Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and the American Legion Riders are advising citizens to be cautious about stolen Operation Wounded Warrior signs.
According to the American Legion Riders Post 27 in Apache Junction, two vehicles with Operation Wounded Warrior signs on them have had the signs stolen in the past three weeks. One was stolen at the Fry’s shopping center and the other at Captain’s Food & Spirits, both in Apache Junction.
While the stolen signs have not yet been spotted, it is a concern that the signs might be used in a fraudulent manner to collect donations. According to Glen Koepke of the American Legion Riders Post 27, Operation Wounded Warrior signs on the sides of trucks and vehicles are legit and not suspect. However, if someone is standing on a corner with one of the signs, they are probably attempting fraud and in possession of stolen items.
American Legion members are fairly easy to identify, as they wear vests/clothing bearing their emblems. According to Koepke, if anyone seems suspicious with an OWW sign, ask to see an American Legion card or brochure. If you spot an Operation Wounded Warrior sign that is NOT on the side of a vehicle and seems suspect, please contact the Sheriff’s Office.
Operation Wounded Warrior is a program created and run by the American Legion Riders to deliver health and comfort items to wounded service personnel in need and to personally welcome them home.