Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

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The following fatalities were identified by the Department of Defense on July 28th:

Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin McNeley

Lance Cpl. Frederik E. Vazquez

Maj. James M. Weis

Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo

Pfc. Andrew L. Hand

Spc. Joseph A. Bauer

Sgt. Daniel Lim

Staff Sgt. Conrad A. Mora

Pfc. James J. Oquin

Operation Enduring Freedom

OFFICIAL DoD COUNT OF:

Troops Killed in Iraq: 4403
Troops Killed in Afghanistan: 1172
Wounded in Action: 36757

July 27

Posted by:
Blake Henderson

IAVA Daily Brief 7.27.10

In the News Here are some of today's top stories and happenings at IAVA. Prefer to receive real-time updates about major stories and legislation that IAVA is tracking? Follow us on Twitter @IAVAPressRoom or subscribe at www.IAVA.org/DailyNewsBrief. NOTE: Please be advised the IAVA Daily News Brief will be on hiatus from Wednesday, July 28th through Friday, July 30th.

July 26

Posted by:
Michelle McCarthy

Don't Make Our Troops Pay for BP's Mess

In the News BP made a massive mess. And because of a bureaucratic loophole, many National Guard members are paying the price. Nearly 1,500 men and women in uniform have deployed to help clean up the oil spill so far, and thousands more could follow. But while serving their country, they're being shortchanged. For many, the time they're serving won't count towards their educational benefits.

July 26

Posted by:
Paul Rieckhoff

DOD Releases June Suicide Numbers and New Suicide Prevention Video

In the News The Army released its suicide totals for the month of June. Among active duty servicemembers, there were 21 potential suicides with one confirmed and 20 remaining under investigation. Among the non-activated reserve component, there were 11 potential suicides with one confirmed and 10 remaining under investigation.

July 17

Posted by:
Allen Cermak

Finance Reform Bill Allows Lenders to Continue to Prey on Military Personnel

Opinion The financial reform bill moving through Congress excuses car dealers from the oversight of the planned Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. And a recent Washington Post article explains how this potential law shields auto dealers and enables them to continue their predatory lending practices to young servicemembers. Read more about this development.

July 16

Posted by:
Paul Rieckhoff

BP: Stop Hurting National Security, Start Paying for National Guard GI Bill Benefits

Opinion BP may have lobbied for the release of a known terrorist to secure an oil contract with the Libyan government. They may finally plug the leak this week. And Tony Hayward may go on another sailing race. Top hats and booms. Clean up crews and lawsuits. Over the last few months of this disaster, we’ve heard talk about it all. But what you haven’t heard about is the significant national security risk created by this catastrophe.

June 9

Posted by:
Paul Rieckhoff

Memorial Day: One Holiday, Two Countries

Opinion For most Americans, Memorial Day weekend marks the triumphant return of summer: a trip to the beach and a day off of work – barbecues, beers and bargains. Yet, as most Americans head to the beach or the mall, many veterans and military families will travel to a cemetery. For veterans, there is no day of the year when the civilian-military divide feels greater.

July 9

Posted by:
Paul Rieckhoff

New Veterans’ Unemployment Rate Remains High

Legislative Dispatches The Bureau of Labor Statistics just released their jobs report for the month of June, and the economic situation for new veterans looks bleak. Get the stats you need to know.

May 27

Posted by:
Tom Tarantino

Key Provisions for Vets Health Care in National Defense Authorization

Legislative Dispatches Today, the House of Representatives will be voting on the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill will determine what programs the Department of Defense will undertake in the next year. IAVA has been hard at work combing through the 170 amendments to this critical bill. If passed, these amendments have the potential to greatly improve the services and lives of veterans and their families. Click here to learn more.

May 27

Posted by:
Michelle McCarthy

WATCH: IAVA Tackles VA Claims, Veteran Unemployment, Home Ownership and Military Sexual Trauma Issues on Capitol Hill

Legislative Dispatches This week, IAVA participated in a series of high-level hearings on Capitol Hill to address four critical issues facing service members and new veterans: a challenging VA claims process, rising veteran unemployment, veteran home ownership amid the recession, and the incidence of military sexual trauma. Click here to watch highlights from the testimonies and learn more about IAVA's recommendations to lawmakers.

July 27

Posted by:
Blake Henderson