Success Story

Heroes Gala 2009
November 10

On November 10th, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America hosted its Third Annual Heroes Gala at Gotham Hall in New York City. The inspiring event, timed to coincide with Veterans Day, brought together veterans of all generations, distinguished members of the veterans' community and supporters to further IAVA's mission to support our nation's newest generation of heroes.

Highlights: Third Annual Heroes Gala
Photos: A Strong Show of Support
IAVA In the News

The Heroes Gala:

Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News, served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening while ESPN NFL Senior Analyst Chris Mortensen and IAVA Board Member and Afghanistan veteran Wes Moore presented awards to the honorees.

Veteran Leadership Honoree

Iraq Veteran and Actor J.R. Martinez, who suffered severe injuries while serving in Iraq and has since become a spokesman for his fellow wounded veterans, received the 2009 IAVA Veterans Leadership Award. Martinez currently portrays a wounded combat veteran on ABC's All My Children. Listen to his inspirational acceptance speech.

Civlian Service Honoree

Van Toffler, President of MTV Networks Music & Logo Group, received the 2009 IAVA Civilian Service Award for stewarding programming that shows viewers the true face of combat and connects an entire generation to its veterans. Listen to his message for new veterans.

The Heroes Gala also offered guests a sneak peak of the new PSA for IAVA's National Veterans Support Campaign. Click here to see the new ad and learn more more about the campaign.

A Strong Show of Support:

More than 350 IAVA Member Veterans and Supporters attended the Heroes Gala to show support for honorees J.R. Martinez and Van Toffler while hundreds more tuned in from across the country to watch the Gala via live webcast.

The memorable evening also included an electrifying performance by The PS22 Chorus, comprised of 60 fifth graders from a public school in Staten Island that have become an internet phenomenon. Watch their performance.

Check out highlights below from the 2009 Heroes Gala.

IAVA In The News:

At the Gala, IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff joined IAVA Member Veterans in saluting the nearly 2 million veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11. Watch his CNN interview.