As I was preparing this month’s column of bits and news, I was interrupted by a phone call.
The caller ID showed private number. Taking a deep breath, I answered, and the man’s voice on the other end asked if I was Keith. I replied “yes” and he went into a sales pitch.
His name he said was Sgt. Marrs and was calling on behalf of the AHV. I asked what the AHV was? Sgt. Marrs said the AHV is the Association for Homeless Veterans, and he went on to describe the plight of our warriors who are returning from overseas, and being homeless.
Once I told him I am a member of the American Legion, he dropped his request for donations and intimately hung up on me. I spent the next few minutes looking online for this organization. It seems from the Internet search that the AHV uses more than one name to conduct their “fundraisers.” Charity Watchdog, a group that monitors such things, gives the AHV – along with their other names – a poor rating.
It would seem that unscrupulous people are using the plight of our veterans to enrich themselves. Causal research shows that the Wound Warrior Project is not what they appear to be. There are others also, but I didn’t have the time to research before the deadline of this article.
I would caution everyone to never make donations with credit cards over the phone. If a caller won’t give you a phone number or address, don’t give them your financial information because it’s probably a scam – to separate you from your money – and does not appreciably help those they claim.
If you do receive such calls, report them to the phone company, police, Better Business Bureau and even the state attorney general’s office. It’s doubtful that any proceedings will come from your calls, but it may reduce these contacts in the future.
If you feel you must donate to a cause, first research the organization of your choice. Far too many don’t help anyone other than themselves.
On to happier news. Ada Ingram – a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother from Licking – sent a note indicating her son Ricky, grandson Christopher and great-grandson Colton, and Scott Little (a new recruit) are all currently serving in the U.S. Army.
If you have a family member who is serving or has served, contact me at my email, or at 417-967-2336 and I will mention them. Also, I would like to hear from you should you have anything of interest concerning our vets.
Houston resident Keith Ford is a retired infantryman and an amateur writer whose work has appeared in publications around the world. Email kf4tap@yahoo.com.
