This outfit calls itself INDIANA VETERANS RELIEF FUND They are using a storefront address at 157 Bethel, Suite B, Beech Grove, IN 46107. Telephone (317) 783-1974.
Indiana Veterans Relief Fund is operating under a blanket organization called Common Ground Charities, Inc. A Michael Q. Risley, Jr. Is listed as Director of Fund Raising and a Tanya Risley is shown to be the Office Manager.
I visited the location and talked with Ms. Risley. The rented office space is essentially a telephone Boiler Room. I viewed about a half-dozen people sitting at small work areas facing three walls wearing headphones and mikes making telephone calls. The front office room and rear telephone room are unkempt and dirty with no trappings of a veterans organization. No Flags, no wall pictures, no sign of any patriotism.
I confronted Ms. Risley with some pointed questions. How many telephone calling cards have been issued to American troops? (She said they gave some to departing troops at Camp Atterbury but couldn't tell me when or how many.) How much money has been solicited since this operating began last year? (She told me the figures have not been compiled and are not available.)
Ms. Risley informed me they are legal. I told her there is a difference of being legal on paper and morally correct in practice! (I am convinced this outfit is only interested in lining their own pockets with cash from proud Americans whom think they're helping our military and our men and woman in uniform.)
0 comments