Salvation Army is the only agency that I will ever donate to.

Another sad part about this story is how many servicemen and women are discarded after they have served.

I don't know the specifics or if they actually did engage in fraud, but who is California to determine what is "excessive" compensation? Also, will California get a cut of the money if successful, or will it rightfully go back to the donors or intended recipients of the money? I hope these questions get asked by a semi-decent reporter.

The Salvation Army is about the only you can trust.

The California lawsuit said the charity's president, Michael Lynch, received excessive compensation of $900,000.

Kind of like CEOS that receive excessive compensation. What a disgrace. I hope california wins the lawsuit, but the state should not get 1 penny from it. The judge needs to give the $ back to where it belongs.

As for the salvation army.. They need to be cut off from any local/state, or federal government support. They'll never get another penny of my money.

http://www.prosebeforehos.com/cultural-correspondent/12/07/why-the-salvation-army-doesnt-deserve-your-money/

Charity is a business. The purpose of a business is to make money, the more the better. Veterans should not have to beg for care from charities, it should be provided by the government.

The Salvation Army seems to have, year after year, the best record of giving back and donated dollars and fewer scandals than most others.

A dishonest Charity...I don't believe it! /sarc

Those who use the debt that Americans feel towards our service members to enrich themselves through these veterans charity scams deserve to receive the harshest punishment the law allows. With all that our veterans have sacrificed for this country those that take advantage of them are truly the lowest of the low. Not only should these people lose their ill gotten gains, they should get prison time for fraud.

Like to see them go after the Wounded Warrior Project which is nothing but a well polished scam. Millions and millions on fancy TV ads, mail outs and nothing to help wounded warriors despite WWP's claims.

Based on its reported fundraising, Help Hospitalized Veterans ranks among the top 1 percent of charities in the United States.

There's that "1%" again!

Salvation Army, after Katrina hit, they were first on the ground, they had trucks lined up , along with WALMART, they had water and food waiting to get into New Orleans, the Governor stopped them, said she wanted to lock down new Orleans, the Salvation army is the best help organization in the country.

as for the fines of the thieves from the veterans organization, any fines paid will be known as CY-Pres, it will go to like organizations after costs are deducted by the State of California.

I have learned to donate to my local charities. There is too much corporate pay in the large charities. The Susan B Komen organization is a great example of more money going to pay the people at the top than to find a cure.

myspellcheckerisbroken Very good thoughts. But if the state wins this lawsuit, rather than having the money go back to the original donors, I hope it ALL goes to the intended recipients.

But I agree wholeheartedly with your thoughts about CA. This state has so much financial corruption (the city of BELL and others) that the state attorney general and the state treasurer should be devoting as much time as possible looking into where and how money is spent/wasted in CA.

Anytime there is the abitlity to garner money without specific notification of allotment of the funds there will be corruption. This is one case.

There was almost another financial tragedy in CA when a committee recently tried to add a $1 per pack tax on cigarettes on the last election ballot. Thankfully it failed. The supporters/authors of the bill said it was for cancer research. But in the measure the committee was trying to get this money without any specific dollar percentage going toward cancer research. The measure failed in a very close vote. The problem with bills like this is that people target certain groups to pay for others to have cushy jobs without any accountability. The tax would be held in force until 2015. The money could be spent on anything they wanted in or out of the state. The money could have been used to add as money people to administer the program as they wanted. Had that bill measure passed, what group of people would be targeted next? This type of action just like the Veterans groups mentioned in this article wreaks of corruption/fraud.

Meanwhile,

The Federal government retains 75% of every tax dollar spent for admin fees.

Certainly the State of California has a problem of sticky fingers too, I'm pretty sure that 65% of every tax dollar it collects doesn't make it back out the door in services.

Mr. Pot and Mr. Kettle have little room to argue!

The complaint said that former president Roger Chapin, who during a 2008 U.S. congressional hearing about his management of the charity called himself the "the most honest person in this room,"...

He's probably correct.

America??? Support people who will work for a living!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do not support those who stand in line for freebies!!!! We are a nation that works for a living and those e who stand in line will ruin our US!!!!!

The Salvation Army, is NOT a veterans group. Salvation, as in religion. Army, as in God's army.

Is Goodwill not as good as the Salvation Army?

Sounds like the American Red Cross during 911. Sad!

@ TeaParty

One minute you Liberals claim Fox News can't be trusted...the next minute it's the gold standard for information.

Take that logic...bwahhhahhhhahhaaa.

LIBS

What does having liberal or conservative ideals have to do with the general and blatant greed and corruption of mankind?

What a waste of breath.

Fox News print can usually be trusted since they can be held responsible for anything they print as news. Show's like Hannity's and Beck's old one couldn't be trusted because they were always able to claim it was solely entertainment and weren't held responsible. Conservative's problems were they always quoted Fox shows as fact when 99% of other news sources called it a lie.

Now we are all learning where charity begins and ends at. The people running charities are cons. I have been trying to get assistance for a guy that is severely burned worse than me, and he needs a car or van with auto doors, auto ignition start as well. I have contacted every agency out there from the Catholic Charities, Good Will, and the Salvation Army, and they all have sent back emails saying "Sorry" but we do not help in those areas.

However, Catholic Charities does sponsor illegals in their legal fees and helping them become legal citizens in the USA.

I guess we all know why there are so many homeless Vets in CA today. The people that are suppose to be helping them are using them for their own selfish gains and profits, and each and every one of these mudderfudders need to be tossed in jail for 20 years for fraud and deception of the people.

I'm not surprised but find it scandalous nonetheless. These scam artists deserve some serious jail time. I do not believe, however, that this is the only "charity" where top management gets extravagant salaries and benefits and where only a small percentage goes to the actual programs (in my book, 33.8% is lousy). I bet the same goes for some non-profit organizations. Before giving, check out the charity online. You can check how much is spent on programs, administration, advertising, CEO salary, etc. To Richard #1.18, let's hope you never need a helping hand. Would you tell the people who recently lost everything to fires, for instance, to "forget it Charlie, just get a job?"

Claiming to be the most honest person in the room during a congressional hearing still isnt saying much.

About two years ago I got caught up in their scam... What made me feel bad is the vets were being used...

I stopped years ago, after the scandal with United Way's top exec living like a Saudi prince on the charity's dime.

Same here. I give my donations to local charities that do not have that overhead. Make no mistake though, charities are businesses and act like a business too.

United Way isn't a really a charity, it's just another tax.

nosferatu-499026

United Way isn't a really a charity, it's just another tax.

One of my employers used to beat the hell out of us until we donated to United. They get big tax breaks based on how much money they earn for United. I hated that time of year.

jdmbo3, that is illegal and you should still point out that was done to your state labor board.

Rick-911527:

Your point about congress making sure vets are taken care of has been an issue since WW1. I would like to see it happen also.

Yet part of the government has determined that the V.A. is a waste of money!

The VA is just another shoddy run gov agency....name an agency that has run efficiently and affectively without fraud and waste?

The S.E.C., the D.E.A., the N.R.C., the list goes on and on. But this is just the view of someone in government, not my personal view.

Spoken like a true anti-American who never served and will never even meet anyone who did since they wouldn't be allowed in your Progressive Ivy Tower.

Wall, baloney, your Post is truly full of elephant patoots. My Dad, is 92 and WWII & Korea Vet, my husband is a 3 tour Viet Nam Vet, the care they both receive by the Veterans Administration is very good, I've never seen a Vet. disrespected in any manner. I'll grant the Agent Orange had some merit, but not today, it is widely recognized for the toxic spray that it is and was. My problem is with the private employers whom won't hire veterans as if they are some how damaged goods. Unconscionable attitude, we want our service people to protect us but somehow there is a stigma attached for service. For a Charity to only allocate 38% of contributions to fund their programs is disgraceful while administrators are awarded the bulk of the contributions. I understand administrative costs and people don't work for free but when nearly 70% of donated funds go to a select few I find it disgraceful.

Wall, what are you personally willing to give up to care for disabled vets?

sky, wouldn't not hiring vets cause they are "damaged goods" be disrespecting a vet?

Sky - Your statement is spoken like a true military brat. I served my time and I know how most (not all) military wives act. The attitude they have is disgusting to say the least.

You are basing a wide spread problem off of your narrow experience with the military. People hate to hire veterans. The VA is unable to give proper treatment on a lot of injuries. TriCare stops paying for a lot of active military at a certain point if the care for them or their family is "too expensive".

The government hides and denies the effects of various munitions used. Along with materials soldiers come in contact with during deployments. You mention "Agent Orange" but you seem to have forgotten the Rangers returning from Desert Storm with symptoms of nonspecific nerve agent exposure. Maybe you've just forgot because you don't know any Rangers. I do, 75th 2nd Bn. I was a batt boy and had plenty of contact with these ancient Rangers who have seen more hell than I can fathom.

Shall we begin to speak of the heavy metal poisoning from the inhalation of uranium dust spread in the air after a Warthog strafes a couple times. To add to that, uranium munitions like to catch on fire on impact - so even more is put into the air. Then again, the Warthog isn't the only thing that fires uranium rounds. The jockey that was torn in half by the round isn't the only person there it effects.

This can go on and on. You type your incorrect 'facts' all you want but the end truth is: you're a spouse. Not a soldier. So you have no idea what really happens. We keep more from you than you think because we have too much pride and dignity to complain about most things. However, it's coming to and end it seems.

Jeff-1570172 and skyparrot, either you are lying for some reason; or you have not gone to very many V.A.'s; or you have not gone to very many departments within the V.A. you attend. Yes, some veterans get all of the care they need, for years and years.

But the sad fact is, and even sadder because of the denial of the fact, is all of the veterans that slip through the cracks. If you were wiser, you would remember the abysmal national statistics on suicide.

my father passed at home in feb 11 last year.I helped ith him fulltime about 2005.the va is very vague on what it thinks is a help.``between 3hrs 5x aday with gofer assist.and medicare about the same,little less you still must stay on top of them like a kid.not properly trained,some are unreliable,atleast one is in jail due to child molestation after 2yr investigation.got 1oyrs.his spouse was in iraq at time.my mentality became like trained for 25yr ago.you will help and aid,and no bull@!$%# or pay the consiquinces.had a va rep visit once trying to defend the caregivers work.after she was told we asked that person to leave afterturning her back on my dad allowing him to slip and hurt himdelf in shower.i begged her to take us to court so a judge could hear this.point is,charity still starts at home.for any vet,if they can still remember and are capable,its always leave no one behind over there,leave no vet behind when you back and more capable.thats the best and most efficient charity i have seen since my departure in 1988.

JOHN DOE:

I am reading all of the horror stories and I take you all at your word. I was surprised about what you said about TriCare. They were one of the only insurances that had no lifetime limit on benefits long before it was law.

My wife was told 17 years ago that she had 6 months. She's still here. I handle the paperwork. On several occasions I've had to fight. In jumping through the hoops, I always remain respectful and put my ducks in a row, and do and provide the information they ask in a timely manner.

I have been told by many tricare representatives that it is a pleasure to deal with an upset beneficiary who doesn't yell and cuss at them. Staying calm and respectful has gotten reps to go above and beyond to help me. I start out by telling them I need their help, make them feel like they are truely appreciated, and always thank them for their help. On occasion, I have written letters to supervisors praising the rep for the service I got.

Sometimes I deal with a rep who starts out being short and curt. We all have, huh? When that happens, I stop and tell them I can tell they are having a frustrating day. I get them talking. It seldom fails to totally change their attitude. Usually it's because they've dealt with a difficult customer. In cases like that, I know they are willing to be helpful because I took the time to listen to them.

I could go on and on about remembering to treat them as I want to be treated.

To address the idea of treatment being too expensive. I keep track of the EOB'S, AND GO OVER EACH ONE. On occasion, I have called them to tell them that an item on the EOB was not a provided service and contact the provider to get documentation they need. The biggie is double billing. I feel as much as I am deserving of the benefits, I should help verify the claims are correct. And they do appreciate itTrHere is the shocker and most of you won't believe this.

Here is the shocker you won't believe. Charges billed to Tricare by providers over the years: $13,550,000. Tricare allowed $10,213,000. Knowing that our medical expenses are outrageous....I worked jobs after retirement based on good medical benefits more than pay.

Duo insurance and tricare standard allow us to pick our providers. We avoid VA and Tricare providers whenever possible. Lets face it. Personnel levels at VA medical are less than half what's needed.

I spend far more time than I would like getting services approved. In light of above numbers I believe it is time well spent.

When I look at it like the money I save by getting approval for treatments, is the best paying job I ever had.

Right, men and women of this country serve to get nothing back, and the underline of this story is it wouldn't be brought up if the California government wasn't wanting a piece of the pie for themselves

They should do what insurers are required to do under Obamacare. Require them to spend 85% on services for the charity they raise funds for.

I really hate those type of police / fireman charities. When I ask the person on the phone if he is a volunteer or paid its always paid, so right then anyone should know just a fraction of what you send is given to the police or fireman, most goes to whoever organized that charity.

Once, a local sheriff organization more or less coerced (by telephone) my then 14-year-old son into promising to send money. I called them up, informed them they were talking to a kid and they wouldn't get one penny from me -- ever.

there's too many people who don't have enough money or time to donate. the ones who have enough money and time don't care cause their families are wealthy enough to have never had a vet in them.

While the Salvation Army does good work, they are also an example of a fleecing of America. There are many people in the organization that make way too much money. The Salvation Army also does NOT have to submit IRS documents in regard to how they spend their money because they are classified as a church. So who knows the percentage of your dollar that actually goes to helping people.

In 2010 here in Tampa, it was revealed that a Hillsborough County Commissioner was being paid $92,000/yr as a county commissioner. And he also worked for the Salvation Army making an additional $95,000/yr. According to the Salvation Army the guy helps with fundraising, development and is a liaison to local and state governments. But they refused to release any records showing specifically what he does or when he works, saying such records of the non-profit are protected by federal law. The higher up personnel at the Salvation Army bring home wages that would be considered exceptional in most businesses. Is it really fair that the donors feel they are helping people when in fact it is padding the pockets of a few?

Here's the article...
http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2010/aug/20/normans-jobs-at-county-salvation-army-raise-questi-ar-38122/

The Salvation Army needs to come clean and release the records of paid employees (like other charities) and a donation/ expense report. And they should be required to do so every year!

I once worked for the Salvation Army as a truck driver. The services that were offered for chemical dependency was housing and counceling. Food was paid for by pooling all the clients food stamp allocations and lots of food is donated by local stores who feel charitable. Clothes and other items are donated and sold in stores tended by non paid clients. Counceling is attending AA meetings that are held off site. Housing was and still is in an old donated factory that was retrofitted to house the organisation. Paid employees get nothing more than minimum wage, to a skilled truck driver this is insulting. I had a little moment of benevolence when I took the job but that ended soon afterwards. This Army of Salvation is just another charity scam, it's called stealing in the name of the Lord

Sammy-1287596, #12- Ever heard of the "FALSIFIED RECORDS", "FALSIFIED SPUN-RECORD KEEPING" and the "DECEPTIVE-DATA-SPIN-MARKETING" that produces that supposed 85 and 95% accounting? BS- "Bait and Switch". IT'S ALL FRAUD. AND "ALL" FRAUD IS ILLEGAL. (and that poor Bastard, Bernie, is the only one put away for 3 hundred and some years!)

Do you really think you can trust anything? That there is really any "credibility" as a necessity to "Trust" out there in even one area or section of The Marketplace, on this day, August 10, 2012???

"Fruad"? Not once, but twice!

lee, spell check please, fraud?

Ken, Spoken like a true liberal commie living in his parents basement. Wouldn't know the first thing about the military and would come home crying after one day in boot camp. Go suck on your progressive pacifier and let the real adults handle the work. Scumbag.

Gotta laugh at Ken. Ranger school, HA! I went to Ranger School. It's a leadership school. Drop your sorry butt off, give you a task and you're expected to figure out how to do it.

RIP (aka. RASP now) is where the real action happens. You want to be a Ranger, you get an option 40 when you sign up or hope you get sent to the 75th later, got through RIP, get placed in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Bn. Continue to train, crap out your insides, train some more, get deployed, kick some jockey in the head, go back and train some more because you still suck as far as regiment is concerned.

You want to be a leader? Go to Ranger school, get a tab, wear it like a bada**, never do anything with it.

Yes, you can be a 'Ranger-Ranger' however, since all Rangers are expected to go through Ranger school eventually most just wear the Ranger patch without the tab.

I prefer to donate money to the Unemployed Investment Bankers Benevolent Fund.

Arts and Crafts are primarily used for Occupational therapy, hand eye coordination etc., especially good for brain damaged patients, brain traumas of all sorts, IED's, strokes, etc. Don't dismiss the value of the arts and crafts, but the Charity, Help Hospitalized Vets, conduct is despicable. Karma is a nasty beast, how about some jail time!

lol you couldn't be more false about nonprofits. there are no fancy desks and our budgets are very tight. and if you don't think they are actually helping people, you've clearly never worked for a nonprofit. last year, i helped a girl get a scholarship to a top university in california so she could be the first person in her family to ever go to college. do you think that is meaningless? not worth your money? not supporting charities is one thing but why are you now dismissing all nonprofits as scams too?

LOL, SSSOOOOO true.

I know what you mean. I feel the same way about soros

Ken Wulf, find a counselor to talk to. If you hate the V.A., go to a church, almost all ministers are certified couselors.