IAVA - IAVA's Programs | Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

IAVA's mission is to improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans and their families. In just the last year, IAVA has connected hundreds of veterans with employers, helped over 10,000 go to college on the new GI Bill, and provided mental health support to over 50,000. Sign up to become an IAVA Member Veteran or Civilian Supporter today!

Many Iraq and Afghanistan veterans face serious challenges when they return home. Nineteen percent screen positive for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, or suffer from a probable Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). In 2010, more lives were lost to suicide than in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. And the veteran unemployment rate continues to be unacceptably high.

To help veterans overcome these challenges and build a support community IAVA organizes thousands of veterans through events and campaigns every year. At IAVA events, we provide:

Connection to Community: Many returning veterans face isolation when they come home, and don't feel they can share their struggles with others who have not served in combat. IAVA provides a connection to other veterans in environments where veterans are free to be themselves.

Connection to Resources: At these events, members receive information about mental health resources, suicide prevention, educational opportunities and family support. Many events also include an employment component or resources to receive employment assistance.

In 2010, IAVA brought over 8,500 Member Veterans and family members together at local events nationwide.

The Community of Veterans program (COV) is IAVA's online social network exclusively for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. COV provides mental health resources, dynamic discussions and a group of fellow veterans that ease feelings of isolation. Since its launch, over 15,000 veterans have joined, adn the site has been visited more than 1 million times.

IAVA's leadership role in improving the lives of veterans and their families has attracted the interest of socially conscious, forward-thinking private-sector partners. Through unique initiatives, IAVA and partners provide veterans with assistance, resources and once-in-a-lifetime community experiences.

The Rucksack: Connecting Veterans with Resources, Services and Each Other

Launched in June 2010, The Rucksack is a groundbreaking online system that serves as a tool to connect confirmed veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan with tangible products, services and experiences through IAVA's partners. IAVA members who confirm their service can log on and request free tickets, giveaways, resources, workshops and more - all free of charge.

IAVA and Miller High Life: "Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life"

IAVA and iconic American brand Miller High Life launched "Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life," a groundbreaking effort that provided up to one million dollars in cash and "High Life Experiences" to veterans through The Rucksack. Miller High Life generously donated 10 cents for every specially marked tab or cap returned, with proceeds going directly to providing thousands of unique experiences for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.

Joseph Abboud and JC Penney's "Welcome Home Joe"

IAVA partnered with Joseph Abboud and JCPenney in the fall of 2010 for the "Welcome Home Joe" campaign, which provided 5,000 IAVA members with $200 gift certificates towards the purchase of professional attire in JCPenney stores nationwide. At a time when thousands of new veterans are struggling to find employment, this innovative partnership was a critical component in providing veterans the material assistance they need to ensure a bright future.