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I've been a supporter of Wounded Warrior Project for some time, but now I'm rethinking my financial support of this organization.

 

Tom Gresham of Gun Talk invited a rep from WWP to be on his show, and was informed that WWP basically wants nothing to do with anybody or company associated with firearms.

A nice hypocritical stance, considering the amount of money the shooting sports have raised for WWP.

What further annoyed me was learning that WWP's CEO draws a salary of $320,000.

That's a lot of money being stolen from needful veterans, and seems excessive for a tax-exempt organization.

 

The full e-mail exchange can be found here ... https://www.facebook.com/#!/guntalkmedia?fref=ts

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I've been a supporter of Wounded Warrior Project for some time, but now I'm rethinking my financial support of this organization.

 

Tom Gresham of Gun Talk invited a rep from WWP to be on his show, and was informed that WWP basically wants nothing to do with anybody or company associated with firearms.

A nice hypocritical stance, considering the amount of money the shooting sports have raised for WWP.

What further annoyed me was learning that WWP's CEO draws a salary of $320,000.

That's a lot of money being stolen from needful veterans, and seems excessive for a tax-exempt organization.

 

The full e-mail exchange can be found here ... https://www.facebook.com/#!/guntalkmedia?fref=ts

That's a pretty inflammatory email exchange for sure. But, worse is your assertion that the CEO's salary is "money being stolen from needful veterans". That's just BULLSH** and you should watch what you accuse someone of especially in a public forum.

 

The WWP has a board of directors. There is no organization that has done as much FOR wounded military personnel as has the WWP, plain and simple. They raise multi-millions of dollars and run an international organization. Do you imagine that can be done without paying someone and a staff of people to actually do that kind of work?

 

I hear this kind of crap all the time when it comes to charitable orgs. What it amounts to is asking top talent to work for nothing. All that will get you is a lousy organization that does darn little good. Running any org the size of WWP requires full-time effort from dedicated, talented management. Support them or not, but accusing them of theft may be actionable at worse and is certainly irresponsible bashing at best.

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Have been sending in 100% of wounded soldier contributions to them for five years now. Rather dissapointed in their stance. Although I will continue to send funds in to them I also will be considering diversifying my contributions to other organizations.

 

GG ~ :FlagAm:

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Please consider donating to the Green Beret Foundation. This non-profit organization provides direct financial support to wounded Special Forces soldiers and their families. This organization covers medical expenses that the military won't, for example, cutting edge and experimental treatment for traumatic head injuries and travel expenses for family members to visit their hospitalized soldier. Visit their web site at Green Beret Foundation for more information and to contribute on-line. I am personally involved with this organization. They are a sponsor of mine as a Professional mounted shooter in the CMSA (sponsored for publicity purposes only, I take no money from this group and donate a minimum of 10% of all winnings to them). Have a look at the web site...there are some intersting photo's from Special Forces operators not normally available to the press or public.

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We have an annual shoot called the Guns of Autumn. We raffle off a gun and give part of the shooter fee to the charity of our choice. I contacted Wounded Warriors earlier this year and expressed an interest in making them our charity for 2012. I was told that they will not associate themselves with any event where there is any exchange of firearms. Shooting events were OK but if we give away any guns or guns are sold at the event, then they would not participate.

 

We raised $4,666.00 at this year's match and gave it all to the local Boy Scout troop.

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Paying someone a huge salary does not guarantee good results. One only need look at the auto companies or the federal government to see proof of that.

My "stealing" phrasing was not meant to imply there was any malfeasance or embezzelment going on.

WWP is a charitable organization, dependent on the contributions of people who seriously want to help veterans.

To see $320,000 of those contributions go to one man just rankles some folks, me included.

 

What WWP has basically said is "we don't like your weapons but we do like the money you raise using your weapons". Can't have it both ways folks.

You want our support, we expect the same in return. That's not too much to ask.

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Please consider donating to the Green Beret Foundation. This non-profit organization provides direct financial support to wounded Special Forces soldiers and their families. This organization covers medical expenses that the military won't, for example, cutting edge and experimental treatment for traumatic head injuries and travel expenses for family members to visit their hospitalized soldier. Visit their web site at Green Beret Foundation for more information and to contribute on-line. I am personally involved with this organization. They are a sponsor of mine as a Professional mounted shooter in the CMSA (sponsored for publicity purposes only, I take no money from this group and donate a minimum of 10% of all winnings to them). Have a look at the web site...there are some intersting photo's from Special Forces operators not normally available to the press or public.

 

+1

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What WWP has basically said is "we don't like your weapons but we do like the money you raise using your weapons". Can't have it both ways folks.

You want our support, we expect the same in return. That's not too much to ask.

 

Captain,

 

You make a valid point, but here is my problem with it. If a large number of the firearm owning supporters of the WWP cease their donations, where will the much needing funding come from?

 

Those who truly need this support will be the ones to suffer, because of an unrealistic set of guidelines set by the WWP.

 

As a veteran, plus a person who could qualify as a wounded warrior, plus being a gunowner, plus being a WWP supporter, I would have a hard time removing my support - - even if the WWP hierarchy went totally anti-firearm.

 

I attend too many events in this area and see what good has come from the WWP, to let the narrowmindedness of its leadership negate what little help I am able to supply.

 

Maybe it is time for the WWP supporters to voice their disapproval by installing a more firearm friendly Board of Directors.

 

Thank you for posting this - I will be closely monitoring the situation. I just pray that it has no long term negative effect on the public support the WWP so desperately needs.

 

Professor Tull

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The WWP has a board of directors. There is no organization that has done as much FOR wounded military personnel as has the WWP, plain and simple. They raise multi-millions of dollars and run an international organization. Do you imagine that can be done without paying someone and a staff of people to actually do that kind of work?

 

And MILLIONS of those dollars "Raised by WWP" come from sporting/shooting/hunting organizations and individual legal firearms users. I will no longer financially support any business that treats the 2nd Amendment like it's illegal/immoral, including the WWP! <_<

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Leaving emotions and histrionics aside, here are the facts:

 

PERCENT SPENT ON CHARITABLE PURPOSE

This is the portion of total expenses that is spent on charitable programs. In CharityWatch’s view, 60% or greater is reasonable for most charities. The remaining percentage is spent on fundraising and general administration. Note: A 60% program percentage typically indicates a “satisfactory” or “C range” rating. Most highly efficient charities are able to spend 75% or more on programs.

 

Analysis of the Wounded Warrior Project's FYE 9/30/2009 IRS Form 990 Tax Return

Most A+ charities have 75% or more of expenses going to program services. In 2009, the WWP has just 61.6% going to programs, or LESS THAN 2/3. That means 38.3% of expenses goes to fundraising and admin expenses.

 

So according to CharityWatch, the WWP is reasonable for a charity, but it is C rated. You have to decide if you want your money going to a C-rated charity, or to an A+-rated charity such as Fisher House, who we donate to.

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Professor, I agree that a change in attitude is needed at WWP, and if it means replacing some key personnel then so be it.

Their current attitude is already having negative repercussions. Their Facebook page is already up to almost 700 comments regarding their policy statement.

 

I view it as an insult to all the veterans who served, fought, were wounded, or died to defend The Constitution.

In case WWP has forgotten, the 2nd Amendment is in there, and their cavalier attitude towards it tells me they've caved to political pressure.

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Captain,

 

You make a valid point, but here is my problem with it. If a large number of the firearm owning supporters of the WWP cease their donations, where will the much needing funding come from?

 

Those who truly need this support will be the ones to suffer, because of an unrealistic set of guidelines set by the WWP.

 

As a veteran, plus a person who could qualify as a wounded warrior, plus being a gunowner, plus being a WWP supporter, I would have a hard time removing my support - - even if the WWP hierarchy went totally anti-firearm.

 

I attend too many events in this area and see what good has come from the WWP, to let the narrow mindedness of its leadership negate what little help I am able to supply.

 

Maybe it is time for the WWP supporters to voice their disapproval by installing a more firearm friendly Board of Directors.

 

Thank you for posting this - I will be closely monitoring the situation. I just pray that it has no long term negative effect on the public support the WWP so desperately needs.

 

Professor Tull

Any organization that openly says they will not accept or affiliate with a specific group then readily accepts their money does not deserve the money, regardless of who they are....

 

Isn't that the definition of Hypocrite?

 

Not to mention they put another organization out of existence that had been around longer then them because of a similar name......

 

AND they SOLICIT assistance from firearms organizations, the Friends of NRA foundation being a prime example...

 

JJJ-D

:ph34r: :ph34r:

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Here is an update on the controversy:

 

It's been an interesting few days! We've had a few people commenting on our page that don't seem to know much about Tom, or Gun Talk, so that's always interesting. To clarify, it is a big deal to lump firearms companies in with alcohol and pornography. The WWP did decline an invite to come on the show because we were a firearms-related show. Tom never said to not donate to veterans, or even to WWP - he just wanted to inform the GTR listeners about the policy, which GTM was unaware of before the interview request. The questionable policy of not aligning with firearm companies, but taking money from firearm companies and fundraisers that include firearms, is what is puzzling, and has still not been addressed by WWP. And no, Tom did not mention this on his show as a way to gain publicity. (I'm not sure how that would have even worked).

 

Today, Tom received an email from an NRA Board member (name withheld). Please note: This is the NRA Board Member's position, and not the position of the NRA.

 

 

Dear Ms. Coleman,

 

I am a member of the National Rifle Association board of directors. I have been made aware of the WWP's policy of not associating with firearms companies, or the firearms industry.

 

I find this policy absurd. I want to inform you that as a member of the NRA board it is my intention to introduce a motion at our January board meeting to assure that the NRA does not promote, support, or in any other manner support the WWP. I will also request that the NRA's 4 million members and their families are made aware of your anti-gun position.

 

Thank you for your time.

 

Sounds like the pressure is beginning.

 

And I went to their site and checked on the board of directors;

 

Of the 14 board members listed 12 are former military.... so it is even more puzzling...

 

JJJ-D

:ph34r: :ph34r:

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No one can state the Salvation Army is not a well run productive organization. Check the salary of their top dog and the percentspent on charitable ops

this is the top organization for charity. thet take donations and give out without requesting or denying anything i support then alltheway thier senior leader is one of the lowest paid ceo's there is.

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No one can state the Salvation Army is not a well run productive organization. Check the salary of their top dog and the percentspent on charitable ops

They get the bulk of my chariable donations.

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Trace Adkins, a great country singer is there TV public service spokesman. I wonder if he's aware of their position?

Major Payne :FlagAm:

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:mellow:

 

This tugs at my heart. WWP is one project that we support regularly. We believe in what they are doing. We raise funds at the Nor'easter for WWP. We will probably continue to support them but also look for a more direct way to help returning veterans.

 

Also, thanks for the info on the Green Berets organization.

 

PS Perhaps a talented philanthropic person could volunteer for the head role at WWP. I understand Mr. Romney's time is open now and he ran both the state of Massachusetts as well as the Salt Lake City Olympics without accepting any salary.

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Capt. Woodrow, thanks for alerting us to this. I refuse to give $19.00 every month like they want but I have sent donations this past year as I please. I will now stop all donations. I refuse to support ANY anti-gun organization period!

 

Rye :)

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I have supported the WWP in the past. I was unaware of their restrictions.

 

That said, maybe we should cut the group some slack while we attempt education, vice threats.

 

I've got a friend (a PHS M.D. seconded to an National Guard unit) that's done a lot of work with head trauma and PTSD. From some stuff I've gotten from him and from my wife (M.D.; Board Certified in Occupational and Aerospace Medicine; CAPT, USNR (Ret)) the very presence of firearms or firearm related noise or even photos can cause significant reaction in some patients. So if they want to keep the "industry" at arm's length that might be a very valid approach.

 

Remember that these folks who are being helped are the wounded warriors. Those of us who have not suffered that fate might want to be a bit circumspect in our decisions.

 

Again, I'd communicate with their Board and seek to clarify their position (vice relying on some PR Flack). Their reasoning might be quite sound. It might not be. But before I'd cry "boycott" I'd want more facts.

 

SQQ

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"After further review" I agree with the calls below and especially influenced by the letter from the NRA Board Member.

I will not be donating any more to the WWP. I will be looking for a worthy organization that is NOT anti-gun and where more of the proceeds go to the vets.

Nuff said.

Hidalgo

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Please consider donating to the Green Beret Foundation. This non-profit organization provides direct financial support to wounded Special Forces soldiers and their families. This organization covers medical expenses that the military won't, for example, cutting edge and experimental treatment for traumatic head injuries and travel expenses for family members to visit their hospitalized soldier. Visit their web site at Green Beret Foundation for more information and to contribute on-line. I am personally involved with this organization. They are a sponsor of mine as a Professional mounted shooter in the CMSA (sponsored for publicity purposes only, I take no money from this group and donate a minimum of 10% of all winnings to them). Have a look at the web site...there are some intersting photo's from Special Forces operators not normally available to the press or public.

 

 

I would like to emphasize the pro-gun position of the Green Beret Foundation. They gladly accept and support fund raisers like shooting competitions. Visit their Facebook page to see the results of the GBF Pro-Am Shooting Match GBF on Facebook

 

True Story:

Many Special Forces soldiers who receive injuries that would normally result in a medical discharge continue to serve. One GB lost his leg below the knee to an IAD. He returned to duty. A visiting Sergeant Major, concerned about the SF soldiers ability to fight, asked him, "Sergeant Smith, what do you do if you're in a fight and you get hit in your prosthetic and it breaks?" Sgt. Smith replied "I take my spare out of my ruck, put it on, and continue to fight....What do you do if you get shot in the leg, Sergeant Major?" This is why we will never lose.

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From another site, some other charities that may be more deserving of our help.

 

Other ones are

Semper fi fund (some of you marines might remember gen al gray, he heads up sff)

Wounded warrior regiment (actual marine corps unit dedicated to marine and fmf naval wii)

Aw2 (army wounded warrior)

Navy safe harbor

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Unfortunately, when you click on the link you have to sign in or join FaceBook. I don't want to or intend to join FaceBook. Are these "emails" found somewhere else?

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Now don't go besmurching my reputatiion. :angry:/>/> :P/>/>

 

"You have to decide if you want your money going to a C-rated charity, or to an A+-rated charity such as Fisher House, who we donate to."

 

 

YOU started it! But I'm proud of you anyway!! :P;)

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Unfortunately, when you click on the link you have to sign in or join FaceBook. I don't want to or intend to join FaceBook. Are these "emails" found somewhere else?

 

 

Ya danged old curmudgeon. Here ya go:

 

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

 

 

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I expected more than a C from my kids when they was in school.

I expect more from who I give money to than a C also. Although like BK said.

You have to pay for top people to run the thing. But even at that. I would expect better

than a C.

And I also don't like to give to those that don't like what I do.

SO.

Guess I will find another way to help and cross WWP off my list. As there are other places

to put my money and still help.

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"You have to decide if you want your money going to a C-rated charity, or to an A+-rated charity such as Fisher House, who we donate to."

 

 

YOU started it! But I'm proud of you anyway!! :P/>/> ;)/>/>

 

 

Now I'm double besmurched! Arrgghhhh!!!! :wacko:/>/> :wacko:/>/> :wacko:/>/>

 

Edit: Something wierd is going on with the emoticons.

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And now for the rest of the story. This is now on their Face Book page.

 

We've had a lot of questions recently that started when we declined an opportunity to appear on Gun Talk Radio. We want to clarify and help answer some questions. We have seen through this process that the language on our website and our response to the invitation to appear on the show weren’t clear, and we are working on clarifying our approach. There is now much inaccurate information about WWP...being anti-gun rights, an issue as an apolitical organization we do not take a stance on. We understand and appreciate that many of our Alumni are gun owners, and we facilitate multiple hunting and outdoor opportunities for our Wounded Warriors throughout the year.

 

In the past, we made our logo available to appear on wide variety of products, including guns. As an organization, we owe it to our donors and constituents to maximize the return on investment of our dollars and brand. We are always looking at our business practices and whether we should continue with them in the future. In the case of cobranding, we've decided that we're not going to offer our logo to appear on weapons anymore - whether they're guns, knives, bows, swords, or any other type of weapon. There are still a few of the guns around for sale that had licensed our logo years ago, but there aren't any new ones being made. This is purely a business decision based on a review of a return on investment, especially when compared with other types of cobranding ventures.

 

Regarding the question of donations and events, we do permit fundraisers that are shooting- and gun-related, such as gun raffles, shooting competitions, etc., and we're incredibly appreciative of those who are willing to give their time to host or participate in an event. Likewise, we gratefully accept donations from companies and individuals connected with the gun industry.

 

As indicated above, we know that hunting and shooting sporting events can be very therapeutic for many of the Wounded Warriors we serve, and we're happy to work with the community to make these types of events available to our Alumni. Hunting and shooting sport enthusiasts are an incredibly supportive and generous community, and we've been honored by how often folks have opened their land and homes, and volunteered their time to make these types of events possible for our Alumni. We're so sorry if it seemed that we didn't appreciate that support with our confusing communication of a business decision. It certainly wasn't our intention!

 

I hope this post provides some clarity and helps answer some questions. We welcome the opportunity to have a warrior on Gun Talk Radio to discuss how hunting or events of the like have supported their recovery. We responded too quickly to his request and should have delved a bit deeper.

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Looks like someone grabbed for the OH SH** handle.... :o

 

At the same time, I'd be less than honest if I said that I'd be donating to groups who think sponsoring shooters (no matter what they are shooting) is an effective way to spend the donations.

 

There are literally 1,000's of veterans and military family orgs now. I know because I founded and ran one with 100% volunteer effort for almost 14 years. (carrytheflame.org) It is almost impossible to get things done with all volunteer staffing. It becomes a full-time job for someone and almost no one is willing or able to work full-time for long periods without any pay.

 

WWP does great work and the mission is completely different from other veteran orgs. I take it as a good sign that so many care enough to do SOMETHING. Because frankly most of America (now 99%) has absolutely no association with anyone or anything in our military today.

 

That's right ZERO... no family, no personal service, no friends, nobody active, retired, veteran or otherwise. They are now the true 1%.

 

Thank you all who donate to any veteran's and military family organization.

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It sounds like WWP got the message. Hopefully, they won't be so quick to jump on the politically correct band wagon and

condemn the firearms industry as evil. It's a worthy charity and I would consider working with them in the future.

 

There are politically correct button heads in every organization.

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It sounds like WWP got the message. Hopefully, they won't be so quick to jump on the politically correct band wagon and

condemn the firearms industry as evil. It's a worthy charity and I would consider working with them in the future.

 

There are politically correct button heads in every organization.

Well, yes and no. What they said was they welcome a 'wounded warrior' to appear on the show and talk about their experience.... they will not have a foundation representative appear on the show or talk about their policy....

 

Looks like they are trying to 'spin' this to save donations and not reversing their stance,

AND as of today the policy is STILL on their website here:

Wounded Warrior

 

 

Here is the update on 'GunTalk'. It sure took a lot of pressure from the public as well as media organizations to get an answer....

 

Examiner/ gun talk posting

 

Looks to me like they are standing by their policy as unchanged, but still want our money....

 

JJJ-D

:ph34r:/> :ph34r:/>

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