Veterans group won't take Trump fundraiser donations

[Dennis Olson]

Veterans group won't take Trump fundraiser donations
Published January 28, 2016 FoxNews.com


The head of an Iraq and Afghanistan veterans group says they will decline donations from the fundraising event Donald Trump plans to hold Thursday night as he sits out the Republican primary debate.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America founder Paul Rieckhoff said on Twitter Wednesday that his group had not heard from the Trump campaign and did not know which organizations would be involved in the veterans event.

He then tweeted:

Paul (PJ) Rieckhoff
✔
@PaulRieckhoff

If offered, @IAVA will decline donations from Trump's event. We need strong policies from candidates, not to be used for political stunts.
10:17 AM - 27 Jan 2016

1,022 1,022 Retweets
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Rieckhoff’s criticism wasn’t reserved only for Trump. He had a similar message for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz after a super PAC supporting the presidential candidate offered to donate $1.5 million to veterans if Trump accepts a one-on-one debate challenge.

Paul (PJ) Rieckhoff
✔
@PaulRieckhoff

Now it's Cruz yanking vets into the nastiness of the presidential fights before Iowa. This is not what vets need. https://twitter.com/politico/status/692539544881774592 …
7:55 AM - 28 Jan 2016

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Former HP CEO Carly Fiorina also said her campaign would donate $1.5 million to veterans’ causes – if she can join the proposed Cruz-Trump face-off.

It’s unclear which groups will be involved in the Trump veterans event Thursday night in Des Moines. Trump’s campaign quickly put the event together after the Republican presidential front-runner announced he would not participate in Thursday’s Fox News/Google debate held at the same time, claiming he had been treated unfairly by the network.

The campaign said Wednesday night that the “special event to benefit veterans organizations” would be held at Drake University in Des Moines.

“We're going to raise a lot of money for the veterans. A lot of money is going to be raised,” Trump told Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly, while repeatedly refusing to reconsider his decision to boycott the debate. “A lot of people are going to be there, and I can do some good.”

Rieckhoff has been critical before of politicians’ comments about veterans issues on the campaign trail.

After Sarah Palin, during her Trump endorsement, seemed to point the finger at President Obama over mental issues her son may be dealing with following his Iraq war service, Rieckhoff pushed back. He called PTSD a “very serious problem” and reportedly urged Palin not to “politicize” it.

IAVA says it has over 180,000 post-9/11 veteran members. The group spent about $3 million on awareness, community and advocacy programs, according to the most recently filed financial forms analyzed by Charity Navigator.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/201...-trump-fundraiser-donations.html?intcmp=hpbt1

 

[NoName]

OK, so...this group hasn't heard from Trump. Well, I got an email yesterday (as, I'm sure, so did a gazillion other vets) I would think he is talking about "all" vets. This kind'a worries me as I age, I see society as a whole forget the WWII, Korea and VietNam vets...heck, ya never hear much about concern for GWI vets for that matter...Maybe..just maybe..Trump will change that a little..not as a purposeful gesture of course, but at least as collateral affect of his attempt at manipulation of whatever he's trying to manipulate.

 

[goatsrus]

Hmmmmm, looks like a Fox News article. i don't trust them.

 

[packyderms_wife]

After Sarah Palin, during her Trump endorsement, seemed to point the finger at President Obama over mental issues her son may be dealing with following his Iraq war service, Rieckhoff pushed back. He called PTSD a “very serious problem” and reportedly urged Palin not to “politicize” it.

Politicize it? Hell most people I know either don't believe PTSD exists or have never heard of it before, even if they have a family member who is suffering from PTSD. Rieckhoff is a dumbass.

 

[rhughe13]

I never head any veterans groups complain while Trump has been promising at other debates to put Vets first and fix the problem with the VA. I think just because he is doing something after promising to do something, should contain merit.

He can't fix the VA until he gets in office, but to do something now seems like a good thing.

 

[JohnGaltfla]

They got $25 from me last night. As did someone else.

 

[Hansa44]

After I read the OP I had to think about this. How do you feel?

1.Reichoff is speaking for thousands and thousands of Vets who can't get medical help from anyone, are homeless, no jobs and no help from the gov. especially the gov. and a vets organizations. I have read lots and lots of comments on Donalds FB from Vets. They are delighted he's doing something for them

2. How come we never see any posts anywhere when the donations are refused and how the Vets feel.

3. Who is funding this campaign against Trump. Well I'll be. The MSM of course.

4. Why are these so called leaders refusing money from Trumps rally tonight? This money isn't coming from Trump and his people. It's being donated by the citizens of the US to help and assist the Vets. Bad, Bad move on the MSM's part. I suspect DT will clear these accusations up tonight at the rally.

 

[onetimer]

After I read the OP I had to think about this. How do you feel?

1.Reichoff is speaking for thousands and thousands of Vets who can't get medical help from anyone, are homeless, no jobs and no help from the gov. especially the gov. and a vets organizations. I have read lots and lots of comments on Donalds FB from Vets. They are delighted he's doing something for them

2. How come we never see any posts anywhere when the donations are refused and how the Vets feel.

3. Who is funding this campaign against Trump. Well I'll be. The MSM of course.

4. Why are these so called leaders refusing money from Trumps rally tonight? This money isn't coming from Trump and his people. It's being donated by the citizens of the US to help and assist the Vets. Bad, Bad move on the MSM's part. I suspect DT will clear these accusations up tonight at the rally.

NAILED IT

 

[fairbanksb]

After I read the OP I had to think about this. How do you feel?

1.Reichoff is speaking for thousands and thousands of Vets who can't get medical help from anyone, are homeless, no jobs and no help from the gov. especially the gov. and a vets organizations. I have read lots and lots of comments on Donalds FB from Vets. They are delighted he's doing something for them

2. How come we never see any posts anywhere when the donations are refused and how the Vets feel.

3. Who is funding this campaign against Trump. Well I'll be. The MSM of course.

4. Why are these so called leaders refusing money from Trumps rally tonight? This money isn't coming from Trump and his people. It's being donated by the citizens of the US to help and assist the Vets. Bad, Bad move on the MSM's part. I suspect DT will clear these accusations up tonight at the rally.

They are refusing the funds because Trump has made a political event out of it. It was hastily arrainged, they were not involved in the planning and he is only doing it for face time and to embarass FOX news.

 

[Hansa44]

They are refusing the funds because Trump has made a political event out of it. It was hastily arrainged, they were not involved in the planning and he is only doing it for face time and to embarass FOX news.

Whatever. Is blood coming out of your whatever?

 

[Mixin]

I think they may be jumping the gun with their refusal of money. I haven't seen him say he was donating to any one group.

All I've seen him say is "raising money for our vets and wounded warriors." Since he didn't say "The Wounded Warrior Project", I'm assuming he was using the generic term for injured vets.

 

[Dinghy]

Donald knows how much corruption there is in the world. I wouldn't be surprised if he is setting up his own foundation, so all of the money goes to the vets.

 

[Mixin]

They are refusing the funds because Trump has made a political event out of it. It was hastily arrainged, they were not involved in the planning and he is only doing it for face time and to embarass FOX news.

Actually, he had asked Fox to donate some of the profits from the debate to the vets. That's why he was kind of iffy for a few days before he walked away from the debate. He has asked several times for funds to be donated and none of the networks would agree to do so.

 

[Hansa44]

I think they may be jumping the gun with their refusal of money. I haven't seen him say he was donating to any one group.

All I've seen him say is "raising money for our vets and wounded warriors." Since he didn't say "The Wounded Warrior Project", I'm assuming he was using the generic term for injured vets.

Actually he has spoken about it. Even today. Most money donated to vets never get to see any it. So I just heard that all the money will be going into Trump for Vets account and he and his people will give it to those who need it most, which is most of them. I'.ve seen many vets at his rallys that have pleaded for Trump to help them and he always promises he will get them the help they need.

 

[05H10]

Whatever. Is blood coming out of your whatever?

LOL Might just be some sand in thar.

 

[Josie]

I had never even heard of this group until today. So I went to the website. After a quick scan of the site, it seems like a guidance service for vets of only the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, so it is very limiting in it's services. It looks like they will point you in the right direction to get the actual help you need. IMHO, I don't know if this particular group would even warrant much of a donation anyway. They are more of a fraternal organization directing traffic. JMHO/YMMV

 

[Lavender]

After I read the OP I had to think about this. How do you feel?

1.Reichoff is speaking for thousands and thousands of Vets who can't get medical help from anyone, are homeless, no jobs and no help from the gov. especially the gov. and a vets organizations. I have read lots and lots of comments on Donalds FB from Vets. They are delighted he's doing something for them

2. How come we never see any posts anywhere when the donations are refused and how the Vets feel.

3. Who is funding this campaign against Trump. Well I'll be. The MSM of course.

4. Why are these so called leaders refusing money from Trumps rally tonight? This money isn't coming from Trump and his people. It's being donated by the citizens of the US to help and assist the Vets. Bad, Bad move on the MSM's part. I suspect DT will clear these accusations up tonight at the rally.

I am guessing that it may be political with this Paul Rieckhoff. I checked Rieckhoff out, and he says his favorite program on television has been Wolf Blitzer's show. He basically campaigned to get rid of the DADT, and was thrilled when they brought homosexuals into the military.....and so on. Sounds like a democrat to me anyway.

 

[Be Well]

I am guessing that it may be political with this Paul Rieckhoff. I checked Rieckhoff out, and he says his favorite program on television has been Wolf Blitzer's show. He basically campaigned to get rid of the DADT, and was thrilled when they brought homosexuals into the military.....and so on. Sounds like a democrat to me anyway.

There are vets who are commieprogs. Just not a huge number.

 

[Rabbit]

Politicize it? Hell most people I know either don't believe PTSD exists or have never heard of it before, even if they have a family member who is suffering from PTSD. Rieckhoff is a dumbass.

The head of this Iraq and Afghanistan veterans group might want to turn down this help but I wonder how the warriors they represent feel about it. I think a lot of these charities need to be investigated. I've heard it said that Trump is trying to use them, sounds like the leaders of their org. is trying to use them too.

Also there is a local doctor that is spending a lot of money and time because he has a cure for PTSD. He is doing everything right, presenting papers, presenting hundreds of case studies before his medical peers, hiring people who write medical research papers (it's a job of it's own). He is dotting his i's and crossing his t's. All he is getting is the run around but he won't quit. He told me he couldn't retire and sit on a beach somewhere knowing that he can save lives and help a lot of people. And by the way he does not charge the veterans he is working with a dime. This guy is not a crack pot he is the real deal.

 

[Hansa44]

The head of this Iraq and Afghanistan veterans group might want to turn down this help but I wonder how the warriors they represent feel about it. I think a lot of these charities need to be investigated. I've heard it said that Trump is trying to use them, sounds like the leaders of their org. is trying to use them too.

Also there is a local doctor that is spending a lot of money and time because he has a cure for PTSD. He is doing everything right, presenting papers, presenting hundreds of case studies before his medical peers, hiring people who write medical research papers (it's a job of it's own). He is dotting his i's and crossing his t's. All he is getting is the run around but he won't quit. He told me he couldn't retire and sit on a beach somewhere knowing that he can save lives and help a lot of people. And by the way he does not charge the veterans he is working with a dime. This guy is not a crack pot he is the real deal.

All this will change when Trump becomes President.

 

[Be Well]

http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2016/01/sorosfunded_vets_group_rejects_trump_donations.html

Soros-Funded Vets Group Rejects Trump Donations

M. Catharine Evans January 29, 2016

National political pundits like Glenn Beck continually beat the drum that Donald Trump is a progressive. How does that square with a progressive veterans group not taking financial contributions based on Trump’s non-progressive ideology?

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), says it will decline donations (if they are offered) from Trump for his fundraising event Thursday night.

In his latest tweet CEO and IAVA founder Paul Rieckhoff accuses Donald Trump of using vets as a "political stunt.”

The Iraq war veteran claims his group is “fiercely non partisan" and "veterans' issues are everyone's, and too important to be politicized or have our voices hijacked by fake veterans groups--like in the case of Donald Trump"

Why is Rieckhoff targeting Trump? The presidential candidate has championed the plight of our nation's veterans since he announced his candidacy in June. Last night he held a sold out benefit rally to raise money for vets who, Mr. Trump says, have been treated worse than illegal immigrants.

Rieckhoff's refusal to accept money from Trump makes little sense especially when he contends his group is “fiercely non-partisan.”

So how non-partisan is IAVA? Not very.

Since its founding in 2004 the progressive front group is all about political influence which makes the "political stunt" slur aimed at Trump laughable.

IAVA lobbies for leftist agendas within the military like the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell while handing out small contributions to various nonprofits. They took in over $6 million in 2013, but handed out grants of $80,000 to veterans' groups, with $3.7 million going to employee salaries and compensation.

IAVA also states it led the veterans community in endorsing the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act.

Their newest hire, Allison Jaslow was formerly program director of policy and political affairs for the Human Rights Campaign, which advocates for LGBT rights. IAVA has hired her as a Director of Political and Intergovernmental Affairs. Their policy agenda specifically states, “Diversity is a force multiplier for our armed forces as well as for our nation.” IAVA promotes equalizing benefits and services for all LGBT veterans.

IAVA funders, board members, "partner friends" and benefactors read like a who's who of liberals and leftists. The Annenberg Foundation, Jonathan Soros, Rachel Maddow, Stephen Colbert, The Lear Foundation, The White House, Goldman Sachs, Viacom, and the Chamber of Commerce, are among the hundreds of individuals, businesses and foundations listed on their website

IAVA’s reps have been special guests of Michelle and Barack Obama numerous times at the White House. Its newest board members include Norman Lear and Rep. Patrick Kennedy. Rieckhoff is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has blogged exclusively for the Huffington Post.

IAVA posing as a veterans advocacy group to push a leftist agenda is bad enough. But for Rieckhoff to claim they are apolitical and non-partisan while criticizing Trump, Palin and others for politicizing veterans’ causes is mind-boggling.

 

[curlysue]

I find it rather interesting these groups want to refuse the money/donations when I see no letters or offers to even donate to them. When you donate to a nonprofit there is always a vetting process(to protect the donation/ givers). They did not make the list, so they don't need to worry.

 

[summerthyme]

The phrase "cutting off your nose to spite your face" comes to mind...

Summerthyme

 

[packyderms_wife]

I find it rather interesting these groups want to refuse the money/donations when I see no letters or offers to even donate to them. When you donate to a nonprofit there is always a vetting process(to protect the donation/ givers). They did not make the list, so they don't need to worry.

they're making a lot of noise because they didn't make the list to receive donations, but don't want to look like they are standing there with their hands out begging for manna.

 

[2Trish]

If you are talking about helping the guy/girl hurt on the front lines why not just ask them if they want the money? Doubt they would turn it down. It's not like Trump's asking for their first born. Trump saw an opportunity to turn a potentially controversial situation into something good, took it, and now a bunch of people will benefit.