Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

#EndTheVABacklog

IAVA is laser focused on rallying our community to pressure Washington and #EndTheVABacklog > [READ MORE]

IAVA's Premier Education Resource

Start your educational journey at NewGIBill.org. It's free and easy > [READ MORE]

IAVA's New Case Management Program

IAVA and Robin Hood have teamed up for a pilot case management program to help the over 12,000 new veterans in New York City >

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IAVA's Career Pathfinder

Introducing IAVA's Career Pathfinder. Start down your path today > [READ MORE]

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The following fatalities were identified by the Department of Defense since May 6, 2013:

1st Lt. Brandon J. Landrum

Staff Sgt. Francis G. Phillips IV

Spc. Kevin Cardoza

Spc. Thomas P. Murach

Spc. Brandon J. Prescott

OFFICIAL DoD COUNT, AS OF 5/14/13:

OIF Casualties: 4,422
OND Casualties: 66
OEF Casualties: 2,211
Wounded in Action: 50,702

Potential Suicides in 2013: 81

Learn More >

May 20

Posted by:
Mina

WATCH: IAVA Supports New Legislation to Address Military Sexual Trauma

Legislative Dispatches On Thursday, May 16th, Senator Gillibrand (D-NY) hosted a press conference to announce the Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013, which will significantly adjust the way sexual assault cases are handled under the military’s Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Senator Gillibrand was joined by eight of her colleagues from both houses of Congress and from both parties, including Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mark Begich (D-AK) and Reps. Dan Benishek, (R-MI), Krysten Sinema, (D-AZ), and Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI). More >

April 24

Posted by:
Anthony Pike

IAVA takes over Southern California

In the News IAVA has a number of awesome opportunities and experiences coming up for our members in SoCal. From baseball games to breakfast with entertainment bigwigs and exclusive employment events, IAVA has got you covered. See below for more information and sign up today, spots are limited. SAN DIEGO PADRES Join IAVA Sunday, May 5, as the San Diego Padres take on the Arizona Diamond Backs at PetCo Park for their Military Spouse Appreciation Day. IAVA will treat a handful of members to food and drink before the game and up to two complimentary tickets. More >

April 13

Posted by:
IAVA Staff

The GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act

In the News The United States has one of the most well educated and education-minded fighting forces ever. Many new recruits come into the force - both the enlisted and officer ranks - already with college degrees, and most have ambitions to continue their education both during and after military service. Needless to say, educational opportunities are important to those who serve, which is why the GI Bill has been a critically important benefit to our veterans and an important investment for our country for more than a half-century. More >

April 19

Posted by:
IAVA Staff

VA Officials Testify Before Congress on the Budget

Opinion Over the past week, the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), General Eric Shinseki, testified before the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees to discuss the VA’s budget request for the 2014 fiscal year and its advanced appropriations request for 2015. As expected, there was a strong focus on the VA’s disability claims backlog crisis at both hearings. More >

December 19

Posted by:
Anthony Pike

Chicago Welcomes Home the Heroes Parade

Opinion On Saturday, December 15, the Windy City came together for their Chicago Welcomes Home the Heroes Parade. The parade was designed to be able to properly welcome home Iraq vets while showing our continued support for the brave men and women still deployed to Afghanistan. This particular date was chosen because it was the first anniversary of the end of the Iraq war. IAVA members activated to march in the parade alongside Gold Star Families, Illinois National Guard units and other veteran organizations. More >

December 13

Posted by:
Paul Rieckhoff

The season of service is not just for vets

Opinion For thousands of veterans across America, life during the holidays is going to be tough this year.After fighting for our country in Iraq and Afghanistan, they’re coming home to high unemployment rates and a broken VA system. They’re dealing with physical and emotional injuries unprecedented in complication – from traumatic brain injuries to genital reconstruction. They’re worried about their friends who are struggling to sleep at night and not getting the care they need fast enough. They’re waiting months, sometimes years, to get the benefits they deserve. More >

May 20

Posted by:
Mina

WATCH: IAVA Supports New Legislation to Address Military Sexual Trauma

May 6

Posted by:
IAVA Staff

Solutions to End the VA Disability Claims Backlog

Legislative Dispatches 1. Show the Path to Backlog ZeroThe President should create a commission to end the backlog in order to form and present a clear, comprehensive plan to backlog zero . This plan should include input from DoD, VA, VSOs and related private sector experts. This plan should also include precise metrics and benchmarks that will ensure it stays on track and mandate Congressional oversight on the VA’s progress.2. Develop a Truly Digital Process More >

April 26

Posted by:
IAVA Staff

The Senate's letter to President Obama to #EndTheVABacklog

In the News, Legislative Dispatches April 26, 2013Dear Mr. President,We are writing to request that you take direct action and involvement in ending the current Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims backlog. More >

May 16

Posted by:
Mina

Spotlight On: IAVA Member Veteran Josh Carroll

In the News This month, we wanted to spotlight our own IAVA member veteran, Josh Carroll, and his awesome non-profit Flying Scarfs. Here's the story from Josh:Citizens of the WorldThe Flying Scarfs Story More >

May 13

Posted by:
Mina

You're Invited to The Inspiration of Courage!

In the News Our friends at Infinite Hero Foundation are hosting a special event next week on Tuesday evening called The Inspiration of Courage, and they asked us to let you all know about it.The Inspiration of Courage is a fun and exciting event to raise money for programs that help new veterans transition and reintegrate back from theater. Here are the details:WHAT: The Inspiration of Courage More >

April 29

Posted by:
Matt Colvin

VWG Wealth Management hosts “Casino Night” to benefit IAVA

In the News On Saturday, March 16, 2013, VWG Wealth Management hosted its first Annual “Casino Night” for Charity at the Westwood Country Club in Vienna, VA. The event was organized by former Naval Flight Officer John Verfurth (Managing Director and Partner) and the entire team at VWG to benefit IAVA. More >

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