JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Frank Andrews and John Pregler may not wear the uniform anymore, but these retired Navy Chiefs still serve our country. "We try and do what we can," said Branch 91 Treasurer, Frank Andrews.
Both are active members of their local Fleet Reserve Association. The group depends heavily on donations to stay afloat and to help others.
"Every dollar that comes into the building goes toward the facility or gets donated," said Branch 91 President, John Pregler.
"It makes us feel good to be able to help our fellow veterans and service members. And if that went away that would be sad," said Andrews.
After an investigation revealed that
Allied Veterans of the World Inc. & Affiliates may have misused funds they claimed were going to veterans, other groups now fear people will stop helping the men and women who served this country.
"It just gives a bad name in general to veterans and veteran groups," said Andrews.
"Unfortunately there is fraud in the non-profit sector," said UNF Associate Professor, Georgette DuMont.
DuMont specializes in non-profit finance and says there are ways to make sure your donated dollars are helping.
"How is the organization governed? Who is on their board of directors? What is the groups outcome, what is their mission?" asked Andrews. "They can sort through the good and bad. And they can see what we are doing."
"It may actually bring more support our way," said Pregler.
You can look up the validity of a non-profit you may want to help
here.
