Lawmakers scrutinize veterans charities

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Lawmakers scrutinize veterans charities
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Dec 14, 2007 11:47:07 EST

Lawmakers are issuing a second subpoena to the president of two veterans charities that raised more than $98 million last year in support of wounded troops, after he failed to appear to testify Thursday.

Roger Chapin, president of the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes Foundation and Help Hospitalized Veterans, “has gone into hiding and evaded the best efforts of the U.S. Marshals trying to serve him,” said Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., who chairs the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

“Mr. Chapin’s charities raised over $98 million last year, yet he refused to appear to answer questions about how this money has been spent,” Waxman said.

Lawmakers contend that less than one-third of the money raised by Chapin’s charities actually goes to help veterans. But his is hardly an isolated case.

“Our committee has learned that a disturbing number of groups are raising millions of dollars in the name of helping veterans but keeping most of the donations for themselves,” Waxman said. “These groups and the professional fundraisers they employ blatantly line their own pockets.”


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/12/military_charities_071214w/