IAVA in the News: Print

Washington Post: Rules eased for filing PTSD claims

IAVA Member Veteran Richard Sanchez, a Navy Reservist who served in both OIF and OEF, discussed his 5 year ordeal in getting his PTSD disability claim approved through the VA. The new rule that takes effect on July 12th, 2010, will make it easier for veterans of all generations to make service-connected PTSD claims.

AP: After rain-out, Obama delivers speech back home

May 31

IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff was quoted in this Associated Press article about President Obama not being at Arlington National Cemetery for Memorial Day.

Los Angeles Times: Veterans Need Care, Not Apathy

May 30

IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff, Legislative Associate Tom Tarantino, and multiple IAVA member veterans were interviewed for this piece in the Los Angeles Times about the VA disability claims process. Reforming this process is IAVA's top legislative priority for 2010.

Washington Post: OPM head takes 'hostile fire' on hiring, intern program

May 20

IAVA Legislative Associate Tim Embree was quoted in a piece about shortcomings in the federal hiring process, especially when it comes to veterans. He noted that IAVA has called for an investigation into direct hiring programs "to determine whether these programs are being used to avoid the hiring of veterans in the federal government."

NYT: Five Fronts in the War in Afghanistan

May 12

IAVA Project Coordinator Jennifer Hunt was featured in a New York Times piece about different strategies and different terrains the military must deal with Afghanistan. She discussed her time on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan and how her civil affairs team had to do to complete their mission.

Women's Health: Invisible Soldiers

April 23

Women’s Health chronicled the experiences of women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, the first generation of female soldiers to experience combat at close range. The feature details the experiences of IAVA member veterans LaTisha Bowen, Aimee Sherrod and Jennifer Hunt. The article also highlights IAVA’s "Women Warriors" report, which addresses the unique service and homecoming challenges facing female veterans. Click here to read the entire article.

Army Times: Experts say vets should be marketed to employers

April 19

In tough times, employers need little reason to turn a candidate away. For some, a link to the military is enough.

IAVA Legislative Associate Tim Embree emphasizes how few veterans are employed within the government, outside of the VA and DOD.

USA Today: Joblessness hits male vets of current wars

April 9

USA Today noted the rising rate of unemployment among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, which is especially acute among men.

Rolling Stone: The Fort Carson Shooting Spree

November 6

Rolling Stone Magazine reported about a wave of violence and murders at America's third-largest Army Base, Fort Carson. IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff discussed the "failures in leadership" at Fort Carson, which have contributed to 14 soliders from the base being charged or convicted in at least 11 slayings since 2005. Click here to read the entire article.

AFP: Afghan ‘Rambo’ cop on frontline against Taliban

October 6

IAVA's Todd Bowers, Deputy Policy Director for Public Affairs, was among the marines cited in this AFP piece on recruitment shortages facing the Afghan National Police. Bowers was cited for his efforts to forge closer ties with local elders.