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Wounded Warrior Project


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Since I just put on a Cops, Cowboys, & Soldiers charity match this past week I am going to chime in here.

 

We chose the WWP because it benefits heros and I was very suprised to find out just how difficult it was to deal with the WWP when we were doing the shoot to raise money for them. Now seeing this thread I am finding out why. I had a friend who did a bake sale and silent auction and did not have any of the problems we had with the dealings with the WWP.

 

They were allowed to use the WWP logo and we were strickly forbidden from using any of the logos or specific wording except "procedes benefitting the WWP".

 

After reading all of this, dealing with the WWP for the past 6 + months I am firmly in belief that that are NOT neutral in the Anti/Pro gun issue. By doing what they are in regards to "gun related" issues they, IMO, are showing support for the gun control party and shying away from the honest gun owners in theis country who are the same person(s) who donate the most to the organization. I think the latest Facebook posting is just some political backpeddeling from the backlash from some of their major supporters, but it doesn't change their deep down stance and feelings.

 

I think I will start doing some further research for more supportive charities for my next C,C,& S match like maybe some of those mentioned here in this thread, Carry the Flame or the Green Beret Foundation.

 

This issue really upsets me.

 

JEL

 

+1

They have got to big for there own good. And are forgetting the supporter that got them there.

Have got the last of my money.

Yes they do some good things.

But so do others.

They have made it clear they don't need me.

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I wrote WWP directly expressing my concerns, and this is the response I received ...

 

============================================================================================================================================================

 

We appreciate your concern regarding this matter. First, these questions arose as a result of a miscommunicated message when declining an opportunity for WWP to appear on Gun Talk Radio. This mistake has unfortunately led some people to question our support of the 2nd Amendment.

 

Please know WWP wholeheartedly supports the Constitution of the United States of America, which includes the Second Amendment. We recognize these are the freedoms our Alumni fought and sacrificed to protect!

 

WWP has a long history of facilitating therapeutic hunting and outdoor opportunities for Wounded Warriors as well as fundraising activities that involve firearms.

 

Thank you for your support of Wounded Warrior Project as we continue to honor and empower wounded warriors.

 

Thank you,

MELISSA MCARTHUR

 

O: 904.405.1350

M: 904.625.6491

F: 904.296.7347

 

Wounded Warrior Project

4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300

Jacksonville, Florida 32256

 

========================================================================================================================================================

 

This was my reply ....

 

Dear Melissa -

 

Thank you for your response, however the recent attempts at spin and damage control have still left me unconvinced as to the sincerity of the statements issued on this topic. The impression that I and many others have is that money from gun owners and shooting events is just fine, but WWP doesn't want to associate with such "undesireables". In following Mr. Nardizzi's interview on Gun Talk Radio, he only served to reinforce that impression.

 

I looked on your website for some clarification, and found this: please bear in mind we do not support any fundraiser that is of a sexual, political, religious nature, or exchange of firearms or alcohol. Besides being poor grammar, it's pretty clear that WWP is striving to distance itself from and alienate the shooting sports community. I did see on your Facebook page a nice posting about a fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion ... so porn is OK, and guns are not?

 

There is speculation that the board of WWP has knuckled under to some politically correct pressure possibly tied to some donor. Hopefully that's only internet chatter.

 

However, until such time as WWP issues a clear and definitve statement devoid of spin and lawyerized double-speak that stands in support of gun owners, firearms companies, and firearm related events do not count on me for any further donations or work on your behalf.

 

==================================================================================================================================================

 

Nothing's changed except for where I'll be sending my money.

 

If any pard could take the time, a list with links of other veteran-related charitable organizations would be helpful to post

 

CWC.

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I have always preferred the Semper Fi Fund.

This a quote from their web site.

 

Our streamlined structure keeps overhead very low – less than 6% – because we realize every dollar saved can be put to better use elsewhere. The American Institute of Philanthropy has given us an "A+" rating and Charity Navigator has given us their "Four Star" rating, the highest rating for each organization.

 

Since establishing this fund in 2004, we've issued more than 48,000 grants totaling more than $67 million to over 8,300 of our heroes and their families. Clearly, the program is working. But our challenges are actually increasing, especially due to the level of severe trauma sustained in areas like Afghanistan and Iraq.

 

Their web site list ALL of their financial statements from 2004 through 2012.

 

 

I saw nothing on the site anti-gun. They only mention "sporting events" for fund raising. So I suppose you would have to find out for sure about that.

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Gun Talk Radio w/WWP spokesman

click on directdownload: 121118guntalkA.mp3

 

Above is the Tom Gresham interview of WWP's Steve Nardizzi from earlier today.

 

I believe the WWP would be able to do this without their allowing the use of their logo in return for a contribution. It might be as simple as acknowledging on their website that a firearms manufacturer has made a major contribution, and then allowing said manufacturer to use the acknowledgement in its advertising. WWP [the Vets] would get the needed funds, the contributor would get the public recognition of having contributed to the veterans thru WWP.

 

Professor Tull

You should listen to it again.

 

What you suggest IS NOT GONNA HAPPEN. WWP does not want any association with firearms at all... If they won't let you use their logo or mention in advertising anything other than "Funds benefit WWP", they have already told you that using their name cannot be used in any other form. And since their policy is to avoid 'co-branding' and they have stopped allowing any firearms related organizations to acknowledge or use their logo there is no way they are gonna post ANYTHING about firearms support on their website....

 

Kinda like being a red-headed stepchild... I want your money but don't tell anyone you gave it to me...

 

There are plenty of other organizations that do just as good a job as WWP on a smaller scale who should get our support. Not one that treats us so badly....

 

I respectfully yield the 'soapbox'......

 

JJJ-D

:ph34r: :ph34r:

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You should listen to it again.

 

What you suggest IS NOT GONNA HAPPEN. WWP does not want any association with firearms at all... If they won't let you use their logo or mention in advertising anything other than "Funds benefit WWP", they have already told you that using their name cannot be used in any other form. And since their policy is to avoid 'co-branding' and they have stopped allowing any firearms related organizations to acknowledge or use their logo there is no way they are gonna post ANYTHING about firearms support on their website....

 

Kinda like being a red-headed stepchild... I want your money but don't tell anyone you gave it to me...

 

There are plenty of other organizations that do just as good a job as WWP on a smaller scale who should get our support. Not one that treats us so badly....

 

I respectfully yield the 'soapbox'......

 

JJJ-D

:ph34r:/> :ph34r:/>

 

I have listened to it again, and read the transcript.

 

Of course my suggestion will never see the light of day - never thought it would.

 

My concerns, has been and will continue to be, the Veterans, and the extra care some so urgently need.

 

I regularly see in events I participate - Run To The Wall, Trail Of Honor, numerous carshows/cruise-ins supporting Veterans groups, taking animals to the VA Hospital - the good work the WWP does.

 

So what if the WWP is "treating me so badly" - I do not care. It is not about me, it is about the assistance they provide the Veterans that need it.

 

If there are those who feel that strongly about the WWP's weapon policy, then please find some other group to contribute too.

 

Be outraged, if you must, at the WWP position, but do not forget those who need our help. Contribute as much and as often as possible - these Veterans are in their present situations because they were defending our rights.

 

Professor Tull

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...I looked on your website for some clarification, and found this: please bear in mind we do not support any fundraiser that is of a sexual, political, religious nature, or exchange of firearms or alcohol. Besides being poor grammar, it's pretty clear that WWP is striving to distance itself from and alienate the shooting sports community. I did see on your Facebook page a nice posting about a fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion ... so porn is OK, and guns are not?

...

I like this part of your letter best. :)

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This from Tom Gresham's page about his interview with Nardizzi from WWP ...

 

http://www.shootingwire.com/features/226802

 

WWP's stance is essentially the shooting sports community can KMA, but keep those check$ coming. Don't count on it.

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This from Tom Gresham's page about his interview with Nardizzi from WWP ...

 

http://www.shootingwire.com/features/226802

 

WWP's stance is essentially the shooting sports community can KMA, but keep those check$ coming. Don't count on it.

Thanks!

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Sounds to me they want all of your money but fundraising events must be conducted in an asexual, non political, agnostic environment with not the slightest reference to firearms.

Of course an exhorbent shindig at the Playboy Mansion, well, money talks. Nothing sexual here? Hefener made his fortune on sex and sexuality. I am sure his fundraisers have plenty of t&a on display to stimulate donors to dig deep in their pants (pockets) for some cash.

My first hunch is that lawyers and politicians have a lot to do with this. Protecting legal structure and tax status is largely at the heart of this. This is just another part of the puzzle to manipulate personal and business behavior through the tax code. After all, verify this yourself, I have heard of churches under investigation by the IRS over their tax exempt status for political statements on church signs and pastors endorsing political candidates. This is typically at the behest of some left wing or atheist group.

This is all fueled by the current political climate to fundamentally transform America and pry us from the guns and religion we so adamantly cling to.

Don't get me wrong. I do think the WWP does some good things but would not and have never considered donating to them. Charities and churches are full of snake oil salesmen, particularly the larger they grow. Politics gets intertwined and interest aside for the charities principle benefactors take root in the orginaisation leading it sometimes astray. I find it best to donate my time and money in my own community.

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