Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

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[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 9th:

Pvt. Lucas M. Bregg

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Airman Darren Ethan Tate

2nd Lt. Derwin I. Williams

Sgt. Brock H. Chavers

Spc. Chester W. Hosford

Spc. Issac L. Johnson

Capt. Mark A. Garner

Pfc. Nicolas H. J. Gideon

Spc. Christopher M. Talbert

Petty Officer Second Class Tony Michael Randolph

Sgt. Michael C. Roy

Spc. Gregory J. Missman

Operation Enduring Freedom

OFFICIAL DoD COUNT OF:

Troops Killed in Iraq: 4325
Troops Killed in Afghanistan: 727
Wounded in Action: 33815

July 10

Posted by:
Michelle McCarthy

Have You Seen It Yet? Watch IAVA's New Video "Stronger Together" Featuring Henry Rollins

In the News For Independence Day, IAVA released a new video, "Stronger 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 the video received more than 13,000 hits in less than a week! Can you help us continue the amazing momentum and reach our NEW GOAL of 20,000 views by July 20th? Click here to watch it and spread the word to friends and family!

July 10

Posted by:
Michelle McCarthy

IAVA Daily Brief 07.10.09

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.

July 9

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.

July 9

Posted by:
Matthew Marsh

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

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:
Matthew Marsh

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

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 10

Posted by:
Michelle McCarthy