IAVA in the News: DoD

The Philadelphia Inquirer: Web Site Helps Welcome Vets Home

The Philadelphia Inquirer recently profiled IAVA Member Veterans Bryan Adams and Marie Exley about their experiences transitioning home from Iraq and how IAVA's CommunityofVeterans.org, the first exclusive social network for OIF/OEF veterans, helped them find critical resources about VA health care, claims benefits and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Click here to read the article.

New York Times: In Battle, Hunches Prove to Be Valuable

July 28

The New York Times spoke to IAVA Member Veteran Don Gomez, Jr. for this front-page feature about how high-tech military gear, while helping to reduce I.E.D. casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan, remains a mere supplement to the most sensitive detection system of all — a soldier's brain.

MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show: U.S. Military Searches For Missing G.I.

July 21

MSNBC's Rachel Maddow recently spoke with IAVA Executive Director and Founder Paul Rieckhoff for this interview about the efforts of the U.S. military to locate Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl, who disappeared in eastern Afghanistan on July 30th. In the interview, Rieckhoff called for Americans to support the Bergdahl family as they await for information on the whereabouts of their son. He also addressed personal attacks on Bergdahl by retired Lt. Col.

MSNBC: Grave Offenses at Arlington National Cemetery

July 17

On July 17th, IAVA Executive Director and Founder Paul Rieckhoff spoke to MSNBC for this interview about a criminal investigation and allegations of misplaced bodies and shoddy care in Sect. 60 at Arlington National Cemetery where more than 600 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are buried.

Wall Street Journal: Hello, My Name Is USER01

July 6

The Wall Street Journal spoke to IAVA Member Veteran Reynaldo Leal, Jr. for this article about IAVA's use of new social media, including the Ning-based social network CommunityofVeterans.org, to help Iraq and Afghanistan veterans reach out to one another during the transition home.

Army Times: DoD on the Clock to Plan Stop-loss Payments

June 25

The Army Times recently quoted IAVA Executive Director and Founder Paul Rieckhoff in this article about the Department of Defense's 120-day deadline to launch a payment plan for nearly 185,000 stoplossed service members eligible to receive retroactive backpay for every month they served beyond their enlistment contract since September 10, 2001.

Associated Press: Did KBR know Iraq locale was polluted, putting soldiers at risk?

June 25

The Associated Press recently spoke with IAVA Policy Associate Tom Tarantino for this investigative feature on military contractor KBR's response to pending lawsuits the company knew hexavalent chromium and other harmful toxins were prevalent at an Iraqi water plant facility U.S. troops were assigned to protect.

Army Times: Bill Would Let Troops Cancel More Contracts

June 22

The Army Times has cited Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America as supporters of the Helping Active Duty Deployed Act drafted by Rep. Gerald Connelly, D-Va. The bill, known in the house as HR 2874, would expand the rights of service members and families to avoid financial penalties incurred from deployments. “It is unconscionable that members of our armed forces who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom are charged early termination penalties when facing deployment or change of station", Connelly said.

Newsweek: Who Are You Calling Rambo?

June 14

Following U.S. Comedian Stephen Colbert's unprecedented broadcast before U.S. troops in Baghdad, Newsweek published this special edition "My Turn" essay from IAVA Executive Director and Founder Paul Rieckhoff about the need to break "crazy veteran" stereotypes in America. Click here for the full article or to read Stephen Colbert's entire special guest edition Newsweek previewing his trip to Iraq.

am New York: Stephen Colbert Brings Show to Iraq

June 9

am New York spoke to IAVA Member Veteran Don Gomez for this article about U.S. comedian Stephen Colbert's special broadcast of "The Colbert Report" before U.S. troops in Baghdad on June 8th.