It’s been a rough year for the Jacksonville-based Wounded Warrior Project. An investigation found questionable spending practices, including expenses for travel and parties, which led to the firing of those in charge.
Appearing on Thursday’s First Coast Connect, the project’s new boss, General Mike Linnington, said he has already eliminated several management positions in an organization that critics said was too top heavy.
He also said he wants more of an emphasis on helping veterans in need.
The bad publicity put a strain on fundraising. Donations dropped by more than 20-percent. It has forced Linnington to make some changes.
“One of the things that all of us are focused on is how to minimize the impact on those reduced resources on those that matter most to us and those are the warriors,” he said.
Linnington said one of the biggest problems facing veterans is post traumatic stress disorder and part of the restructuring will be added focus on programs to help veterans and their families.
Producer Kevin Meerschaert can be reached at kmeerschaert@wjct.org, 904-358-6334 or on Twitter at @KMeerschaertJax
