Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

Sorry, you need Flash Player 9 to view this feature

Visit CommunityofVeterans.org, the first social network exclusively for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

[IAVA] is a service that is definitely working toward the good for our men and women serving this country. ”

— Rita Cossio, Member Veteran

The following fatalities were identified by the Department of Defense on July 2nd:

Sgt. 1st Class Edward C. Kramer

Sgt. Roger L. Adams Jr.

Sgt. Juan C. Baldeosingh

Spc. Robert L. Bittiker

Operation Iraqi Freedom

OFFICIAL DoD COUNT OF:

Troops Killed in Iraq: 4324
Troops Killed in Afghanistan: 713
Wounded in Action: 33815

July 4

Posted by:
Michelle McCarthy

UPDATE: Watch IAVA's New Video "Stronger Together" featuring Henry Rollins!

In the News On Wednesday, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) released a new video, "Strong Together," about the achievements of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, featuring actor, musician and USO performer Henry Rollins. Thanks to the efforts of IAVA Member Veterans and Supporters we hit 12,000 views this morning! Can you continue to help us spread the word about the achivements of our newest generation of veterans? Spread the word and help us reach our new goal of 14,000 views by midnight on July 4th!

July 4

Posted by:
Paul Rieckhoff

Coming Home from War Is No 4th of July Picnic

Opinion I'll never forget my Independence Day at war. On July 4, 2003, I was in Baghdad, preparing to return home with my infantry platoon after six months fighting Saddam's Army and an insurgency that was just beginning to exact its toll on coalition forces. On that day, however, my expectations were thwarted, as my men and I were notified that our combat tour would be extended indefinitely. So instead of enjoying fireworks stateside, my unit watched AK tracer trails zip across the sky, walked patrols instead of parades, and ate MREs instead of hot dogs.

July 2

Posted by:
Michelle McCarthy

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Kick-Off July 4th Celebrations, Ring Closing Bell at NASDAQ

In the News Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation’s first and largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, rang the Closing Bell at The NASDAQ Stock Market in New York City. IAVA Board Member and Afghanistan veteran Wes Moore lead the ceremony, joined by IAVA member veterans from the Tri-State area. Click here to watch!

July 4

Posted by:
Paul Rieckhoff

Coming Home from War Is No 4th of July Picnic

July 2

Posted by:
Matthew Marsh

A 7-Step Guide to Navigating the VA Home Loan Process

Opinion The VA home loan is a program established to help veterans purchase a home with little to no money down, no private mortgage insurance, the ability to pre-pay without penalty, and a low fixed interest rate. It is an especially great program for first-time veteran home buyers, who may not have the money saved up for the 20% down payment that most conventional loans require. Interested in learning more? Click here for details.

June 30

Posted by:
Paul Rieckhoff

Marine Finds Unlikely Reinforcements Online: Nerds

Opinion These past few years we’ve seen self-proclaimed, highly-influential nerds using the power of online technology to play a huge role in driving public policy, political campaigns and organizing grassroots engagement. But social networking isn’t just for electoral battles. It’s transforming the way communities organize for the public good. And now, nerds--and I say that with the utmost respect-- are changing the lives of thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.

June 30

Posted by:
Patrick Campbell

IAVA Issues New Report on Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program

Legislative Dispatches The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is a valuable readjustment program for returning Guard & Reservists. IAVA worked hard to secure passage of this new program back in January 2008. Since then we have partnered with a former Senate defense staffer turned graduate student, Kimberly Jackson, to study the implementation and progress the Department of Defense has made with the Yellow Ribbon Program over the past year and half. To read the full report, click here.

June 30

Posted by:
Patrick Campbell

New Rules on Transferring GI Bill Benefits

Legislative Dispatches Two major announcements regarding transferring of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits were made last week. First, the President signed into law the war supplemental bill which extends Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to the children of servicemembers killed on active duty. Second, the Department of Defense finally issued their finals rules regarding transferring of education benefits. Click here for more details on these developments.

June 18

Posted by:
Tom Tarantino

Senate Clears the Way for Stop Loss Payments

Legislative Dispatches By a vote of 91-5 the US Senate has approved the H.R. 2346, the 2009 Supplemental Appropriations Act. After a close 226-202 vote in the House on Tuesday, the Senate overwhelmingly approved H.R. 2346, clearing the way for President Obama to sign it in to law. Click here to learn more about this important development.

July 4

Posted by:
Michelle McCarthy