IAVA in the News: Wait for Care and Benefits

Fox 5 DC: IAVA members honored at Washington Nationals game

Nearly 1000 IAVA member veterans and their families came together in Washington, DC to see the Washington Nationals play the Florida Marlins. They were treated to a free pre-game party with food, entertainment, appearances by Nats players, and even facepainters for the kids. A few local veterans were interviewed about the experience by the local FOX affiliate.

NBC 12 AZ: IAVA at the Arizona Diamondbacks Game

August 3

Arizona IAVA members and their families came out to enjoy the Diamondbacks game on August 2nd. The tickets were donated through IAVA's innovative partnership with Miller High Life and allowed for the vets to enjoy the game for free. For more information check out www.TheRucksack.org.

PBS NewsHour: Todd Bowers on IEDs on the Battlefield

August 2

IAVA Deputy Executive Director Todd Bowers was a guest on PBS NewsHour to discuss the new attention given to the dangers of IEDs with the increase in troop deaths in Afghanistan. Ray Suarez spoke with Marine Staff Sgt. Bowers as well as retired Army Col. Peter Mansoor.

NPR: VA Eases Claims Process For PTSD Treatment

July 13

IAVA Legislative Associate Tom Tarantino and IAVA Member Veteran Richard Sanchez, a Navy Reservist who served in both OIF and OEF, recently spoke to National Public Radio's All Things Considered about the Dept. of Veteran Affairs' new rule making it easier for veterans of all generations to make service-connected PTSD claims. The rule goes into effect July 12th. Click below to listen to the segment.

PBS NewsHour: VA Changes Rules for PTSD Claims

July 13

IAVA Member Veteran Carolyn Schapper, who served in a military intelligence unit with the Georgia National Guard in Iraq in 2005 and 2006, recently discussed on PBS Newshour with Jim Lehrer the Dept. of Veteran Affair's new rules relaxing evidence requirements for PTSD claims.

Washington Post: Rules eased for filing PTSD claims

July 10

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.

KCAL 9: Veterans Honored at Dodgers Stadium

July 9

Nearly 500 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan came together at Dodgers Stadium to commemorate the launch of IAVA's groundbreaking new campaign with Miller High Life. Vets were honored on the field during the national anthem and IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff threw out the first pitch.

The Rachel Maddow Show: A Nation at War

June 24

IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff was recently featured on The Rachel Maddow Show discussing Afghanistan and the divide between the military and the civilian population. During the segment, Maddow highlighted Arnold Fisher's remarks at the opening of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) in which Fisher called out Washington's elite for not being more invested in the war and veterans causes.

Marketplace: A Push for Changes in Post-9/11 GI Bill

May 31

IAVA Legislative Associate Tim Embree joined Bob Moon on Marketplace to discuss necessary fixes to the new GI Bill and problems veterans have transitioning into the workforce after combat. Upgrading the GI Bill package is one of IAVA's top legislative priorities in 2010.

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