The top two executives of Wounded Warrior Project have been fired after reports of them spending top dollars on hotels, dinners and more.
On Thursday, Steven Nardizzi and chief operating officer Al Giordano were fired, their board of directors said, as the organization cracks down on employee expenses and strengthens controls that have not kept pace with the group's rapid growth.
The Wounded Warrior Project'sdirectors hired outside legal counsel and forensic accounting consultants to conduct an independent review of the Jacksonville-based organization's records and interview current and former employees, according to a statement released late Thursday by a crisis management firm.
On Friday, The Now talked with wounded war veteran Charles Claybaker of Saint Petersburg.
Claybaker, a former Army Ranger, was injured in 2010 after a military aircraft he was in crashed.
"I actually have about three plates and 21 screws just in my ankle," said Claybaker.
Claybaker has started a non-profit organization, Claybaker D.U.S.T.O.F.F Foundationto help combat veterans help themselves.
Along with Claybaker, Dave Winters with Black Dagger Military Hunt Club, has a local non-profit for local vets.
His organization helps teach blind veterans how to hunt, fish, and more.
Winters said he has seen first hand at a personal level some of the good work from the Wounded Warrior Project.
"We will never say anything negative," he said, "we just hope the right people get in there and take the money in the bank and do great things."
Winters said people should do their research before donating to a charity -- but, suggests local organizations too.
"There are many in the Tampa Bay area," said Winters, "Stay in Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center, Exalted Warrior, and more."
