Best military support groups to donate to?

[Ironhide400]

I was approached by friend who is a great patriot. He already donates to USO and WWP, but is wanting to expand his donations. What other organizations do you guys recommend? He was asking about Red, White, and Blue or Operation Homefront. Any insight on groups you guys like or directly work with is appreciated.

[comanche_warior]

I was approached by friend who is a great patriot. He already donates to USO and WWP, but is wanting to expand his donations. What other organizations do you guys recommend? He was asking about Red, White, and Blue or Operation Homefront. Any insight on groups you guys like or directly work with is appreciated.

American Legion is a good one, my mom is part of the Auxiliary because of my grandpa and they do allot of good work. Wounded Warrior Project is a good one too, if I can recall correctly it is founded by a veteran.

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

As far as outside charities you can look into WWP but you already mentioned that. My recommendation for people is always the Red Cross. They do a lot for both sides of the spectrum.

[GhostOverride]

I always recommend the Red Cross, but I have personal experience of what they can do. They helped me get home on emergency leave from Korea in 24 hrs total when my daughter was hospitalized

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

I always recommend the Red Cross, but I have personal experience of what they can do. They helped me get home on emergency leave from Korea in 24 hrs total when my daughter was hospitalized

Exactly. Key players in bringing troops back for emergencies which I think is one of the most important things to some troops.

[GhostOverride]

Exactly. Key players in bringing troops back for emergencies which I think is one of the most important things to some troops.

I know it was for my family and I

[iamthesgt]

I always recommend the Red Cross, but I have personal experience of what they can do. They helped me get home on emergency leave from Korea in 24 hrs total when my daughter was hospitalized

Well, any official notice of a family sickness, death, etc. HAS to come through the Red Cross. There are no other authorized channels for getting you home.

[Stolenwaffle]

I would recommend Operation Homefront. They have a big presence in Texas and I have seen them do a lot of good for Veterans and Active Duty military.

[GhostOverride]

Well, any official notice of a family sickness, death, etc. HAS to come through the Red Cross. There are no other authorized channels for getting you home.

Believe me they did more than merely verify and connect the calls

[CrzyChinook]

Uhhh nobody mentioned the best one out there...USMG!!!!

Sent from my brand new HTC One

[iamthesgt]

Believe me they did more than merely verify and connect the calls

Oh I'm sure. They do a pretty good job

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

Uhhh nobody mentioned the best one out there...USMG!!!!

Sent from my brand new HTC One

I wish hahaha...


Oh I'm sure. They do a pretty good job

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

They do an unreal job, I have seen some people from the desert home within 24 hours of the emergency notification... not always the case but when the system works it's a good thing.

[BigFreeze99]

I post the bi-monthly RAO bulletin up in the Veterans Info section. I think the last bulletin had an article in it concerning the Veteran (non-profit) organizations. Their 2011 IRS 990 forms were released.... If you care to do the research check that out. Just a highlight: Most of the command group for the orgs (ie. VFW, American Legion, DAV..... more) get paid (per diem, expenses and other special costs) in the 6 figures. (much like 'smoke's' salary here....lol JUST F... Kidding).
My only suggestion is if you want to donate... donate to the local chapters of these organizations. Personal experience: the local chapters are all volunteers and normally most of your donations will go to the cause they advertise. With the DAV, they require 10% of fundraisers be sent to the parent organization, but donations are untouchable by the state and national Headquarters. (this may vary by state).
Make sure you get a receipt for your generosity to keep the recipient honest (not to mention it is a tax write-off, in some cases). If you donate local, do your homework there too. Many pirates and thieves run some of these groups... Most of us are above the board and honest.

I will stop with my thesis now...

Thanks

Mike

[BigFreeze99]

It is the May 1st bulletin: http://www.veteransresources.org/2013/04/rao-bulletin-update-01-may-2013/ (http://www.veteransresources.org/2013/04/rao-bulletin-update-01-may-2013/)
See the chapter: Veteran Service Organizations... expenditures...

Mike