Wounded Warrior Project
Encyclopedia
The Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to "honor and empower wounded warriors" of the United States Armed Forces
. "The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) works to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs."
Wounded Warrior Project was founded in 2002 in Roanoke, Virginia
by John Melia with the assistance of family and friends. Melia had himself been severely wounded in a helicopter crash
while serving in Somalia in 1992. Besides John, the original founders of WWP include Jim Melia (John's brother), John F. Melia (John's father), Al Giordano and Steven Nardizzi.
Prior to March 1, 2005 the WWP operated as a subsidiary of the United Spinal Association
of New York. It was during this period that the organization would develop one of its trademark activities, delivering backpacks full of supplies and other items to the bedsides of injured soldiers.
. WWP Founder John Melia cited a strong local veteran community, access to Jacksonville International Airport
, and support from the local business community, specifically the PGA Tour
. Melia says, "Florida is one of the most veteran-friendly states in the country."
Today, Wounded Warrior Project operates under the ASSURE3 model of service, which outlines the guiding principles for WWP programs and staff.
College football
In the 2009 and 2010 seasons, the Maryland Terrapins
, South Carolina Gamecocks
, Texas Tech Red Raiders
and Utah Utes
wore special uniforms designed by Under Armour
to promote the Project.
In Congressional testimony a beneficiary of the program explained,
and other dignitaries toured the WWP's headquarters and signed Florida House Bill 509, which waived building and permitting fees for residential renovations involving safety and accessibility for disabled veterans. It also removed the limit on fees for license tags which are directed to Florida’s Veterans’ Home Trust Funds. The legislation also incorporates the U.S. Code which provides tuition and fee deferments for eligible veterans attending Florida institutions of higher learning into Florida Law.
United States IRS
forms 990 for Wounded Warrior Project
ORGANIZATION NAME
STATE
YEAR
TOTAL ASSETS
FORM
PAGES
EIN
WWP, Inc. - 2005
VA
2005
$202,755
990
17
20-2370934
WWP, Inc. - 2006
FL
2006
$3,035,159
990
24
20-2370934
WWP, Inc. - 2006
FL
2006
$3,233,328
990
30
20-2370934
WWP - 2007
FL
2007
$6,762,610
990
33
20-2370934
WWP - 2008
FL
2008
$9,833,719
990
27
20-2370934
WWP - 2009
FL
2009
$9,610,688
990
44
20-2370934
Compensation of Executives at the Wounded Warrior Project in 2007
Many of these individuals no longer hold the same positions; refer to the list of board members above
NAME
2007 TITLE
COMPENSATION
John Melia
Executive Director
$196,981
Steven Nardizzi
Deputy Executive Director, Operations
$160,063
Albion Giordano
Deputy Executive Director, Programs
$160,063
Cindy McDonald
Controller
$75,115
Jeffrey Searcy
Executive Vice President of Development
$130,990
John Roberts
National Service Director
$120,991
Bruce Nitsche
Executive Vice President of Special Projects
$120,991
Jeremy Chwat
Executive Vice President of Program Services
$120,991
Abigail Roberts
Executive Vice President of Marketing
$90,173
Compensation of Executives at the Wounded Warrior Project in 2008
Many of these individuals no longer hold the same positions; refer to the list of board members above.
Note however that some individuals appear to be drawing salaries under titles such as "Former Executive Director",
perhaps indicating that the position was left midway through the year. NAME
2008 TITLE
BASE
BONUS
OTHER COMPENSATION
TOTAL REPORTABLE COMPENSATION
John Melia
Former Executive Director
$173,738
$26,850
$4,310
$204,898 + $191,000*
* John Melia also listed as an independent contractor making $191,000 in addition to his salary.
Steven Nardizzi
Executive Director
$141,163
$21,850
$293
$163,306
Albion Giordano
Deputy Executive Director
$141,163
$21,850
$0
$163,013
Jeffrey Searcy
Former Executive Vice President
$110,694
$21,850
$0
$132,544
Jeremy Chwat
Chief Program Officer
$4,902
$122,544
Adam Silva
Chief Development Officer
$4,274
$106,850
Bruce Nitsche
Executive Vice President - Special Projects
$4,495
$122,544
John Roberts
National Service Director
$4,902
$122,544
United States armed forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
. "The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) works to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs."
Roanoke
The History page on the WWP web site states:Wounded Warrior Project was founded in 2002 in Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke is an independent city in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. state of Virginia and is the tenth-largest city in the Commonwealth. It is located in the Roanoke Valley of the Roanoke Region of Virginia. The population within the city limits was 97,032 as of 2010...
by John Melia with the assistance of family and friends. Melia had himself been severely wounded in a helicopter crash
Aviation accidents and incidents
An aviation accident is defined in the Convention on International Civil Aviation Annex 13 as an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight and all such persons have disembarked, in which a...
while serving in Somalia in 1992. Besides John, the original founders of WWP include Jim Melia (John's brother), John F. Melia (John's father), Al Giordano and Steven Nardizzi.
Prior to March 1, 2005 the WWP operated as a subsidiary of the United Spinal Association
United Spinal Association
United Spinal Association is a nonprofit membership, disability rights and veterans service organization that was formed in 1946 as Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association. The mission of United Spinal Association is to improve the quality of life of Americans with spinal cord injuries or disorders...
of New York. It was during this period that the organization would develop one of its trademark activities, delivering backpacks full of supplies and other items to the bedsides of injured soldiers.
Jacksonville
In July 2006 WWP's headquarters were moved from Roanoke to Jacksonville, FloridaJacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Florida in terms of both population and land area, and the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. It is the county seat of Duval County, with which the city government consolidated in 1968...
. WWP Founder John Melia cited a strong local veteran community, access to Jacksonville International Airport
Jacksonville International Airport
Jacksonville International Airport is a joint civil-military public airport located 13 miles north of downtown Jacksonville, a city in Duval County, Florida...
, and support from the local business community, specifically the PGA Tour
PGA Tour
The PGA Tour is the organizer of the main men's professional golf tours in the United States and North America...
. Melia says, "Florida is one of the most veteran-friendly states in the country."
Today, Wounded Warrior Project operates under the ASSURE3 model of service, which outlines the guiding principles for WWP programs and staff.
College footballCollege footballCollege football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
In the 2009 and 2010 seasons, the Maryland TerrapinsMaryland Terrapins football
The Maryland Terrapins football team represents the University of Maryland in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision competition. The Terrapins compete within the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference...
, South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina Gamecocks football
The South Carolina Gamecocks football team represents the University of South Carolina in NCAA Division I college football. The Gamecocks have been a member of the Southeastern Conference since 1992. Steve Spurrier is the current head coach, and the team plays its home games at Williams-Brice...
, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech Red Raiders football
Texas Tech Red Raiders football program is a college football team that represents Texas Tech University . The team competes, as a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
and Utah Utes
Utah Utes football
The Utah Utes football program is a college football team that currently competes in the Pacific-12 Conference of the Football Bowl Subdivision of NCAA Division I and represents the University of Utah. The Utah college football program began in 1892 and has played home games at Rice–Eccles...
wore special uniforms designed by Under Armour
Under Armour
Under Armour is an American sports clothing and accessories company. The company is a supplier of a wide range of sportswear and casual apparel mainly focusing on hi-tech sportswear for professional athletes...
to promote the Project.
Wounded Warrior Project's Board of Directors
- Dawn Halfaker, President
- Anthony J. Principi, Vice President
- Anthony Odierno, Secretary
- Charles Abell, Member
- Charles Battaglia, Member
- Roger C. Campbell, Member
- Justin Constantine, Member
- Kevin Delaney, Member
- Ronald Drach, Member
- John Loosen, Member
- Gordon H. Mansfield, Member
- Guy McMichael III, Member
- Melissa Stockwell, Member
- Robb E. Van Cleave, Member
Wounded Warrior Project's Executive Staff
- Steven Nardizzi, Esq., Executive Director
- Albion Giordano, Deputy Executive Director
- Ronald W. Burgess, Chief Financial Officer
- Jeremy Chwat, Chief Program Officer
- Adam Silva, Chief Development Officer
- John Hamre, Executive Vice President, Direct Response
- Ayla Hay, Executive Vice President, Communications
- Christine Hill, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs
- John Molino, Executive Vice President, Economic Empowerment
- Bruce G. Nitsche, Executive Vice President, Special Projects
- Ryan Pavlu, Executive Vice President, Warrior Engagement
- John Roberts, Executive Vice President, Mental Health and Warrior Engagement
- Richard Stieglitz, Executive Vice President, Physical Health & Wellness
- Jonathan Sullivan, Executive Vice President, Development
Accomplishments
The Advocacy page on the WWP web site states,In Congressional testimony a beneficiary of the program explained,
2008 Program Service Accomplishments
From IRS form 990 filing for 2009 linked below. Total program services expenses for 2008 $16,441,204 including:- Public Awareness And Education - 2008 expenses $5,058,727, 2008 revenue $0
- "The WWP Public Awareness program and budget exists to ensure all of WWP's stakeholders, including but not limited to our warriors, donors and general public, are fully aware and informed on the issues facing wounded warriors as they transition into civilian life. These stakeholders must also be made aware of all the programs, services and assistance WWP provides."
- TRACK program (Training Rehabilitation and Advocacy Center) - 2008 expenses $1,837,712 including student grants of $372,944, 2008 revenue $0
- "TRACK is the first education center in the nation designed specifically for wounded warriors. It is focused on providing college and employment access to wounded warriors. TRACK students reside in Jacksonville, FL for a 12-month, intensive and holistic training experience for the mind, body and spirit. The first half is primarily classroom based, with ancillary support services consisting of peak performance training through Apex Performance, health and wellness training, personal finance workshops as well as resume and interview preparation. During the second half of TRACK, an externship component with a local employer is added, with continued academic classes and support services. The vocational training gained in the externship phase is invaluable to assist in the transition of warriors from the military to a successful civilian life."
- Policy & Government Affairs Program - 2008 expenses $1,441,769, 2008 revenue $0
- "WWP'S Policy & Government Affairs Program will continue to build effective relationships with the Congress, Federal Government (especially with VAUnited States Department of Veterans AffairsThe United States Department of Veterans Affairs is a government-run military veteran benefit system with Cabinet-level status. It is the United States government’s second largest department, after the United States Department of Defense...
, DOLUnited States Department of LaborThe United States Department of Labor is a Cabinet department of the United States government responsible for occupational safety, wage and hour standards, unemployment insurance benefits, re-employment services, and some economic statistics. Many U.S. states also have such departments. The...
, DoDUnited States Department of DefenseThe United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
, HHSUnited States Department of Health and Human ServicesThe United States Department of Health and Human Services is a Cabinet department of the United States government with the goal of protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services. Its motto is "Improving the health, safety, and well-being of America"...
and the Social Security AdministrationSocial Security AdministrationThe United States Social Security Administration is an independent agency of the United States federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivors' benefits...
), military services, other key non-profit associations, veteran and military service organizations, the public and the media in Washington, DC to advocate for WWP's policy agenda."
Florida House Bill 509
On June 1, 2009, Florida Governor Charlie CristCharlie Crist
Charles Joseph "Charlie" Crist, Jr. is an American politician who was the 44th Governor of Florida. Prior to his election as governor, Crist previously served as Florida State Senator, Education Commissioner, and Attorney General...
and other dignitaries toured the WWP's headquarters and signed Florida House Bill 509, which waived building and permitting fees for residential renovations involving safety and accessibility for disabled veterans. It also removed the limit on fees for license tags which are directed to Florida’s Veterans’ Home Trust Funds. The legislation also incorporates the U.S. Code which provides tuition and fee deferments for eligible veterans attending Florida institutions of higher learning into Florida Law.
Financial information
- 2005-2006 Annual Report
- 2005-2006 Audited Financial Statements
- 2006-2007 Annual Report
- 2006-2007 Audited Financial Statements
- 2007-2008 Annual Report
- 2007-2008 Audited Financial Statements
- 2008-2009 Annual Report
- 2008-2009 Audited Financial Statements
- 2009-2010 Annual Report
- 2009-2010 Audited Financial Statements
United States IRS
Internal Revenue Service
The Internal Revenue Service is the revenue service of the United States federal government. The agency is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury, and is under the immediate direction of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue...
forms 990 for Wounded Warrior Project
Employer identification number
Applicable to the United States, an Employer Identification Number or EIN is the corporate equivalent to a Social Security Number, although it is issued to anyone, including individuals, who has to pay withholding taxes on employees.-Other names:Also known as the Tax Identification Number ,...
VA
2005
$202,755
990
17
20-2370934
FL
2006
$3,035,159
990
24
20-2370934
FL
2006
$3,233,328
990
30
20-2370934
FL
2007
$6,762,610
990
33
20-2370934
FL
2008
$9,833,719
990
27
20-2370934
FL
2009
$9,610,688
990
44
20-2370934
Compensation of Executives at the Wounded Warrior Project in 2007
Many of these individuals no longer hold the same positions; refer to the list of board members above
John Melia
Executive Director
$196,981
Steven Nardizzi
Deputy Executive Director, Operations
$160,063
Albion Giordano
Deputy Executive Director, Programs
$160,063
Cindy McDonald
Controller
$75,115
Jeffrey Searcy
Executive Vice President of Development
$130,990
John Roberts
National Service Director
$120,991
Bruce Nitsche
Executive Vice President of Special Projects
$120,991
Jeremy Chwat
Executive Vice President of Program Services
$120,991
Abigail Roberts
Executive Vice President of Marketing
$90,173
Compensation of Executives at the Wounded Warrior Project in 2008
Many of these individuals no longer hold the same positions; refer to the list of board members above.
Note however that some individuals appear to be drawing salaries under titles such as "Former Executive Director",
perhaps indicating that the position was left midway through the year.
John Melia
Former Executive Director
$173,738
$26,850
$4,310
$204,898 + $191,000*
* John Melia also listed as an independent contractor making $191,000 in addition to his salary.
Steven Nardizzi
Executive Director
$141,163
$21,850
$293
$163,306
Albion Giordano
Deputy Executive Director
$141,163
$21,850
$0
$163,013
Jeffrey Searcy
Former Executive Vice President
$110,694
$21,850
$0
$132,544
Jeremy Chwat
Chief Program Officer
$4,902
$122,544
Adam Silva
Chief Development Officer
$4,274
$106,850
Bruce Nitsche
Executive Vice President - Special Projects
$4,495
$122,544
John Roberts
National Service Director
$4,902
$122,544
Major Contributors
- During 2007 the largest contributor listed was the firm Direct Media Services, Inc., of New York, with aggregate contributions of $17,416,955. This is twice the total assets of WWP for that year. However, tax forms indicate that these contributions were "Noncash", so they likely take the form of donated services.