soldier Ride has organized events in cities across the United States. The rides focus on improving the management of stress, anxiety, and depression, and ways to mitigate the risk of suicide.[60]

WWP provides all participants with adaptive cycling equipment or necessary modifications at no cost. Soldier Ride events also provide veterans with opportunities to network with other veterans and communities across the country.[61]

In April 2023, a Soldier Ride started in Annapolis, Maryland, and ended in Lorton, Virginia. The nearly 30 participants visited the White House and met Vice President Kamala Harris.[62] The January 2023 ride featured a 3-day bike ride starting in Miami, Florida, and ending in the Florida Keys.[13] Participants in the ride were also invited to interact with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys.[63] In 2022, participants were invited to the White House to start the ride, where they were welcomed by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.[64] There was also a ride in the Chicago area in 2022, in which participants cycled about 60 miles in 3 days.[65]

Independence Program edit

Wounded Warrior Project's Independence Program offers support to veterans with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other neurological conditions, and their caregivers.[66] This program is for recovering veterans that are transitioning from a medical facility to their home environment to allow them to rely on themselves and become functionally independent.[14] Through the program, veterans gain access to occupational therapy, social workers and rehab counselors on-site where they live, without having to pay any out of pocket costs.[14] In 2020, Wounded Warrior Project invested $7.25 million to support veteran and military caregivers.

Carry Forward edit

Wounded Warrior Project started its Carry Forward 5K run/walk in 2018. The event takes place in cities WWP is located in across the country, including San Diego, California; Jacksonville, Florida; San Antonio, Texas; and Nashville, Tennessee. Participants can also host virtual events to raise money to support WWP's free services for veterans, including mental health, career counseling and long-term rehabilitative care.[67][68][69] Participants of Carry Forward can carry flags, weights, or another person to represent the responsibilities veterans carry during their service and to show support for veterans' sacrifice.[70]

Government affairs edit

The Government Affairs team advocates for legislation that helps veterans and their supporters. Several bills have passed, including the Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI), the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, the Ryan Kules and Paul Benne Specially Adaptive Housing Improvement Act of 2019, the Veteran Families Financial Support Act (2020) and the PACT Act (2022).[71] WWP's legislative agenda is guided by the information in the organization's Annual Warrior Alumni Survey and encompasses issue areas spanning from veteran brain health and toxic exposure to women veteran issues.[72][73][74][75][76]

In March 2014, WWP testified before Congress strongly supporting the bill "To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide veterans with counseling and treatment for sexual trauma that occurred during inactive duty training (H.R. 2527; 113th Congress)". The bill would extend a VA program of counseling, care and services for military sexual trauma that occurred during active duty or active duty for training to veterans who experienced such trauma during inactive duty training.[77][78] The bill would alter current law, which allows access to such counseling only to active duty members of the military, so that members of the Reserves and National Guard would be eligible.[79]

The WWP did a study of its alumni and found that, "almost half of the respondents indicated accessing care through VA for MST-related conditions was 'very difficult'. And of those who did not seek VA care, 41% did not know they were eligible for such care."[80] The WWP also testified that in addition to expanding access to MST care, the VA needed to improve care itself, because veterans report "inadequate screening, providers who were either insensitive or lacked needed expertise and facilities ill-equipped to appropriately care for MST survivors."[80]

In 2016, Wounded Warrior Project, along with 13 other veterans service organizations, lobbied for lawmakers to secure IVF funding for combat-wounded veterans.[81]

In 2020, Wounded Warrior Project's Legislative Director, Derek Fronabarger, worked with Jon Stewart from The Daily Show to advocate on Toxic Exposure related issues for service members and veterans.[82]

In 2022, Jose Ramos, vice president of government and community relations for the Wounded Warrior Project announced support, on behalf of WWP, for the Maj. Richard Star amendment, a House Bill that would make disabled war veterans with under 20 years of active service eligible for both disability and retirement benefits.[83][84]

Controversy edit

On May 27, 2014, Wounded Warrior Project filed a lawsuit against Dean Graham, a disabled veteran with PTSD, and his Help Indiana Vets, Inc. organization.[85] After a court ruling, Graham retracted the allegations he leveled against Wounded Warrior Project and folded his direct-aid non-profit.[86]

Wounded Warrior Project filed a lawsuit in October 2014 seeking damages and court costs against a Blandon, Pennsylvania, non-profit, Keystone Wounded Warriors, claiming confusing similarities between the Keystone and WWP logo; Hampton Roads, VA Channel 3 TV covered the Keystone story on April 30, 2015,[87][88] and Nonprofit Quarterly covered the story with a title asking, is WWP "a 'Neighborhood Bully' among Veterans Groups?"[87] Tim Mak also covered the suit for the Daily Beast.[89][90]

After a reporter for the Tacoma, Washington News Tribune informed disabled veteran Airman Alex Graham, a blogger at the conspiracy website Veterans Today, of a pending lawsuit against him by the WWP, he removed his articles critical of their policies, later retracting his criticisms and issuing a public apology.[91]

In 2016 and 2017, subsequent investigations by a Jacksonville, FL television station and the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee found that WWP "'inaccurately' reported the money it spent on veterans' programs by using 'inflated' numbers and 'misleading' advertisements."[92]

In February 2017, the Better Business Bureau gave WWP a clean bill of financial health.[93] A 2016 review said some media reporting contained information that was inaccurate.[94]

Donations and spending edit

In 2012, WWP spent US$114,817,090 on programs in support of wounded veterans, their families, and caregivers.[95] From October 2022 through March 2023, WWP provided emergency financial assistance to approximately 1,800 registered veterans and their families, up from 657 the previous year. Each family typically receives several thousand dollars to help cover bills and expenses.[96]

In 2013, a new employee mistakenly declined to accept a donation from Liberty Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, Florida, and issued this inadvertent statement to the church leaders in an email, "We must decline the opportunity to be the beneficiary of your event due to our fundraising event criteria, which doesn't allow community events to be religious in nature."[97] Shortly after the church received this letter, a WWP spokesperson apologized and said that it was a miscommunication.[98]

In June 2015, The Daily Beast reported that the WWP sells its donor information to third parties. It also alleged that WWP distributed what it deemed an insubstantial percentage of donations to actual wounded warriors, and that it overpaid its executive staff.[99]

In January 2016, The New York Times reported that only 60 percent of the revenue of the Wounded Warrior Project was spent on programs to help veterans; the remaining 40 percent was overhead. It also reported claims of work environment coercion, and multiple terminations.[100] That same month, CBS News disclosed that the WWP had grown to spend millions of dollars annually on team-building events.[101]

In March 2016, Wounded Warrior Project's board of directors dismissed the charity's top two executives, Steven Nardizzi and Al Giordano, after hiring the law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett to perform an independent review of spending issues related to the company's funds. Board chairman Anthony Odierno was announced as temporarily taking control of the charity.[102] And spending on conferences and meetings had increased from just under $2 million in 2010 to $26 million in 2014.[103]

In October 2016, Charity Navigator dropped Wounded Warrior Project from its "watch list", and later boosted the nonprofit's score to a four-star rating (out of four stars).[104]

In February 2017, the Better Business Bureau released a report clearing Wounded Warrior Project of the "lavish spending" allegations, and "found the organization's spending to be consistent with its programs and mission."[27]

In April 2020, WWP donated $10 million to 10,000 of its ill and wounded service members during the COVID pandemic. This was the largest donation WWP had made to its members.[105]

In 2022, MacKenzie Scott donated $15 million to Wounded Warrior Project, its largest individual gift to date.[106][107]

Charity ratings edit

According to a 2013 article in Nonprofit Quarterly, "Depending on the rater, the Wounded Warrior Project seems to have scored low (Charity Watch), high (BBB Wise Giving Alliance) or somewhere in the middle (Charity Navigator)".[108] However, for the fiscal year ended 30 September 2016, Charity Watch assigned WWP a C+ rating (up from a D originally) and Charity Navigator published its rating for WWP on 1 February 2017 as "four out of four stars" (up from three). As of August 2018, that rating had dropped back down to 3 stars.[109] According to Charity Navigator, WWP allocates 71 percent of its revenue to program and service expenses and the remaining balance pays to support those programs.[110] As of 2023, the Wounded Warrior Project scores a 89% at Charity Navigator.[110]

In January 2017, the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance renewed its accreditation of WWP, for the next two years, as meeting the 20 standards for charity accountability.[111]

In 2023, Wounded Warrior Project was named one of the NonProfit Times' Best Nonprofits to Work For, ranking 39 among all participating non-profit organizations.[112]

See also edit

References edit

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  91. ^ Ashton, Adam (February 9, 2015), Wounded Warrior Project sues a veteran critic in Gig Harbor, The News Tribune
  92. ^ Gardner, Lynnsey (May 24, 2017). "Senate releases report criticizing Wounded Warrior Project's past spending". Graham Media Group. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  93. ^ Wax-Thibodeaux, Emily (February 8, 2017). "Wounded Warrior Project cleared of 'spending lavishly,' report finds". Washington Post. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  94. ^ "Better Business Bureau says no 'lavish spending' by Wounded Warrior Project". The Florida Times-Union.
  95. ^ WWP Financials, Wounded Warrior Project, retrieved September 19, 2013
  96. ^ Keshner, Andrew. "'There's no blueprint': If U.S. defaults on debt, $12 billion in benefits for veterans and their families is at stake". MarketWatch.
  97. ^ "Wounded Warrior Project denies money donation from a Fort Pierce Christian School". WPTV-TV. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  98. ^ Starnes, Todd (February 4, 2013), Wounded Warrior Project Apologizes for Rejecting Church Donation, Fox News
  99. ^ Tim Mak. "'Wounded Warrior' Charity Fights—To Get Rich". The Daily Beast. Retrieved January 28, 2016.
  100. ^ Phillips, Dave (January 27, 2016). "Wounded Warrior Project Spends Lavishly on Itself, Insiders Say". The New York Times. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
  101. ^ Reid, Chip; Janisch, Jennifer (January 26, 2016). "Wounded Warrior Project accused of wasting donation money". cbsnews.com. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
  102. ^ Phillips, Dave (March 10, 2016). "Wounded Warrior Board Ousts Top Two Executives". New York Times. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  103. ^ "Wounded Warrior Project's Top Execs Fired After Spending Scandal,” Military.com, March 11, 2016.
  104. ^ Gardner, Lynnsey (October 3, 2016). "Charity watchdog drops Wounded Warrior Project from watch list". WJXT.
  105. ^ Fioraliso, Ted (April 10, 2020). "Wounded Warrior Project donating $10 million to members in need during pandemic". www.kwqc.com.
  106. ^ "Jacksonville's Wounded Warrior Project receives its largest individual gift of $15 million from MacKenzie Scott". The Florida Times-Union.
  107. ^ "MacKenzie Scott has donated more than $12 billion. Here's where some of the money has gone". USA Today.
  108. ^ Cohen, Rick (January 8, 2013). "One Charity, Many Different Ratings: What's a Donor to Do?". Nonprofit Quarterly. Retrieved January 4, 2015.
  109. ^ "Charity Navigator - Rating for Wounded Warrior Project". Charity Navigator. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  110. ^ a b "Charity Navigator - Rating for Wounded Warrior Project". www.charitynavigator.org.
  111. ^ "BBB Wise Giving Alliance". Better Business Bureau. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  112. ^ "2023 Best Nonprofit Winners Found A Way To Connect".

External links edit

  • Official website
  • Wounded Warrior Project coverage at C-SPAN

January 01, 1970
wounded, warrior, project, confused, with, army, wounded, warrior, program, united, states, marine, corps, wounded, warrior, regiment, american, charity, veterans, service, organization, that, operates, nonprofit, offers, variety, programs, services, events, w. Not to be confused with Army Wounded Warrior Program or United States Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment Wounded Warrior Project WWP is an American charity and veterans service organization that operates as a nonprofit 501 c 3 WWP offers a variety of programs services and events for wounded veterans who incurred a physical or mental injury illnesses or co incident to their military service on or after September 11 2001 Military family members and caregivers are also eligible for WWP programs 2 Wounded Warrior Project CFC 11425Formation2003 1 TypeNonprofit 501 C 3 CorporationPurposeVeterans servicesHeadquartersJacksonville FloridaCEOWalter E PiattKey peopleLt Gen Ret Ken Hunzeker Board Chair Lt Col Ret Bill Selman Board Vice Chair Staff680WebsiteOfficial website As of August 22 2021 WWP served 157 975 registered alumni and 40 520 registered family support members 3 Since its formation the organization has partnered with several charities they deem community partners including the American Red Cross Resounding Joy a music therapy group in California and Operation Homefront 4 5 In July 2022 WWP partnered with a total of twenty eight veteran service organizations who collectively received grants totalling over 5 9 million 6 WWP has also previously provided a year long Track program which helped veterans transition to college and the workplace 5 WWP allocates 71 percent of its revenue to programs and services for wounded veterans and their families and the remaining balance pays to support those programs 7 8 WWP is recognized under the Combined Federal Campaign CFC workplace giving program of the federal government of the United States with CFC 11425 Contents 1 Overview 2 History 3 Incorporation 4 Veterans and military support programs 4 1 Mental wellness 4 2 Warriors to Work 4 3 Family support programs 4 4 Warrior Care Network 4 5 Project Odyssey 4 6 Soldier Ride 4 7 Independence Program 4 8 Carry Forward 5 Government affairs 6 Controversy 7 Donations and spending 8 Charity ratings 9 See also 10 References 11 External linksOverview editWWP offers a variety of no cost programs services and events for wounded veterans and veteran families It runs several support programs Warrior Care Network is a mental wellness program offering post traumatic stress disorder PTSD and traumatic brain injury TBI treatment through four academic medical centers in the United States 9 10 Warriors to Work is a program that connects veterans with employers and resources for jobs 11 Project Odyssey is an adventure based program that provides group activities and psychoeducational sessions 12 Soldier Ride is a cycling program 13 The Independence Program provides veterans with occupational therapy social workers and rehab counselors 14 WWP supports warriors in their transition to civilian life by providing job training aiding in the navigation of veteran and disability benefits offering emergency financial assistance and delivering comprehensive long term financial education These services are becoming increasingly important as veterans are feeling the effects of inflation in 2023 WWP s Annual Survey found that in 2023 nearly 39 of wounded veterans did not have enough food for an active healthy life 15 History editWounded Warrior Project was founded in 2003 1 in Roanoke Virginia 16 by John Melia 17 18 Melia had been severely wounded in a helicopter crash while serving in Somalia in 1992 16 Melia assembled backpacks distributed to injured veterans at the former Bethesda Naval Hospital now the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center Wounded Warrior Project initially operated as a division of the United Spinal Association of New York 17 19 which adopted WWP as a program in November 2003 WWP continued to support injured service members by providing them with free WWP Backpacks filled with comfort items In September 2005 The United Spinal Association granted 2 7 million to WWP to develop into a stand alone charity with its own identity and programs with the intent to expand its services from providing immediate comfort items to providing longer term support for returning wounded veterans via compensation education health care insurance housing employment etc 20 The WWP Backpacks program remains a central activity of WWP evidenced by the more than 65 000 backpacks the organization has distributed since 2018 21 in support of transitioning U S military veterans In 2015 the journalist Tim Mak reported for The Daily Beast that WWP was selling donor information to third parties and suing small charities using the phrase wounded warrior or logo silhouettes of soldiers he also accused WWP of compensating its top officers overly generously 22 23 24 25 The following January these allegations were picked up by CBS and The New York Times whose reports of WWP s use of its funds on lavish company retreats and personal enrichment of its officers aroused more public attention and led the charity to fire its then CEO Steven Nardizzi and then COO Al Giordano 26 27 28 Several former employees alleged that they were fired because they had raised concerns over the mismanagement 29 WWP hired a new CEO in July 2016 Michael Linnington a retired Lieutenant general in the U S Army 30 He has increased the scrutiny on spending for travel and all expenses throughout the organization 27 Linnington retired in early 2024 after eight years leading the organization 31 32 In April 2021 WWP partnered with the White House s Joining Forces and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to provide supportive programming and bring awareness to the children of wounded ill or injured veterans A 2021 survey found that there are approximately 2 3 million American children under 18 living with veterans with disabilities 33 34 35 In 2024 retired Major Gen Walter E Piatt was named chief executive officer of Wounded Warrior Project Piatt is a former commander of Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division 36 During his tenure as commander he worked to better connect Fort Drum to the North Country community Piatt deployed with the division s headquarters battalion from March to August 2018 after which he released a paper about the Iraqi people s commitment to achieving peace for their nation after years of warfare 37 Incorporation editWounded Warrior Project registered for incorporation on February 23 2005 WWP was granted accreditation as of September 10 2008 by the Veterans Affairs Secretary as a Veterans Service Organization VSO recognized by the Secretary for the purpose of preparation presentation and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs 38 The Veterans Administration s online List of Representatives for Accredited Organizations includes contact information for WWP s accredited service officers 39 as well as a search tool to access information about other VSOs 40 In July 2006 Wounded Warrior Project s headquarters were moved to Jacksonville Florida WWP Founder John Melia cited a strong local veteran community access to Jacksonville International Airport and support from the local business community specifically the PGA Tour as the reason for the move The WWP headquarters underwent a major 1 3 million renovation according to the Jacksonville Business Journal 41 Veterans and military support programs editMental wellness edit Wounded Warrior Project provides interactive programs rehabilitation retreats and free mental health counseling 42 WWP s outpatient care and therapy sessions through Warrior Care Network provide PTSD and TBI treatment alongside four academic medical centers in the United States 9 including Emory Healthcare Veterans Program 43 Through Warrior Care Network Wounded Warrior Project also offers treatment for veterans with PTSD using virtual reality therapy 44 Mental health issues account for three of the top four most common service connected injuries among veterans registered with WWP who served either on or after 9 11 and 3 out of 4 of these veterans reported post traumatic stress Many veterans report experiencing anxiety and depression according to a WWP survey and half of veterans report moderate to severe symptoms of two or more mental health conditions 45 In 2020 Wounded Warrior Project surveyed nearly 30 000 injured veterans who served after the terrorist attacks of September 11 2001 and found that over half reported declines in their mental health during the pandemic 46 Wounded Warrior Project launched WWP Talk in 2014 The program which connects veterans to the charity s staff members for weekly emotional support phone calls saw a 35 increase in phone calls compared to the previous year during the COVID 19 pandemic 47 In October 2022 a dozen veterans with Wounded Warrior Project completed a 400 mile motorcycle ride in California encouraging positive mental health coinciding with National Motorcycle Ride Day and World Mental Health Day The ride made stops in Ventura Santa Clarita Solvang Santa Ynez and the Santa Monica Mountains 48 In November 2022 Wounded Warrior Project hosted a 17 mile hike to honor the 17 veterans who die each day by suicide 49 Warriors to Work edit Warriors to Work 50 is a WWP veteran employment program that connects veterans with employers and resources for jobs Through career counseling including resume building interview preparation and salary negotiation assistance veterans can find work that best fits their skill sets and allows them to smoothly transition into civilian life 51 Family support programs edit Wounded Warrior Project helps families of veterans reconnect through events that support family bonding and transitional skills By providing the space and time for veterans to spend with their loved ones the transition from service member to civilian gets that much easier Through their veteran family support programs Wounded Warrior Project also helps guide families through the sometimes confusing process of receiving VA benefits 52 Warrior Care Network edit Warrior Care Network is an initiative providing access to high quality care for veterans mainly dealing with post traumatic stress disorder PTSD and traumatic brain injury TBI 53 Established in 2016 the 100 million project included four PTSD treatment centers in Atlanta Boston Los Angeles and Chicago 53 In October 2018 Wounded Warrior Project announced a 160 million investment in the mental health care of wounded veterans 54 In 2024 it invested another 100 million to fund programs for post 9 11 veterans that aim to reduce depression anxiety and substance use disorders 55 From 2005 to 2016 the suicide rate among U S veterans increased almost 26 percent Starting in 2016 Warrior Care Network provided care that includes group therapy with other veterans to learn coping strategies such as yoga and meditation 56 According to a Georgia Public Broadcasting article programs like Warrior Care Network s are likely contributing to the declining rate of suicide among former service members in the state of Georgia where rates were significantly lower than the national veteran suicide rate in 2022 Overall suicide rates for veterans peaked in 2018 and then fell in 2019 and 2020 by 9 7 57 Project Odyssey edit Project Odyssey is an adventure based learning program that provides veterans from all branches of the armed services an opportunity to work together in group activities and psychoeducational sessions 12 58 Through the Project Odyssey program veterans can engage with other veterans with similar interests such as motorcycle riding 59 Rolling Project Odyssey offers a series of group rides for veterans 59 Soldier Ride edit For the past 20 years Wounded Warrior Project has organized its annual Soldier Ride a multi day cycling program The Soldier Ride originated from the initiative of a single cyclist who completed a 5 000 mile coast to coast journey to honor post 9 11 injured veterans Since then Soldier Ride has organized events in cities across the United States The rides focus on improving the management of stress anxiety and depression and ways to mitigate the risk of suicide 60 WWP provides all participants with adaptive cycling equipment or necessary modifications at no cost Soldier Ride events also provide veterans with opportunities to network with other veterans and communities across the country 61 In April 2023 a Soldier Ride started in Annapolis Maryland and ended in Lorton Virginia The nearly 30 participants visited the White House and met Vice President Kamala Harris 62 The January 2023 ride featured a 3 day bike ride starting in Miami Florida and ending in the Florida Keys 13 Participants in the ride were also invited to interact with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys 63 In 2022 participants were invited to the White House to start the ride where they were welcomed by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden 64 There was also a ride in the Chicago area in 2022 in which participants cycled about 60 miles in 3 days 65 Independence Program edit Wounded Warrior Project s Independence Program offers support to veterans with brain injuries spinal cord injuries or other neurological conditions and their caregivers 66 This program is for recovering veterans that are transitioning from a medical facility to their home environment to allow them to rely on themselves and become functionally independent 14 Through the program veterans gain access to occupational therapy social workers and rehab counselors on site where they live without having to pay any out of pocket costs 14 In 2020 Wounded Warrior Project invested 7 25 million to support veteran and military caregivers Carry Forward edit Wounded Warrior Project started its Carry Forward 5K run walk in 2018 The event takes place in cities WWP is located in across the country including San Diego California Jacksonville Florida San Antonio Texas and Nashville Tennessee Participants can also host virtual events to raise money to support WWP s free services for veterans including mental health career counseling and long term rehabilitative care 67 68 69 Participants of Carry Forward can carry flags weights or another person to represent the responsibilities veterans carry during their service and to show support for veterans sacrifice 70 Government affairs editThe Government Affairs team advocates for legislation that helps veterans and their supporters Several bills have passed including the Traumatic Injury Protection Program TSGLI the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 the Ryan Kules and Paul Benne Specially Adaptive Housing Improvement Act of 2019 the Veteran Families Financial Support Act 2020 and the PACT Act 2022 71 WWP s legislative agenda is guided by the information in the organization s Annual Warrior Alumni Survey and encompasses issue areas spanning from veteran brain health and toxic exposure to women veteran issues 72 73 74 75 76 In March 2014 WWP testified before Congress strongly supporting the bill To amend title 38 United States Code to provide veterans with counseling and treatment for sexual trauma that occurred during inactive duty training H R 2527 113th Congress The bill would extend a VA program of counseling care and services for military sexual trauma that occurred during active duty or active duty for training to veterans who experienced such trauma during inactive duty training 77 78 The bill would alter current law which allows access to such counseling only to active duty members of the military so that members of the Reserves and National Guard would be eligible 79 The WWP did a study of its alumni and found that almost half of the respondents indicated accessing care through VA for MST related conditions was very difficult And of those who did not seek VA care 41 did not know they were eligible for such care 80 The WWP also testified that in addition to expanding access to MST care the VA needed to improve care itself because veterans report inadequate screening providers who were either insensitive or lacked needed expertise and facilities ill equipped to appropriately care for MST survivors 80 In 2016 Wounded Warrior Project along with 13 other veterans service organizations lobbied for lawmakers to secure IVF funding for combat wounded veterans 81 In 2020 Wounded Warrior Project s Legislative Director Derek Fronabarger worked with Jon Stewart from The Daily Show to advocate on Toxic Exposure related issues for service members and veterans 82 In 2022 Jose Ramos vice president of government and community relations for the Wounded Warrior Project announced support on behalf of WWP for the Maj Richard Star amendment a House Bill that would make disabled war veterans with under 20 years of active service eligible for both disability and retirement benefits 83 84 Controversy editOn May 27 2014 Wounded Warrior Project filed a lawsuit against Dean Graham a disabled veteran with PTSD and his Help Indiana Vets Inc organization 85 After a court ruling Graham retracted the allegations he leveled against Wounded Warrior Project and folded his direct aid non profit 86 Wounded Warrior Project filed a lawsuit in October 2014 seeking damages and court costs against a Blandon Pennsylvania non profit Keystone Wounded Warriors claiming confusing similarities between the Keystone and WWP logo Hampton Roads VA Channel 3 TV covered the Keystone story on April 30 2015 87 88 and Nonprofit Quarterly covered the story with a title asking is WWP a Neighborhood Bully among Veterans Groups 87 Tim Mak also covered the suit for the Daily Beast 89 90 After a reporter for the Tacoma Washington News Tribune informed disabled veteran Airman Alex Graham a blogger at the conspiracy website Veterans Today of a pending lawsuit against him by the WWP he removed his articles critical of their policies later retracting his criticisms and issuing a public apology 91 In 2016 and 2017 subsequent investigations by a Jacksonville FL television station and the U S Senate Judiciary Committee found that WWP inaccurately reported the money it spent on veterans programs by using inflated numbers and misleading advertisements 92 In February 2017 the Better Business Bureau gave WWP a clean bill of financial health 93 A 2016 review said some media reporting contained information that was inaccurate 94 Donations and spending editIn 2012 WWP spent US 114 817 090 on programs in support of wounded veterans their families and caregivers 95 From October 2022 through March 2023 WWP provided emergency financial assistance to approximately 1 800 registered veterans and their families up from 657 the previous year Each family typically receives several thousand dollars to help cover bills and expenses 96 In 2013 a new employee mistakenly declined to accept a donation from Liberty Baptist Church in Fort Pierce Florida and issued this inadvertent statement to the church leaders in an email We must decline the opportunity to be the beneficiary of your event due to our fundraising event criteria which doesn t allow community events to be religious in nature 97 Shortly after the church received this letter a WWP spokesperson apologized and said that it was a miscommunication 98 In June 2015 The Daily Beast reported that the WWP sells its donor information to third parties It also alleged that WWP distributed what it deemed an insubstantial percentage of donations to actual wounded warriors and that it overpaid its executive staff 99 In January 2016 The New York Times reported that only 60 percent of the revenue of the Wounded Warrior Project was spent on programs to help veterans the remaining 40 percent was overhead It also reported claims of work environment coercion and multiple terminations 100 That same month CBS News disclosed that the WWP had grown to spend millions of dollars annually on team building events 101 In March 2016 Wounded Warrior Project s board of directors dismissed the charity s top two executives Steven Nardizzi and Al Giordano after hiring the law firm Simpson Thacher amp Bartlett to perform an independent review of spending issues related to the company s funds Board chairman Anthony Odierno was announced as temporarily taking control of the charity 102 And spending on conferences and meetings had increased from just under 2 million in 2010 to 26 million in 2014 103 In October 2016 Charity Navigator dropped Wounded Warrior Project from its watch list and later boosted the nonprofit s score to a four star rating out of four stars 104 In February 2017 the Better Business Bureau released a report clearing Wounded Warrior Project of the lavish spending allegations and found the organization s spending to be consistent with its programs and mission 27 In April 2020 WWP donated 10 million to 10 000 of its ill and wounded service members during the COVID pandemic This was the largest donation WWP had made to its members 105 In 2022 MacKenzie Scott donated 15 million to Wounded Warrior Project its largest individual gift to date 106 107 Charity ratings editAccording to a 2013 article in Nonprofit Quarterly Depending on the rater the Wounded Warrior Project seems to have scored low Charity Watch high BBB Wise Giving Alliance or somewhere in the middle Charity Navigator 108 However for the fiscal year ended 30 September 2016 Charity Watch assigned WWP a C rating up from a D originally and Charity Navigator published its rating for WWP on 1 February 2017 as four out of four stars up from three As of August 2018 that rating had dropped back down to 3 stars 109 According to Charity Navigator WWP allocates 71 percent of its revenue to program and service expenses and the remaining balance pays to support those programs 110 As of 2023 the Wounded Warrior Project scores a 89 at Charity Navigator 110 In January 2017 the Better Business Bureau s Wise Giving Alliance renewed its accreditation of WWP for the next two years as meeting the 20 standards for charity accountability 111 In 2023 Wounded Warrior Project was named one of the NonProfit Times Best Nonprofits to Work For ranking 39 among all participating non profit organizations 112 See also editWarrior Games multi sport event Warrior Care Network Help for HeroesReferences edit a b Wounded Warrior Project General FAQs Retrieved September 13 2013 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax Wounded Warrior Project PDF Pdfs citizenaudit org Retrieved January 28 2016 Who We Serve Wounded Warrior Project retrieved May 12 2015 Expanded Emergency Financial Assistance Now Available For Wounded Warriors Operation Homefront retrieved September 19 2013 a b Wounded Warrior Project spends 58 of donations on veterans programs Tampa Bay Times retrieved September 19 2013 Hope for the Warriors Receives 100 000 Community Partnership Grant from Wounded Warrior Project Hope for the Warriors Restoring Self Family Hope July 25 2022 Retrieved March 15 2023 Charity Navigator Rating for Wounded Warrior Project Charity Navigator Retrieved July 17 2017 Chavez Paloma August 23 2022 Charity golf tournament for wounded veterans was a scam Arizona police say Retrieved March 15 2023 a b HealthDay January 5 2023 3 Week Program Effective in Helping to Ease Combat Linked PTSD Retrieved March 5 2023 More troops suffer from PTSD still lack access to mental health care survey The Washington Times Educational and career counseling VA Chapter 36 Veterans Affairs October 12 2022 a b The Wounded Warrior Project s Rolling Project Odyssey Cycle World a b Wounded Warrior bike ride set to start Thursday WSVN 7News January 4 2023 a b c Headway helps local veterans with brain spinal injuries regain independence wwltv com March 15 2022 Wounded veterans struggling financially amid inflation study indicates Fox News May 30 2023 a b Strupp Dave July 6 2007 Fast growing group helps warriors Jacksonville Business Journal Jacksonville Florida American City Business Journals Inc OCLC 44317335 archived from the original on April 28 2011 a b Herbert Robert March 12 2004 Our Wounded Warriors The New York Times CNN Fredricka Whitfield interview with John Melia CNN March 20 2004 archived from the original on June 4 2011 retrieved August 21 2009 archived by WebCite here United States Congress Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs 2005 Back from the Battlefield Part II Seamless Transition to Civilian Life Hearing Before the Committee on Veterans Affairs United States Senate One Hundred Ninth Congress First Session April 19 2005 Washington D C Government Printing Office pp 7 8 ISBN 978 0 16 075462 3 LCCN 2006415120 OCLC 63270891 National Veterans Organization Awards 2 7 Million Grant to Aid Wounded Soldiers United Spinal Association retrieved September 30 2013 How A Backpack Changed This Warrior s Life Wounded Warrior Project retrieved May 25 2019 Mak Tim April 14 2017 Wounded Warrior Charity Fights To Get Rich The Daily Beast Retrieved April 3 2024 Katzenberg Lauren May 4 2015 Wounded Warrior Project Accused Of Bullying Other Vet Charities Task amp Purpose Retrieved April 3 2024 Clark James June 8 2015 Wounded Warrior Project Under Attack For Selling Personal Information Of Donors Task amp Purpose Retrieved April 3 2024 Seck Hope August 9 2019 After Public Crisis and Fall from Grace Wounded Warrior Project Quietly Regains Ground Military com Retrieved April 3 2024 Philipps Dave January 27 2016 Wounded Warrior Project Spends Lavishly on Itself Insiders Say The New York Times Retrieved February 4 2019 a b c Wax Thibodeaux Emily February 8 2017 Wounded Warrior Project cleared of spending lavishly report finds Washington Post Reid Chip Janisch Jennifer May 25 2017 Sen Grassley releases report on Wounded Warrior Project spending cbsnews com Retrieved February 4 2019 Wounded Warrior Project fires top 2 executives after accusations of lavish spending Dallas News March 10 2016 Retrieved February 4 2019 Bauerlein David New Wounded Warrior Project CEO has experience with agency turnarounds The Florida Times Union Wounded Warrior Project CEO Army veteran will retire in Jan 2024 www audacy com August 14 2023 Shane III Leo March 25 2024 Outgoing WWP leader sees continued strain on vets but more support Military Times Retrieved April 19 2024 Bennett Kate Klein Betsy November 10 2021 Jill Biden and Elizabeth Dole team up to highlight military caregiving CNN Joining Forces and Hidden Helpers Coalition Pledge Support to Military and Veteran Children in Caregiving Families Joining Forces The White House November 10 2021 Doornbos Caitlin November 10 2021 White House advocacy groups pledge support for 2 3 million US children who care for wounded veteran parents Stars and Stripes Retrieved June 15 2023 report Times staff January 12 2024 Former Fort Drum commander Piatt named CEO of Wounded Warrior Project NNY360 https home army mil drum index php about news news archives march 2019 next chapter new responsibilities 2013 2014 Directory Veterans and Military Service Organizations PDF Va gov Retrieved January 28 2016 List of Representative for Accredited Organization Archived from the original on November 18 2013 Retrieved November 6 2018 Accreditation Search PDF Va gov Retrieved January 28 2016 Gilbane doing 1 3 million renovation of Wounded Warrior Project HQ Bizjournals com Retrieved January 28 2016 Mental Health Services for Veterans Wounded Warrior Project Retrieved August 15 2020 Redmon Jeremy December 25 2019 Iraq war veteran helps others recover from invisible wounds at Emory The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved December 20 2022 Wounded Warrior Project using new virtual reality tools to treat PTSD May 31 2023 Johnson Steven Ross May 26 2023 Veterans Mental Health Addressing the Lingering Impact of War Healthiest Communities Health News US News amp World Report Retrieved June 27 2023 For veterans with PTSD pandemic feels a lot like wartime www nbcnews com Crushed by the effects of PTSD veterans find lifeline in Wounded Warrior talk program Dallas News November 10 2021 Veterans ride through Solvang to promote mental health awareness KSBY News October 5 2022 Veterans hike 17 miles in frigid Park City to honor those lost to suicide The Salt Lake Tribune Veteran Employment Programs amp Career Counseling Wounded Warrior Project Retrieved August 15 2020 Educational and Career Counseling VA Chapter 36 U S Department of Veteran Affairs Retrieved August 15 2020 Veteran Family Support Programs Wounded Warrior Project Retrieved August 15 2020 a b The Washington Times November 4 2015 More troops suffer from PTSD still lack access to mental health care survey The Washington Times Wounded Warrior Project investing 160M in veterans health care WJXT October 23 2018 Military spouse shares impact of resources provided by Wounded Warrior Project mental health programs firstcoastnews com February 10 2024 Balch Bridget October 29 2018 Wounded Warrior Project expands mental health care services for veterans Richmond Times Dispatch Eldridge Ellen September 26 2022 Veteran deaths by suicide decline over pandemic as invisible wounds of war are addressed Georgia Public Broadcasting Riley Rachael Help from Wounded Warrior Project prompts veteran to give back The Fayetteville Observer a b Veterans arrive in Utah to receive motorcycle therapy FOX 13 News Utah KSTU July 26 2022 South Florida gears up to honor injured veterans in 20th Annual Soldier Ride WSVN 7News Miami News Weather Sports Fort Lauderdale January 4 2024 Wounded Warrior Project Soldier ride rolls through the DMV MSN Gonzalez John April 13 2023 Wounded Warrior Project Soldier ride rolls through the DMV WJLA Wounded Warriors end Florida Keys Soldier Ride with dolphins www cbsnews com January 9 2023 Leib Mason June 23 2022 Biden welcomes wounded warriors families to White House ahead of annual bike ride ABC News Videos FOX 32 Chicago June 9 2022 Staff News4Jax com July 1 2015 Winn Dixie July Fourth profits to be donated to Wounded Warrior Project WJXT a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint numeric names authors list link Wounded Warrior Project Hosts The Carry Forward 5k on Saturday November 5 Action News Jax November 4 2022 Wounded Warrior Project s Carry Forward 5K to return to San Diego for first time since 2019 August 20 2022 Carry Forward 5K www southwire com Local Veterans And Supporters Complete Wounded Warrior Project Carry Forward 5K In Remembrance Of 9 11 CBS Pittsburgh www cbsnews com September 11 2021 Frazier Aleesia Hatcher Francine April 20 2022 Wounded Warrior Project lobbies for bill to help veterans exposed to toxins while serving WJXT a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link Veteran Policies Legislative Advocacy for Veterans www woundedwarriorproject org Legislative Priorities www woundedwarriorproject org Bill to improve VA adaptive housing grants passes House Impact of Wounded Warrior Project Advocacy Efforts Crosses 2 5 Billion Press release Studios Yahoo Creative May 24 2022 Natural reactions to a very unnatural situation Here are some of the urgent issues facing post 9 11 veterans Yahoo News Retrieved December 20 2022 H R 2527 Summary United States Congress Retrieved May 27 2014 Wounded Warrior Project Statement for the Record Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs United States Senate May 22 2019 Retrieved March 15 2023 Neiweem Christopher J March 27 2014 Submission for the Record of VetsFirst House Committee on Veterans Affairs Archived from the original on May 29 2014 Retrieved May 27 2014 a b Submission for the Record of Wounded Warrior Project House Committee on Veterans Affairs March 27 2014 Archived from the original on May 29 2014 Retrieved May 27 2014 Apex family calling on Congress for IVF funding for vets WRAL com June 17 2016 Veterans Frontline Concerns Jon Stewart and Derek Fronabarger The Washington Post In a blow to disabled and retired war vets Congress skips measure that would help ease financial strains NBC News July 18 2022 Bill to help disabled war vets surpasses rare threshold of support forging new path for House vote after dying in committee news yahoo com August 10 2022 Ashton Adam February 9 2015 Wounded Warrior Project sues a veteran critic in Gig Harbor The News Tribune Motion for Entry of Consent Judgment and Permanent Injunction PDF Wounded Warrior Project Retrieved September 13 2020 a b Mike Mather April 29 2015 Small veterans charity sued for unfair competition by Wounded Warrior Project WTKR com Retrieved January 28 2016 Keystone Wounded Warriors sued for unfair competition by Wounded Warrior Project fox43 com May 12 2015 Tim Mak Wounded Warrior Charity Unleashes Hell On Other Veteran Groups The Daily Beast Retrieved January 28 2016 Fitzsimmons Kevin October 8 2014 Lawsuit over logo filed against Keystone Wounded Warriors WFMZ TV Ashton Adam February 9 2015 Wounded Warrior Project sues a veteran critic in Gig Harbor The News Tribune Gardner Lynnsey May 24 2017 Senate releases report criticizing Wounded Warrior Project s past spending Graham Media Group Retrieved September 13 2020 Wax Thibodeaux Emily February 8 2017 Wounded Warrior Project cleared of spending lavishly report finds Washington Post Retrieved June 15 2023 Better Business Bureau says no lavish spending by Wounded Warrior Project The Florida Times Union WWP Financials Wounded Warrior Project retrieved September 19 2013 Keshner Andrew There s no blueprint If U S defaults on debt 12 billion in benefits for veterans and their families is at stake MarketWatch Wounded Warrior Project denies money donation from a Fort Pierce Christian School WPTV TV Retrieved February 1 2013 Starnes Todd February 4 2013 Wounded Warrior Project Apologizes for Rejecting Church Donation Fox News Tim Mak Wounded Warrior Charity Fights To Get Rich The Daily Beast Retrieved January 28 2016 Phillips Dave January 27 2016 Wounded Warrior Project Spends Lavishly on Itself Insiders Say The New York Times Retrieved January 27 2016 Reid Chip Janisch Jennifer January 26 2016 Wounded Warrior Project accused of wasting donation money cbsnews com Retrieved January 27 2016 Phillips Dave March 10 2016 Wounded Warrior Board Ousts Top Two Executives New York Times Retrieved March 10 2016 Wounded Warrior Project s Top Execs Fired After Spending Scandal Military com March 11 2016 Gardner Lynnsey October 3 2016 Charity watchdog drops Wounded Warrior Project from watch list WJXT Fioraliso Ted April 10 2020 Wounded Warrior Project donating 10 million to members in need during pandemic www kwqc com Jacksonville s Wounded Warrior Project receives its largest individual gift of 15 million from MacKenzie Scott The Florida Times Union MacKenzie Scott has donated more than 12 billion Here s where some of the money has gone USA Today Cohen Rick January 8 2013 One Charity Many Different Ratings What s a Donor to Do Nonprofit Quarterly Retrieved January 4 2015 Charity Navigator Rating for Wounded Warrior Project Charity Navigator Retrieved February 4 2019 a b Charity Navigator Rating for Wounded Warrior Project www charitynavigator org BBB Wise Giving Alliance Better Business Bureau Retrieved July 17 2017 2023 Best Nonprofit Winners Found A Way To Connect External links editOfficial website Wounded Warrior Project coverage at C SPAN Portals nbsp Society nbsp United States Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Wounded Warrior Project amp oldid 1219747007, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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