New Wounded Warrior Project CEO addresses senator's spending concerns

Senate Judiciary Committee investigates how charity's donations are being spent

The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman’s staff met Wednesday with the new chief executive hired to steady the Wounded Warrior Project after investigations by the News4Jax I-TEAM, other media and the committee reported how the nonprofit spent millions of dollars in contributions.

The staff of Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) met with the CEO, retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Linnington, as well as the charity’s chief financial officer and general counsel.

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They discussed Grassley’s concerns, including how the charity claims advertising and fundraising mailers are an expense for veterans.

Grassley’s staff also wants to know if the organization’s representations of spending on veteran services are accurate and complete.

During the meeting, they reviewed travel expenses and the “independent review” that took place after reports about improper spending.

Grassley’s staff said they have still not seen any written proof of the review – nor has the public – which continues to raise concerns.

Staffers also asked for additional information about the board’s expenses.

The Senate committee’s investigation found Wounded Warrior Project's claim it spent 80 percent of its funds on veteran services was inflated. Investigators found that 33 percent of that amount was free advertising and media.

That doesn't include direct mailers sent to donors asking for money, which the charity considers educational materials, and therefore part of its service to veterans. If that amount was considered advertising and media, they believe the money spent on veterans would drop to below 66 percent.

They also found that in 2014, 71 percent of all program expenses went to sporting events. The next-closest program expense was physical health and wellness, which only received 17 percent of the overall budget.

Grassley’s inquiry into the Wounded Warrior Project remains open.