An investigation into the Wounded Warrior Project, a charity for wounded veterans, has exposed what some are calling a ‘waste’ of donation money.
CBS News found that Wounded Warrior spends 60 percent of donation money on veterans, compared to other organizations like Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service and Fisher House, which spend 96 and 91 percent.
The news outlet spoke to Army Staff Sergeant Erick Millette, who returned from Iraq in 2006 with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury.
He began working with Wounded Warrior in 2013 but quit two years later after witnessing ‘lavish spending’ on staff, including catered parties, conferences, and stays in 5-star resorts.
A total of 40 former employees spoke to CBS regarding the investigation.
In 2014, the charity received nearly $300 million in donations. CBS said the charity’s tax forms show spending on conferences and meetings went from $1.7 million in 2010 to $26 million in 2014, about the same amount spent on combat stress recovery.
CEO Steven Nardizzi declined to speak to CBS, but Director of Alumni Captain Ryan Kules denied the excessive spending.
The Wounded Warrior Project sent an official statement to ClarksvilleNow.com in response to the allegations.