LATHAM, N.Y. - The Department of Defense Joint Ethics Regulation, as well as the regulations of each branch of the military services, prohibits fund raising activities while in uniform or acting in an official capacity.
With very few exceptions military personal are barred from directly or indirectly asking for gifts, awards and other benefits for themselves or their organizations when in uniform.
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines cannot ask for money for their unit or organization or for military-related groups, such as a unit Family Readiness Group, while in uniform.
Military personnel cannot solicit funds for their unit, military-related group or other organization by referring to their military rank and unit and implying that this is an official request.
"The National Guard, and all branches of the military, do not fundraise," said Army Lt. Col. Richard Goldenberg, the public affairs officer for the New York National Guard. "If somebody in uniform asks you to give them money for "the troops," they are wrong."
Anybody approached by an individual in uniform who asks for donations should decline to donate, but should ask for a name and unit so they can report that individual to the service members chain of command, Goldenberg said.
Members of the military may solicit funds for non-military related organizations while out of uniform and off-duty.
Members of the New York Army and Air National Guard regularly donate their off-duty time to raise funds for the Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Clubs, and other groups. When participating in such private fundraising activities, however, Soldiers and Airmen are prohibited from implying any type of official endorsement of the private fundraiser by the National Guard.