'Scoundrels, Thieves and Rip-off Artists' Prey on Veterans
While donations to veterans’ and military charities have nearly doubled, not all of the money is spent on help for veterans. A News21 investigation found that some charities spent much of their money – sometimes most of it – on the organization’s overhead expenses rather than promised services.
Donations Concentrated in Handful of Charities
The number of charitable organizations that raise money for veterans more than tripled during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a News21 analysis of tax filings, but more than half of all donations go to just 12 organizations.
News21 Analysis: Charitable Giving
Using tax filings and records from the National Center for Charitable Statistics and tax filings, News21 compiled a list of 1,906 charities that collected money for veterans between 2001 and 2011.
Tracking Charities’ Performance
An interactive graphic compares the efficiency of the top 25 charities that collect money on behalf of veterans.
Leesville, La., Embraces Veterans as Their Own
The connection between veterans and residents of this small town couldn’t be clearer, from welcome home signs and yellow ribbons to packed memorials for fallen soldiers.
Guardsmen Return to North Dakota Without Fellow Soldiers and Friends
After being injured in Afghanistan, 24-year-old Ian Placek is back in Bismarck, N.D., trying to adjust to civilian life and the fact that two other members of his unit never came home.
Returning Service Members Cluster Around Military Bases
Instead of going home, post 9-11 veterans are drawn to live near Marine, Army and Air Force bases after completing their service.
