Huffington Post: The Inspirationals: Paul Rieckhoff and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

In an interview with Howard Fineman for the Huffington Post, IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff spoke about his work advocating for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Rieckhoff addressed the challenges facing the newest generation of veterans and the leadership lessons that can be gleaned from their experiences overseas.

As a platoon leader in Iraq, Rieckhoff learned that good leadership requires vision, commitment and entrepreneurial abilities. And a good leader also looks out for those serving under him. "There's the old saying, 'Men before me,'" he said. "If you lose sight of that, it's not just bad for you, it's bad for them, it's bad for the mission, it's bad for everything. ... you really learn to depend on other people."

Click here to read a full transcript of the interview.

Paul Rieckhoff addresses the audience at IAVA's Fifth Annual Heroes Gala in New York City, November 9, 2011.

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