My heart sank today...

Ok. This is for the guys that are working so hard for the Coalition to Salute Americas Heroes. I love you guys. I love everything you've done and worked hard to achieve. I love your dedication to the cause and your efforts to make life so much better for those returning from OIF/OEF. I love the fact you are from Iowa! But I'm really struggling now with the testimony I read online from Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA) whose Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has held hearings on the issue of accountability.

In previous posts I've praised the Coalition for their 96% of funds going to direct support/programming for the veterans. It is remarkable this organization can achieve so much with very little fund raising and administrative costs. But is this a "true fact?"

I spent hours reading through the testimony and while it seemed much of the issue was with Chapin's paid position with Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) and his excessive salary, bonuses and perks, and not with the Coalition (as he is not compensated for his role as President) he still made a loan to the organization (of which there is still debts being paid and no, it was not an interest free loan). There was an issue of "sports score cards" as a gift in kind and wristbands that were purchased from one org by another. It is troubling because his hand is still in the pot.

Now. We do know that the CSAH has done great and wonderful things for our returning veterans. We know they are filling a gap and reaching all branches of the military. They are serving each other and the guys on the front lines are doing a great job. It happens to be the fat cats calling the shots that seemed to have ruined it for me!

Just as this war is being fought on multiple fronts, we have a nonprofit operating on two different levels. The guys sitting on the beach getting paid thousands upon thousands for 40 hours of work and the guys on the front lines, trying to put food in the mouths of their babies, working their fingers to the bones, trying to control the bad press for a fraction of the price.

I had so wanted to launch my One George Campaign. I so wanted to partner with CSAH. Yet, I have many things to consider and now that the seed of doubt has been planted, I really cannot in good conscience put myself out there.

For those that want to read the testimony and formulate your own opinion, I'd highly recommend it. I'll put it as a link in the sidebar. I'm not suggesting CSAH is unethical in any way, shape or form, I am giving the benefit of the doubt and saying it was a simple "mistake" - I'll still be a fan - as I will always be a fan of anyone that volunteers to serve this country and pay the ultimate price. But I'm sorry I won't be out there "hawking" for funds...