Dear editor:
During the Iowa caucus of Jan. 28, there was mentioned by one of the moderators that an unnamed fundraiser for injured military personnel had spent most of the proceeds it had received on expensive vacations, hotel rooms, entertainment for its employees and bonuses for its CEOs.
Although it was not surprising news, it is still appalling that these people are taking advantage of the injuries our military has -- and continues to have -- to contend with every day. They have given more in suffering for the cause of freedom for those in foreign fields and here in our country, than we can ever repay. It is a slap in the face toward our heroes, who deserve our love, prayers and respect more than they have received.
This is why I do not financially support every institution that solicits me for donations. It seems as if there are groups who know how to manipulate the unsuspecting public out of their hard-earned money because they are soft at heart. I am inundated almost daily with mailings offering me free cards and envelopes, writing pads and pens, blankets, and address labels in hopes that I will be enticed to send them a donation.
Everyone of this ilk has jumped on the proverbial bandwagon in easy money schemes at the expense of those who they are supposed to be helping. But I've heard that only 1 percent of every dollar received goes toward those in need of assistance, and the other 99 percent goes toward administrative costs. Yeah, like bonuses, entertainment, etc.!
Those who are in the race for the highest office in the land have made promises in their many speeches and debates about how they will build up our military and help those who have been maimed by war. But many times their talk is merely a ploy to get elected. Look how many have died because our VA has not taken care of their own!
I can only hope that someone in Congress -- hopefully a veteran -- will come up with some form of legislation to regulate these fundraisers and stop the corruption against our hurting military. However, I'm not going to hold my breath that this will happen any time soon, if ever!
Donald Cunningham
U. S. Air Force '60-'80, DAV
Hot Springs
Editorial on 02/08/2016