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Founded
Wounded Warrior Project was founded in 2003 in Roanoke, Virginia by John Melia -
Beginning efforts
Melia assembled backpacks distributed to injured veterans at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. -
Beginning efforts (cont.)
Wounded Warrior Project initially operated as a division of the United Spinal Association of New York, which adopted WWP as a program in November 2003 -
Incorporation
Wounded Warrior Project registered for incorporation on February 23, 2005 -
Breaking Away
In September 2005, The United Spinal Association granted $2.7 million to WWP to "develop into a stand-alone charity with its own identity and programs," with the intent to expand its services from providing immediate comfort items to providing longer-term support for returning wounded veterans via compensation, education, health care, insurance, housing, and employment. -
Headquarters
In July 2006, WWP's headquarters were moved to Jacksonville, Florida. 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, as the reason for the move. -
Accreditation
WWP was granted accreditation as of September 10, 2008 by the Veterans Affairs Secretary as a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) "recognized by the Secretary for the purpose of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs." -
Title 38
In March 2014, WWP testified before Congress that they strongly supported the bill "To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide veterans with counseling and treatment for sexual trauma that occurred during inactive duty training". The bill would extend a VA program of counseling and care and services for veterans for military sexual trauma that occurred during active duty or active duty for training to veterans who experienced such trauma during inactive duty training -
Lawsuit
WWP filed a lawsuit in October 2014 seeking damages and court costs against a Blandon, Pennsylvania non-profit Keystone Wounded Warriors claiming confusing similarities between Keystone's and WWP's logos -
Scrutiny
WWP was accused by several charity monitors in the 2010's for spending donations on other things outside of the charity programs.
In February 2017, the Better Business Bureau released a report clearing Wounded Warrior Project of the "lavish spending" allegations, and "found the organization’s spending to be consistent with its programs and mission.
