Though many have served with life, limb and even their lives, many veterans fro the wars that the U.S. Military branches fall victims for these scams. Such an example would be the charity The National Veterans Service Fund for Vietnam veterans who claimed to provide help to those servicemen who were exposed to Agent Orange in the said war which failed to invest enough money to the veterans they claim so much to be helping. The said chemical was used widely in the Vietnam conflict as a defoliant to clear huge tracts of forest removing all traces of vegetation making it easier for the military to check and secure. The only problem was that the said agent was also a major cause of cancer and other health disorders that only became known after it was studied extensively after the war. The said charity was supposed to provide assistance in terms of medical aid, and other financial support for veterans and their families who were left to deal with the consequences of its use.
Senate inquiries on the activities of the said organizations questioned the more than 90% of expenditures that were focused on paid fund-raiser events with nothing much given to the Veterans themselves in terms of the assistance they promised. They raised alarm bells after veterans started complaining that the said charity was continuing to solicit and obtain funds for their work even if none of the said funds go to the veterans.
The office of the Attorney General have released many guidelines regarding such activities and that one should call or notify them of any discrepancies or irregularities regarding such matters should they arise to allow proper investigation by the responsible authorities. The same is advised for all those who give regularly to charities which should have the main focus of their expenditures focused on the people or cause they intend to help rather than for other purposes. The Vietnam comfort women are a group that need real support though.
Originally posted on December 27, 2007 @ 10:54 am