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Showing posts with label Rip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rip. Show all posts

Monday, July 29, 2024

Armond Edward Bletcher

Armond Bletcher was born on November 14, 1942, in Alameda County, California, USA. His father, Edward E. Bletcher, was a decorated United States Navy veteran who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Edward's military service deeply influenced Armond's upbringing, instilling in him values of resilience and strength.
 

Standing somewhere between 6 foot 3 and 6 feet 8 inches tall and tipping the scales around 350 pounds, he faced relentless bullying due to his size, which had a lasting impact on his life. Determined to change his circumstances, Armond dedicated himself to weightlifting and reportedly used horse steroids to build his physique. This transformation from a bullied victim to a formidable force allowed him to confront his past tormentors and establish himself as a powerful figure.
 
Armond Bletcher’s prized motorcycle and car, ca. 1963

His reputation only grew as he became involved with the mafia and worked as a bodyguard for the legendary singer Frank Sinatra. These connections solidified his standing as a man not to be trifled with and added to his mystique. As a friend of the Fresno Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, and a feature favorite with the staff at Easyriders magazine, Armond was literally a giant among men and a controversial figure to this day.
 
1976 Easyriders magazine

Despite his tough exterior, family was always important to Armond. The values instilled in him by his father played a crucial role in shaping his character and the path he chose. Edward E. Bletcher's final resting place at Belmont Memorial Park in Fresno, California, serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of family on Armond's life.
 
Armond flexing his bicep among his friends in an undated photo

His resilience and capacity to endure physical harm without flinching earned him immense respect from his peers. This unyielding toughness, combined with his steadfast loyalty, made him an influential force within the organization.
 
1976 Easyriders magazine

He tragically met his match at the wrong end of a .357 when a baseball bat beating couldn’t diffuse his anger, just pissed him off more. He was dead at 33 yrs old. Armond had allegedly gone after his cousins to “mess them up” when they refused to put him on their shop payroll, which he desperately needed to show an honest source of income while being investigated by the Feds for numerous illegal activities. Having his personal lifestyle and exploits plastered on the pages of Easyriders magazine probably didn’t help matters much.
 
Armond's gravesite at Belmont Memorial Park Fresno, Fresno County, California, USA

“Hell’s Angels love to fistfight. There’s never a shortage of drunks or fools willing to take us on, and a lot of times we’ll take on each other. Armond Bletcher stood 6″8″ and weighed 350 lbs. He was so strong he could pick up a couple motorcycles and put them on the back of a pickup truck. In the early 70's Armond could bench 705 lbs., but he had to arch his back to do it. He was never in competition, but he took steroids and was unbelievably big.” ~Ralph “Sonny” Barger

Sunday, July 17, 2022

HA Request Sonny Barger Service at Coliseum

Oakland, California, USA (July 17, 2022) - Members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club have requested to have a memorial service for Sonny Barger at the Oakland Coliseum complex, that is just a couple of miles away from the Foothill Boulevard clubhouse where he founded it. Sonny Barger died June 29 at his home surrounded by loved ones.


 

A funeral at the coliseum may or may not happen, but it is up for discussion. Henry Gardner, the executive director of the Coliseum Authority, plans to discuss the club’s proposal with his board.

RELATED | Sonny Barger Dead at 83


In a memo to the board, Gardner said the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club have asked to use the stadium’s parking lot for a service in August, but he’s waiting to hear back from authorities.

“We have consulted with the city’s leadership, including the Oakland Police Department, to seek guidance on whether or not this event can be safely and securely managed,” Gardner wrote. “The group estimates there will be approximately 2,000 of their members in attendance".

"The Oakland Police Department is taking the lead in determining a safety plan and will be providing us with their recommendations on whether and how we should proceed.” it continued

Events at the Coliseum, which is publicly-owned, do not necessarily need the approval of the Coliseum board, which is made up of members of the Oakland City Council, county Board of Supervisors, and members appointed by both government bodies.

Read the memo here: Oakland Coliseum Authority 

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Sonny Barger Dead at 83

Oakland, California, U.S.A. (June 30, 2022) - Sonny Barger, founding member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club has died at 83.
 

The announcement of Sonny’s death came on his official Facebook page with a post containing a farewell message written by Sonny.

“If you are reading this message, you’ll know that I’m gone. I’ve asked that this note be posted immediately after my passing,” the post says. “I’ve lived a long and good life filled with adventure. And I’ve had the privilege to be part of an amazing club.”
 


Sonny died of cancer, according to the Facebook post, which says he was surrounded by his wife, Zorana, and other loved ones.

Born Ralph Hubert Barger, the Modesto native moved to Oakland as a kid, enlisted in the U.S. Army as a teen, and gravitated toward motorcycles at a young age. In his autobiography, Sonny wrote that the Hells Angels were a small San Francisco club that almost gone before he joined. He and other bikers picked up the name and started the Oakland Hells Angels, which is now known as the club’s most significant charter.

“As a street tough, I looked the part. I wore my Levi’s jeans with one-inch-wide cuffs at the bottom, smoked Camels, had the attitude, and rode a motorcycle,” Sonny wrote in his autobiography, describing his formative years in Oakland before joining the Hells Angels. 

Barger was often a target of law enforcement throughout his life, he spent lengthy period in prison. In the early 1980's, Sonny was diagnosed with throat cancer and required the removal of his vocal chords. After surviving that health scare, Sonny began to publicly advocate against smoking, tailoring his message with the Hells Angels’ textbook anti-establishment attitude: “Want to be a rebel? Don’t smoke as the rest of the world.”

 

Sonny moved to Arizona in the late 90's for health reasons, but reportedly returned to Alameda County in 2016. In his final years, he largely kept a low profile, though his 81st birthday in 2019 was a major event that was hosted at the Hells Angels Oakland clubhouse.



His farewell message says he died peacefully and, despite his public persona, valued time with his family and friends the most.

“Keep your head up high, stay loyal, remain free, and always value honor,” Sonny wrote.

Our deepest condolences the Hells Angles Motorcycle Club, loved ones and family of your loss, 
MLH&R  from The Biker Trash Network   

Monday, June 22, 2020

Rebel's Last Ride

June 22, 2020 BTN — Donald Charles Davis, AKA Rebel passed away at approximately 5:00 PM PST on June 19, 2020. Five days earlier, he suffered critical injuries related to an accidental fall. Don was the founder of the Aging Rebel website and author of Out Bad, Expect No Mercy, and The Twin Peaks Ambush.


Don was a notorious supporter, defender, and advocate for the freedom of the outlaw motorcycle club communities. Don was a Vietnam War Veteran, an unwavering defender of his truths, and a man loved and admired by his community.

From the man himself

The Aging Rebel has lived what cynics call an “interesting” life that has included writing for two newspapers.

He was hired by a daily in Massachusetts by mistake when he applied for a job on the loading dock. And, he was fired from another paper in Indiana when, as his Editor put it, that fine journal decided “to project an image of professionalism and respectability.”

He has also been fired from jobs at magazines and has unsuccessfully pursued careers as an autoworker, laborer, ditch digger, warehouseman, window maker, house framer, art forger, novelist and telephone salesman.

Because he loves children, he has always done his best to keep the world from running out of a babies. And, because he loves women he is usually married. Generally unemployed, he likes motorcycles and lifting weights and his ambitions include winning the lottery. Some people say he now lives, more or less, in El Lay.

Marnie, Rebel’s life partner, has created a Gofundme account to support his loved ones with the costs of his memorial and end of life requests in alignment with his personal last will and testament. Link is below.



The staff of the Biker Trash Network sends it's deepest condolences to his loved ones and family.

Monday, April 27, 2020

Musician Charlie Brechtel Dies In Motorcycle Crash

Copperopolis, California, USA (April 27, 2020) BTN — Charlie Brechtel died in a motorcycle crash on O’Bynes Ferry Road on Saturday, April 25 at 5:52 pm.

Charlie was riding his 1987 Harley-Davidson motorcycle when his motorcycle crossed the double-yellow line, according to the California Highway Patrol.


Charlie’s Harley-Davidson collided with the front left corner of a 2013 Chevy Equinox being driven the opposite direction by Briana Mason, 29, and Evan Gorder, 29, both of Davis.


Charlie was ejected from his motorcycle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Neither Briana nor Evan were injured. No arrests were made, and the Highway Patrol accident report states that drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the collision.

Brechtel was a nationally known figure among motorcycle enthusiasts, and was nicknamed “Good Time Charlie.” Charlie Brechtel’s music is in an honest to goodness tribute to the biker lifestyle that he loved.

His top notch musical group, the Charlie Brechtel Band, had been featured in many motorcycle films.

Charlie’s music has been featured on the Sons of Anarchy TV series as well as many other biker movies, books and events. Charlie worked with the likes of John Lee Hooker, Deacon Jones, Gregg Allman, B.B. King, Dr. John, Buddy Miles, Aaron Neville, Freddy Fender, Steppenwolfe and much.

He had his own stage every year at The Buffalo Chip in Sturgis and headlined every night.


Charlie has opened for artists such as Dave Mason, Foghat, Edgar Winter, Jackyl and a host of others. He was also a Composer, Arranger, Songwriter and Producer. Brechtel was 62-years-old.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Pulsating Paula passes away

New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA (December 4, 2019) — Born in Jersey City, New Jersey on October 17 in 1954, Paula Rearden moved to New Brunswick when she was just 8 years old . Known in the Biker world as Pulsating Paula, her photographs of New Jersey bikers in the 1980's and 1990's seeped with authenticity and fun.


Paula once said, “Got married to my first lay in 1973. 10 years later he bought me a camera, a Canon AE1. I still have it."


She started taking photos of biker parties and tattoo events and she sent them into ‘Biker Lifestyle’ magazine who later Paisano publications took over. They came out with ‘Tattoo’ magazine first of it’s kind ever.


Between the Biker and Tattoo magazines she had thousands of photos published.


The 10 minute set up of her photography studio consisted of 2 flood lights that burnt the shit out of any poor person in front of them, and a 6×9 foot black cloth she got from Kmart that was tacked onto a wall.


She never considered herself professional, ever. She just loved doing it with every fiber in her body.


She knew the wonderful people she met by name and places she has been in her journey will live on forever in her photographs. many of us are so glad that we were there with you.


Pulsating Paula was on the East Coast documenting bikers from her point of view. What is so compelling about her photography is that her photos bleed honesty, passion and a high level of respect for her subjects.


Thank you Paula for all you have done to preserve our life and history, Rest In Peace ole' friend

Monday, September 23, 2019

Bikers converge to pay tribute to killed MC member

Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA (September 23, 2019) BTN — The funeral for Eric Voshell, an Oak Bluffs man killed in a shooting at a Fall River bar one week ago, was held Friday morning at St. Augustine’s Church in Vineyard Haven.

The funeral drew hundreds of mourners, including dozens of bikers wearing gear from their motorcycle clubs and breaking the quiet with their motorcycles, slowing traffic on Franklin Street and Vineyard Haven side streets.

Court records indicate that Voshell, a member of the Hell’s Angels affiliate The Sidewinders, was killed during a fight with a rival motorcycle club known as The Outlaws.


There was a heavy police presence outside the church with both Tisbury police and State Police on hand. Tisbury Police Chief Mark Saloio, who could be seen on Franklin Street, could not immediately be reached for comment on who requested the police presence. Many bikers came to the Island on Thursday for Voshell’s wake to pay tribute to him and their presence created a buzz in ferry lines.

After the funeral, about 100 motorcycles followed the procession down Spring Street and into Five Corners headed for the cemetery in Oak Bluffs.

Voshell owned Reliable HVAC Co. and was an Oak Bluffs firefighter before being seriously injured in a motorcycle crash in July of 2018.

Joseph “JoJo” Noe, 25, is charged with murder and various other charges in connection with Voshell’s death. He pleaded not guilty in Fall River District Court Monday and is being held without bail.


Meanwhile, a GoFundMe has been set up for the family of Eric Voshell following the shooting that took his life. The fundraiser, titled “Eric’s Girls,” was set up by Jeremy Borges, who could not immediately be reached for comment. In two days, the fundraiser has gathered more than $2,700 out of its $100,000 goal.

Several people left comments on the GoFundMe page.

Ellen Baronosky, who donated $50, wrote, “Both Dave & I send our deepest condolences to Eric’s family & also to the whole SWMC!!!! RIP Eric!”

Jim Cooper, who donated $100 said, “it’s the right thing to do.”

SOURCE: MV Times

Friday, September 20, 2019

Hells Angels to build Harley for TV star

Sussex Way, London, England (September 20, 2019) BTN — A Hells Angels ceremony in Greece will be one of several events held in memory of a man who was beaten to death in Islington. Family and friends gathered for Alciveadis Mavredis’s funeral in a Greek Orthodox church in Sussex Way on Wednesday.

The 59-year-old, who was of Greek heritage but lived in Beach­croft Way, Upper Holloway, was celebrating his birthday at the Royal Oak pub near the Elthorne estate when he was knocked unconscious at around 1:00 am on July 13.


He spent 18 days in a coma in an east London hospital before he died.

His sisters Cleopatra and Angela Mavredis flew to the UK to attend the service. Angela said: “His death was senseless and it’s very hard for us. So I don’t think a funeral service can bring you closure, we want justice to be served.” Leon Tayler, 26, of Cornwallis Square, was charged with murder earlier this month in connection with the incident.

As the Tribune previously reported, Mr Mavredis was a skilled mechanic who starred in the MTV hit show Pimp My Ride UK from 2005-07.

Cleo and Angela Mavredis

He owned several Harley Davidson motorbikes. Floral tributes were made by his friends for the funeral – one in the shape of a motorbike and another as the Harley Davidson logo.

He was preparing to move to Greece before he died and he had made contact with the Greek branch of the Hells Angels motorcycle group, according to his sister.


Angela said: “This is all surreal, one moment to another everything is flipped upside down.

“He has a Harley in Greece that he had design plans for, so as a family we decided to fulfil it and complete the build of his bike. The Hells Angels group will design and finish it – he was going to be initiated into the group”

She added: “They are all big guys but they were like mush when they talked about Al.

The Harley Davidson floral tribute

“We have had conference calls and meetings to discuss the design. “They’re going to have a ceremony for him when it is done. There’s nothing traditional about our brother and it’s fitting for him to have a Harley ceremony.”

The Hells Angels is a motorcycle club with chapters in countries around the world that originated in America. The sisters will take Mr Mavredis’s remains back to Greece, where his elderly mother Vassiliky is waiting for a private funeral.

Part of Mr Mavredis’s desire to move to Greece was so that he could be closer to his 87-year-old mother and care for her. Cleopatra said: “Mum is a little broken right now, you can see it physically and emotionally.

“She was waiting for her son to come back and very much looking forward to this.

“We’re doing OK, it feels like I have been hit by a truck and every muscle in my body hurts, but today we put on a happy face. We were treated well by Al’s friends.”

SOURCE: Camden New Journal

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Former Hells Angels president dies after being hit by car

Porirua, New Zealand  (March 28, 2018) BTN — Former Hells Angels president Shane Bullock has died after he was hit by a car while riding his motorbike in Porirua, New Zealand.

He was rushed to hospital with a broken pelvis and sternum after being hit on Thursday. Though he was due to have surgery on Tuesday, he passed away on Monday morning. Bullock had been part of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club for 26 years.

Shane Bullock (middle) with son Jack and daughter Hazel - Supplied Photo

Hundreds of people are expected to flock to Whanganui for the funeral this weekend.

His son Jack said Bullock was a "big cuddly family guy" and "a big bad ass". His daughter Hazel said that she could not imagine life without him, and Jack said she was "Dad's little princess".

SOURCE: News Hub

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Hells Angels MC founding member dies in car accident

Kew, Melbourne, Australia (March 27, 2018) BTN — Chris “Ball Bearing’’Coelho, a founding member of the Hells Angels in Australia — has died.

Chris Coelho, who was an integral part of the Hells Angels legendary rock n’ roll festivals in Broadford, was killed in a car accident near Kew on Friday.


Related Hells Angels MC turns 70 years old


His wife, Dee, said it was a shock and that her husband had also been battling health issues for some time.
But Dee said he would be remembered for the mark he left, especially on the Australian music scene.

“It’s shocking what’s happened,’’ she said.

Chris “Ball Bearing’’ Coelho with his wife Dee in 2013.

“He lived a great life. It feels like it’s been cut short by this happening.

“Chris was a wonderful and genuine man. He took part in life and lived it to the fullest.

The couple in 2013.

“He was spontaneous. He liked to have parties and have fun and was also very protective of people.

“I’m amazed every single day with some of the events he was a part of. He had created very special moments for people.’’

The life of an outlaw did have its moments.

In the early years as an outlaw bikie, Coelho wore a chrome helmet and was nicknamed “Ball Bearing’’. It stuck. The avid Harley Davidson rider and guitar player had travelled the world and met the famous and infamous. Among them was riding across America with the Hells Angels’ most notable member “Sonny’’ Barger.

And Coelho would regale stories of a singalong with his musical heroes Johnny Cash, June Carter and Willie Nelson in a hotel room. But he also had other moments.

Chris “Ball Bearing’’ Coelho left the Hells Angels to get married.

Coelho lived through an internal Hells Angels split turned violent over the production of speed.

He would survive the conflict, but not before he was shot in the chest.

Aged 68 Coelho retired from the Hells Angels in 2012 after 42 years membership of the world’s most infamous outlaw motorcycle club. He had been an office bearer, including a chapter president.

But as a new breed of bikie entered the club, Coelho knew his time as an Angel was over.

He handed in his “colours’’ soon after his public arrest following a raid by police on the Angels’ Melbourne clubhouse in Fairfield. In a show of force, police had ripped off the front gates to the Heidelberg Rd chapter which was adorned with the Hells Angels “Death Head’’ insignia.

Coelho was charged for being in possession of a small amount of cannabis and an ornamental gun.

As he was escorted from the clubhouse, Coelho would have one last surprise for police investigators, who at the time were attempting to thwart a war with the Bandidos.

They all knew of “Ball Bearing’’ and as they escorted him towards the front door to cuff him, he requested to take a jacket from the cloak stand.

Chris “Ball Bearing’’ Coelho was arrested during a police raid.

Among the hoodies and jackets, he picked out his Hells Angels cut (vest) as a media throng waited outside.

It was his last public act of defiance as a Hells Angel.

Coelho has been part of the fabric of Australian music in stories told by bands such as Midnight Oil, who had played at the Broadford festival organised by the bikie club in the 1980s. Oils drummer Rob Hirst would tell of an arrow, shot into an office in Manly, and an attached note demanding they play the gig.

The note was signed “Ball Bearing”.

When they arrived in Broadford as requested, they would play until “Mr Bearing’’ raised his finger.

In 2013, Coelho told the Herald Sun his time as a Hells Angel had to end but remained friends with many of them. Part of his reasoning to “retire’’ was his impending marriage to Dee, 20 years his junior. He was also adamant he wanted no part in any emerging conflict with the Bandidos at the time.

His timing was impeccable. Within weeks the Bandidos’ Toby Mitchell had been ambushed and shot by Hells Angels. After their wedding in 2013, they rode through the middle of Australia. Coelho draped his Harley’s handlebars with Australian flags. Dee rode a smaller Harley alongside him.

Written by Anthony Dowsley
SOURCE: Herald Sun


Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Tom Fugle: Founding member of El Forastero MC, dead at 75

Founding member of El Forastero Motorcycle Club and Bike Builder Tom Fugle died peacefully at his home yesterday in Sioux City, Iowa. He was only 75.

SIOUX, IOWA (December 18, 2016) — To many in the mainstream biker world, his name has no meaning but if you were in the Chopper scene in the 60's and 70's he was already a legend. His influence is forever engraved on the custom bike building world.

Tom bought a Harley dresser in 1961 for $800 bucks and turned it into a chopper, the bike only had 3,000 miles on it at the time. Tom built traditional old style choppers for his entire adult life.


Tom Fugle

Tom was very good friends with legendary biker artist Dave Mann, a fellow El Forastero MC member. Tom even delivered a eulogy at Mann’s funeral in 2004. 

Tom kept building the style of bikes integral to the chopper movement that he helped pioneer in the 60's and early 70's. In fact, Tom built the style of choppers that many today cite as inspirational and ground breaking at the time.

Tom rode an Evo later in life

Our condolences to his ole' lady, friend and companion Jennie DeCora, and his brothers in the El Forastero MC. Rest In Peace Tom Jerome Fugle, you taught us a lot.

A memorial service is planned at a later date, yet to be determined, according to Waterbury Funeral Service.



Thursday, February 25, 2016

James "Dago" Marchellino 9/17/57-2/24/16

September 4, 1957 - February 24, 2016

James "Dago" Marchellino, a member of the Sons of Silence MC for over 36 years died Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, IA.

Funeral Service for 58 year old James "Dago" Marchellino of Kimballton will be held at 2pm on Saturday, February 27 at the Hausbarn Conference Center in Manning.  Dago passed away on Tuesday, February 23 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.  He is survived by his wife, Dale Marchellino of Carroll; 2 daughters:  Jami (Mark) Fite of Baseshore, KS and Megan Marchellino of Iowa City; and his Mother, Dorothy Hansen of Kimballton.

The Ohde Funeral Home in Kimballton is in charge of arrangements.  Friends may call from 10am until time of service on Saturday at the Hausbarn Conference Center in Manning.

Respects to the Aging Rebel for an excellent write up about his life. 
Read his article at: James "Dago" Marchellino


ANY DISRESPECTFUL COMMENTS AND REMARKS WILL BE DELETED

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Mongols MC - GoFundMe Pages

Condolence To The Mongols Nation For Their Loss


As a courtesy & respect for ALL legit MC's, here are the two "GoFundMe" Pages that we know about for the Mongols MC members involved with the IOMC pukes in Denver.

Mongol MC Member Hercules

From his GoFundMe Site:

"Brother Hercules is in ICU from injuries sustained going above and beyond for his brother's. Hercules is the toughest bro, but we are going to need help with the expenses accrued during this rough time. Anything helps and all is appreciated ML&R MFFM".

His Donation Page: www.gofundme.com/hercdajerk



Mongol MC Member Nubz

From his GoFundMe Site:

 "As many of you know we lost a brother yesterday unexpectedly. He was more than a brother to all of us and gave his life to protect ours. We are putting this together to raise money for his family and a proper burial. Donate what you can to help us help this brother and his family."

His Donation Page: www.gofundme.com/Nubzmffm

Mongols MC Killer On Paid Leave

 People exit the Denver Motorcycle Expo after shooting

The club that fought the Iron Order during a Motorcycle show in Denver say their members acted in self-defense during the brawl that left 1 person dead and 7 others shot, stabbed and/or beaten.

A member of the Mongols MC was killed when he tried to disarm an Iron Order puke who was pointing a gun at a crowd, Las Vegas attorney Stephen Stubbs said Thursday in the latest salvo in the clubs' ongoing dispute over who sparked the fight.

Victor Mendoza, 46, charged toward the gunman and was shot, Stubbs said during what he described as the Mongols' first-ever press conference, held at a VFW hall. Two Mongols who refused to speak or give their names flanked him.

Stubbs had no comment about the 7 others hurt during the Saturday brawl at the Colorado Motorcycle Exposition, where other MC’s from around the country gathered.

Iron Order's lawyer, John C. Whitfield, said a Colorado Department of Corrections officer who belongs to his club opened fire during the brawl in self-defense after its members were jumped by a group of Mongols. Stubbs' account makes absolutely no sense, he said.

Iron Order's members are composed of mostly of law enforcement officers, prison guards and military personnel that get a kick playing weekend biker then go back to their regular jobs during the week.

As of yet no charges have been filed and the Denver cops would not comment on either side's story of the fight, saying that detectives were still interviewing people involved. They have said more than 1 person opened fire, and they were analyzing more than 1 gun to determine who fired the fatal shot.

"Running to the top of the stairs, pointing a gun at a crowd below, and shooting an unarmed man that bravely tries to disarm you cannot be self-defense," Stubbs said.

He also added, "If you are an unarmed man that is charging some intoxicated lunatic at the top of the stairs that is waving a gun at a crowd of people, that is definitely self-defense."

Corrections officer and Iron Order member Derrick Duran was put on paid leave while authorities investigate his story. He did not immediately return calls seeking comment Thursday.

Stubbs called Mendoza a dedicated family man that sacrificed his life trying to save others.

Others involved in the brawl have not been identified.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Wounded Warrior Project Wasting Money



Wounded Warrior Project accused of wasting donor money: ‘It just makes me sick’

Dozens of former Wounded Warrior Project employees have accused the charity of needlessly spending millions of dollars in donations on lavish conferences and parties.

In 2014 alone, the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) received more than $300 million in donations, yet it only spent roughly 60 percent of that on vets, CBS News reported. Other respected charities for wounded veterans, like the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust and Fisher House, reportedly spent more than 90 percent of their donations on vets.

CBS News spoke to more than 40 former WWP employees who accused the charity of out-of-control spending.

“Their mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors, but what the public doesn’t see is how they spend their money,” said Army Staff Sgt. Erick Millette, who recently quit as a public speaker with WWP. “You’re using our injuries, our darkest days, our hardships, to make money. So you can have these big parties.”

Spending on conferences and meetings went from $1.7 million in 2010, to $26 million in 2014, which is the same amount the group spends on combat stress recovery, their top program, according to the charity’s tax forms obtained by CBS News.

“Let’s get a Mexican mariachi band in there, let’s get maracas made with [the] WWP logo, put them on every staff member’s desk. Let’s get it catered and have a big old party,” Sgt. Millette added.