Shocker WWP supporting Vietnam Veterans and TAPS

Wounded Warrior Project Announces Support for TAPS and Vietnam Veterans of America

Wounded Warrior Project
Mar 14, 2019

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) announces a grant and collaborative partnership with Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to raise awareness and collect data on the impact of toxic exposure on the long-term health of veterans. This $200,000 grant supports VVA and TAPS' joint advocacy and tracking of toxic exposure illness among post-9/11 veterans. Many veterans of this generation have reported experiencing various illnesses resulting from exposure to contaminants on the battlefield such as burn pit smoke, depleted uranium, and industrial chemicals.

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) announces a grant and collaborative partnership with Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to raise awareness and collect data on the impact of toxic exposure on the long-term health of veterans.

"Toxic exposure is one of our top policy priorities for 2019," said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. "Working together with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and Vietnam Veterans of America will enable our collective legislative advocacy and provide resources to veterans and family members who have incurred an illness due to toxic exposure during military service. We're proud to partner with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and Vietnam Veterans of America to learn more about this issue and ensure veterans' health care needs are addressed."

"We are profoundly grateful for the critical grant funding WWP has provided to TAPS," said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder. "Over the past decade, TAPS has seen a dramatic increase in the number of deaths due to illness and cancers related to toxic exposures. These service members and veterans leave behind grieving families who deserve the same care and support all service members and veterans receive. Together with WWP and VVA, we will honor those who are ill and have died by caring for all those who they loved and left behind."

"Though our war ended more than 40 years ago, we continue to battle for justice and answers for veterans exposed to Agent Orange and other toxic substances, which have been passed on to their families," said John Rowan, VVA National President. "And now, tragically, post-9/11 veterans have been exposed to a range of biological and chemical toxic substances. Whether from burn pits emitting dioxin and other toxicants; from depleted uranium; or from toxicants yet to be identified, they are dying young from uncommon illnesses, and their children are sick as well. We cannot stand idly by as this newest generation of veterans is faced with the same culture of denial as they struggle to access health care and compensation from the VA. We are glad for the opportunity to work in partnership with Wounded Warrior Project and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors to share our lessons learned and to advocate for our younger veterans and their families."

Breaking News: Steven Nardizzi and Al Giordano Fired from WWP

Wounded Warrior Project Executives Fired After CBS Investigation 
CBS News 
March 10, 2016 5:49 PM

BOSTON (CBS) – The CEO and COO of the Wounded Warrior Project have been fired following a CBS News investigation over lavish spending.

CBS News has confirmed that CEO Steven Nardizzi and COO Al Giordano were fired after criticisms from employees about how it spends its more than $800 million raised in donations in the past four years. 

More than 40 current and former employees of the prominent veterans charity told CBS about lavish parties, $2500 bar tabs and expensive resort trips for employees.
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Wounded Warrior Project execs ousted Investigative reports raise questions about charity's spending, culture

Sources connected to the WWP board said several elements in the News4Jax investigative reports were heavily considered in the board's decision, including two lawsuits filed against Wounded Warrior Project employees and injured veterans, employee yearbooks, a major donor pulling his support, and Silva taking to social media to call the allegations and subsequent review “bull****.”

Wounded Warrior fundraiser “unbelievable” success

While this event shows people do care about our troops and veterans, it says nothing about what Wounded Warrior Project actually does with all of the money they collect from events like this.

After reading many complaints about WWP along with more about their fundraising I wondered Is Wounded Warrior Project a Country Crock? and put up the question to veterans.

The stated mission of WWP is

To raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members.
To help injured service members aid and assist each other.
To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.

If the veterans are taking care of each other why does WWP need so much money?

There are hundreds of reports on WWP fundraising but few on what they actually do for the veterans. I haven't been able to find anything on a program they have for PTSD veterans that they actually take care of.

Restore Warriors is an anonymous website with resources and self-help strategies for warriors living with the invisible wounds of war, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), combat and operational stress, or depression.

The latest fundraising commercial on TV talks about PTSD but again, while they talk about the problem, then don't mention what they do.

Wounded Warrior fundraiser “unbelievable” success
Radio Iowa
November 24, 2012
By Pat Curtis

Organizers of a 5K walk/run designed to honor a former soldier from eastern Iowa are planning to make it an annual event. The Flaughless 5K is named for Dan Flaugh, who took his own life last December, just a few years after he was discharged from the military.

Flaugh’s friend, Georgia Sysouchanh, says she and others didn’t recognize it at the time, but Dan was struggling with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and depression. Sysouchanh organized the 5K, held last month, as a way to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project – an organization that helps veterans heal physically and mentally.

“When we first started planning the 5K, we were hoping to raise $1,000 for Wounded Warrior. By the time it was done…we were able to raise $10,000, which is unbelievable,” Sysouchanh said.
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Yes, they do have events like this and raise a lot of money with them but so far I can't find anything more than "raising awareness" and getting veterans to help each other. Does that seem worth all the money they collect every year? I'd really like to know if Wounded Warrior Project has helped you and specifics about what they actually do.

Jacksonville Wounded Warrior Remembers Combat Duty

Jacksonville Wounded Warrior Remembers Combat Duty; Now Helps Troops Returning Home
Oct 7, 2011

Written by
Mike Lyons

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Zach Hudson said combat duty in Afghanistan changed his life, and now he spends it helping veterans when they return.

Afghanistan was invaded by the U.S. and coalition forces on Oct. 7, 2001 - 27 days after 9/11. The purpose was to crush the al-Qaida base of operations, remove the Taliban from power and train Afghan forces for a new government.

Then-Army sergeant Hudson went to war in 2006 and spent 16 months as an infantry medic, once suffering a shrapnel injury to his leg. "It is one of those things that sneaks up on you, 'Wow! It's been 10 years now'," said Hudson.

"We were trying to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people, because Afghan people as a whole are not bad people," said Hudson. "It was a small group of people that worked with the Taliban that started this entire conflict."

Hudson, 27, said he is proud of his service and would return if necessary.

Hudson now works for the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization whose mission is to "honor and empower wounded warriors." Hudson helps soldiers deal with post-traumatic stress disorder.

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LPGA Golfer Jennifer Johnson giving half winnings to Wounded Warrior Project

Jennifer Johnson to Donate Half of Navistar LPGA Classic Winnings to Wounded Warrior Project
LPGA Golfer Teams with Navistar to Encourage Donations to Wounded Warrior Project

PRATTVILLE, AL. – SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 — Jennifer Johnson, one of the LPGA’s leading rookies, has announced that half of her total winnings at this year’s Navistar LPGA Classic on September 15-18, 2011, will be donated to Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP), a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services for injured service members and caregivers.

“Our wounded veterans should not have to endure any more suffering than they already have and deserve the best care and treatment available,” said Johnson, who last year was the NCGA Freshman of the Year and an NCAA First Team All-American. “Wounded Warrior Project helps those who have sacrificed so much move back into civilian life. It’s a wonderful organization and I encourage other players and tournament attendees to make a donation.”

Johnson’s donation is following Navistar’s recent announcement that for the first time, the 2011 Navistar LPGA Classic at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail's Capitol Hill complex in Prattville, Alabama will be open to the public free of charge. In a partnership with the LPGA and the Retirement Systems of Alabama, the company is asking spectators to instead donate to those who serve in the U.S. armed forces by asking event attendees to donate to the WWP.

“Our military men and women have given so much to our country,”said Dan Ustian, chairman, president and CEO, Navistar International Corporation. “That is why we support Wounded Warrior Project and have made the Navistar LPGA Classic free of charge this year, in hope attendees will consider taking a portion of the admission fee that would have paid and donate to Wounded Warrior Project. We at Navistar are thankful to Jennifer for her extreme generosity and commitment to Wounded Warrior Project.”

More than 45,000 of our nation’s armed forces have been physically wounded during the recent military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hundreds of thousands more are estimated to be recovering from invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, and traumatic brain injury. WWP assists wounded warriors and their families through a holistic approach to their recovery. In addition, the Warriors to Work program of WWP assists warriors with the transition back into the civilian workforce, including many jobs in the trucking and transportation industry. This free program offers a complete package of employment-assistance services, including resume assistance, interviewing skills, job training, networking and job placement assistance. Those interested in donating will be able to either at the tournament or by texting “WWP” to 90999 on a mobile phone.

“Jennifer’s dedication to both her profession and the military men and women who serve our country is inspiring to us as an organization,” said Steve Nardizzi, Executive Director of Wounded Warrior Project. “With the support of partners like Navistar and Jennifer, we are able to honor and empower warriors each and every day.”

In its fifth year, the Navistar LPGA Classic has confirmed more than 100 of the world's top women golfers, including the top six-ranked players: Yani Tseng, Cristie Kerr, Suzanne Pettersen, Jiyai Shin, Na Yeon Choi and I.K. Kim.

To learn more about the Navistar LPGA Classic and Wound Warrior Project visit navistarlpgaclassic.com or woundedwarriorproject.org.


How-to Donate

To donate, text “WWP” to 90999 on your mobile phone to donate $10 to Wounded Warrior Project. A $10.00 charge will be added to your mobile phone bill (or deducted from your prepaid account).


About Wounded Warrior Project

The mission of Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors. The purpose of WWP is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members; to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other; and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, non-partisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.


About Navistar

Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce® brand diesel engines, IC Bus™ brand school and commercial buses, Monaco® RV brands of recreational vehicles, and Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. The company also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com/newsroom.


Media contact: Steve Schrier, 630-753-2264
Investor contact: Heather Kos, 630-753-2406
Web site: www.navistar.com

Thousands of Miles in 100 Days for Wounded Warrior Project

Thousands of Miles in 100 Days: Local Man's Journey Across the Country
Posted Thursday, September 1, 2011 ; 06:58 PM
Updated Friday, September 2, 2011; 05:17 PM

A Morgantown man will run from Oregon to Maryland to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project.
By Kelly Rippin


MORGANTOWN -- Running a marathon is no easy task and running an ultra marathon is an even more difficult challenge.
A local man is using those races as training for the run of a lifetime.

Just a few years ago, Jamie Summerlin made the decision to run a marathon.

During the former marine's long runs an idea came to mind: A run across the country to raise awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project.

In 206 days, Jamie's journey across the country will begin.

“I'm going to stick my foot in the bay in Coos Bay, Oregon and 100 days later end up in Baltimore, Md. at the Inner Harbor. I’m running across the country for 100 days, 3,500 miles, rain sleet, snow or hail. Whatever we have to do to get across the country," said Jamie Summerlin.

Jamie and his wife, Tiffany, are both former Marines and the idea to run for the Wounded Warrior Project seemed fitting.
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Navistar LPGA Classic is partnering with the Wounded Warrior Project

The Navistar LPGA Classic is partnering with the Wounded Warrior Project to honor all those serving in the military. WWP's mission is to "honor and empower wounded warriors" of the United States Armed Forces.

Navistar Supports the Wounded Warrior Project from RTJGolf on Vimeo.

For the first time the 2011 Navistar LPGA Classic, at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail's Capitol Hill complex in Prattville, Alabama, will be open to the public free of charge. And Navistar, in partnership with the LPGA and the Retirement Systems of Alabama, will instead honor those who serve in the U.S. armed forces by asking event attendees to donate to the Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP).

More than 45,000 of our nation’s armed forces have been physically wounded during the recent military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hundreds of thousands more are estimated to be recovering from invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, and traumatic brain injury. WWP assists wounded warriors and their families through a holistic approach to their recovery.

In addition, Wounded Warrior Project’s Warriors to Work program assists warriors with the transition back into the civilian workforce, including many jobs in the trucking and transportation industry. This free program offers a complete package of employment-assistance services, including resume assistance, interviewing skills, job training, networking and job placement assistance.

Nephew of VIetnam Vet raising money for wounded with Hero

HERO MUSIC VIDEO DEDICATED TO INJURED SOLDIERS
A Film/Video project in Los Angeles, CA by Jon Collins Band

The Jon Collins Band has released their new album “HERO” to rave reviews. They have decided to create a music video for the title track single “Hero” dedicated it to all the U.S. service men and women who have been injured over the last 10 years in the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Over the last 10 years, over 43,000 U.S. soldiers have officially been injured in these two wars. However, some estimates put that number at over 100,000. Including these injured soldiers’ mothers and fathers, sons and daughters and husband and wives, literally millions of Americans have been directly impacted by these injuries.

Jon Collins' had personal experience with this when his uncle was injured in the Vietnam war. After his uncle and tens of thousands of other soldiers returned with injuries in the ‘70s, most of them suffered and recovered in silence. Because of the opposition to the war, many of their psychological wounds lingered in ways that affected our country for decades after.
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HERO MUSIC VIDEO DEDICATED TO INJURED SOLDIERS

Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride at White House

A participant in the Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride heads to the South Lawn of the White House through the Diplomatic Reception Room before the start of their ride, May 4, 2011. The President welcomed the group to the White House in advance of their fifth annual ride on Friday and Saturday. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

This afternoon, the South Lawn of the White House was full of veterans, military families, and their bicycles, as the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride came to the White House. The Soldier Ride started as a way to help wounded soldiers recover from their injuries through adaptive cycling. Nearly a decade later, the program has expanded to involve civilians as well, raising money for and promoting the cause of America's wounded warriors.

In welcoming the riders, President Obama said a few words about the beginnings of the Soldier Ride effort:

Today is a reminder -- as Michelle and Jill Biden have already said -- that every American, every single person in this country, can do something to support our remarkable troops and their families. Everybody can do something.

So seven years ago, a bartender from Long Island had the same idea. He wasn’t from a military family. He had never served in the military. But he knew that he owed our military something. He was just an ordinary American who was grateful for the service of all those who wear the uniform. And he said, “I just wanted to give something back.”

So he jumped on his bike and rode across the country -- over 5,000 miles -- to raise funds and awareness for our wounded warriors. Today, there are Soldier Rides all across America giving our wounded warriors the confidence and support they need to recover. That’s the difference a single person can make. Today we want to thank Chris Carney and everyone from the Wounded Warrior Project for reminding us of our obligations to each other as Americans.

After taking special note of a few individual soldiers with whom he had met before, President Obama thanked the riders for the inspiration they provide him and so many other Americans:

So to all the riders here today, I want to say, as your Commander-in-Chief and as an American, thank you. We are grateful for you. You represent the very best in America. And in your fight to recover and in the ride that you’re about to begin, we see the values and virtues that make our country great.

We may take a hit. We may endure great loss. But we are a strong and resilient people. We push on. We persevere. We’re confident in our cause. And we know that, like generations of Americans before us, we will emerge stronger than before.
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Wounded Warrior Project Soldier's Ride

Florida Gov. Scott gives $200,000 to Wounded Warriors Project

Florida governor gives $200k for wounded vets
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Feb 2, 2011 12:39:27 EST
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Rick Scott is donating $200,000 raised during his inauguration events to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Scott said during a ceremony Wednesday at the governor's mansion that he visited the group's Jacksonville headquarters while campaigning and was impressed with the work it does to help wounded veterans.

Scott said, "You could just see that lives were changed through Wounded Warriors."

Scott, a Navy veteran, also said that his administration will put a strong focus on military issues.
Florida governor gives $200k for wounded vets

Firefighter tackles 1,000 miles for wounded vets

Firefighter tackles 1,000 miles for wounded vets

By Melissa Slager
For The Herald

A marathon is one thing. Climbing a mountain is another.

But try the equivalent of 38 marathons. And three mountains. Oh, and add a 35-pound pack to your back and some combat boots.

Who the hell would do that?

Paul Cretella, a Serene Lake firefighter and former British paratrooper, is embarking on a yearlong effort to log 1,000 miles under just those conditions to raise awareness of the pain endured by wounded combat veterans.

Cretella recalled an elderly man he met on one of his aid calls, a veteran who was wounded three times in the Korean War and who still deals with chronic pain.

“Those guys coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan now are, 50 years from now, going to still be feeling the effects. … We need to do better for them,” Cretella said.

He calls his odyssey Brothers in Arms 1,000 Mile Challenge and is taking donations for two nonprofits, the Florida-based Wounded Warrior Project and its UK counterpart Help for Heroes.
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Firefighter tackles 1,000 miles for wounded vets

Vietnam Vet swims Sea of Cortez for Wounded Warrior Project

Night Train Swimmers attempt to break world record with relay swim
June 24, 2009
157-mile Swim Across Sea of Cortez to Benefit Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)

Night Train Swimmers will attempt to break the world record for the longest continuous relay swim. Departing from La Paz, on the Baja California Sur, the six member team will cross the Sea of Cortez to hit mainland Mexico approximately 157 miles away. The team is using this event as a fundraiser to benefit Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors.

The record-breaking relay swim will commence on June 27th at 8:00am from a beach near La Paz, Mexico, and is expected to take approximately 3-4 days and nights of continuous swimming. Live GPS tracking will be available at www.nighttrainswimmers.com where the team will also keep an updated blog and photo gallery.

Vito Bialla, himself a Wounded Vietnam Veteran, says, “I’m taking it upon myself to try to make the world just a little bit better. By completing this swim and raising money for Wounded Warrior Project, we can make a huge difference for our injured heroes when they return home. It’s a privilege to help our returning Veterans.”
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Night Train Swimmers attempt to break world record with relay swim

First Midwest 'Soldier Ride' helps veterans

First Midwest 'Soldier Ride' helps veterans
Monday, June 15, 2009 6:32 AM
By Evelyn Holmes

June 14, 2009 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Sunday was the first ever Midwest "Soldier Ride." The big cycling event was designed by the Wounded Warrior Project to challenge injured veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and to help heal both the physical and mental wounds of war.

The ride came to an end Sunday, which was Flag Day.

The cyclists covered two states over four days, raising money and awareness.

It was the first of what war veterans and ride organizers say will be many rides in support of those who defend their country and freedom.

For many, Sunday's Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride marked the beginning of their celebration of life. Participants rode as a part of their mission to help those broken by war to heal.
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First Midwest 'Soldier Ride' helps veterans ESPN - USA

Wounded Soldier Keeps Giving Back

"I had some really hard times where at points I didn't have anyone to turn to," he said. "I want to be there for the guys and girls who are returning home now to lend a helping hand when they start hitting the lows that I did."

Double Dare race to benefit wounded warriors
by Mike Lesko
Associate Editor



Joseph Gross was devoted to serving in the U.S. Army. As a staff sergeant, he had seven years of active duty and was deployed twice.



His life changed in 2005 when he was wounded in Baghdad as a result of a suicide car bomb, losing his right leg below the knee, and suffering some burns and other small injuries.



Today, he is part of the Wounded Warrior Project, which oversees road races and other fundraising events including the WWP Double Dare, a 5K/10K/15K cross country race May 9 at Silver Springs Park, 5070 Stow Road, Stow. The start time is 9 a.m.



"People can run the 5K or 10K or they can take the double dare and do both, equaling 15K," Gross said.

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Double Dare race to benefit wounded warriors

Wounded Warrior Project focused on investigation by Salon.com

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Concerned by Stigma of PTSD and Mental Illness in Military

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 9 /PRNewswire/ --
In response to recently released information, Wounded Warrior Project again cited their grave concerns with the manner in which mental health and PTSD are perceived and dealt with within the military. One specific article on Salon.com highlighted concerns that military doctors are being pressured to not diagnose PTSD in returning military personnel and specifically brought to light such a situation in Fort Carson, Colorado.

"Unfortunately there is a major cultural stigma within the military against PTSD or seeking mental health care treatment," said Steve Nardizzi, WWP CEO. "These types of situations and reports reinforce the institutional barriers to seeking mental health care and serve as a deterrent to the warrior from seeking vitally needed care."

According to recently released military data, U.S. Army suicides outnumbered all combat deaths in January of this year. 2008 was also the fourth year in a row in which suicides among soldiers rose.

"Post traumatic stress disorder is very serious," said Nardizzi. "We call on the military to prioritize the reduction of this stigma against seeking care and to foster unfettered access to mental health services, regardless of cost."

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result following a traumatic event and is quite prevalent among combat veterans. PTSD can manifest itself in numerous ways, including upsetting memories of the event, flashbacks, nightmares and intense physical reactions to reminders of the traumatic events. Warriors may experience a pounding heart, rapid breathing, nausea, muscle tension and sweating. WWP urges any warrior in an emergency to get help immediately by calling 911. For those not facing an emergency situation, WWP offers services to help work through other readjustment issues.

Wounded Warrior Project's Project Odyssey brings together veterans with combat stress and post-traumatic stress disorder and gets them involved in outdoor activities that offer healthy support in the healing process. The ultimate goal is for each participant to return home with a range of coping skills to help them move forward in their recovery process. Private and group sessions with trained therapists are an integral part of the Project Odyssey experience.
About Wounded Warrior Project

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP serves to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. For more information, please call 877 TEAM WWP (832-6997) or visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.