Press Releases: Local Events

Warrior Champions, Produced by IAVA, Premiers at Austin Film Festival

NEW YORK - Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, is proud to announce the premiere of "Warrior Champions: From Baghdad to Beijing," at the 2009 Austin Film Festival on Friday, October 23rd. Filmed and produced by Brent and Craig Renaud, in association with IAVA, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the U.S. Paralympics Division, "Warrior Champions" chronicles the inspiring journey of four servicemembers who were severely wounded in Iraq as they recover and compete for a spot on the US Paralympic Team, bound for the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing. IAVA is an Executive Producer of the film.

Iraq, Afghanistan Veterans Ring Closing Bell at NASDAQ; Celebrate July 4th

July 2

NEW YORK –Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation’s first and largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, will ring the Closing Bell at The NASDAQ Stock Market in New York City. IAVA Board Member and Afghanistan veteran Wes Moore will lead the ceremony, joined by IAVA member veterans from the Tri-State area. The ceremony begins at 3:30 PM (EST) at the NASDAQ MarketSite at 4 Times Square, and is OPEN to the media. To attend, please RSVP to Michael Houston at michael@iava.org.

Craigslist Founder, Ning CEO Participate in Press Conference to Show How Technology is Supporting Troops and Veterans

June 26

NEW YORK - Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation’s first and largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, announced it will host a press conference on Monday, June 29^th, 10:15AM EST with Craigslist Founder Craig Newmark and Ning CEO Gina Bianchini at the Personal Democracy Forum (PdF). PdF is the world's largest and best known conference on the intersection of technology and politics, attracting the highest level of speakers and participants. The press conference will directly follow a keynote address from NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and it will highlight how the Ning social network model is transforming outreach to new veterans.

IAVA Observes Memorial Day 2009

May 22

NEW YORK - Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the country's first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, issued the following statement on the upcoming Memorial Day Holiday:

Hollywood Gathers to Honor Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans

April 27

NEW YORK - Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the country's first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, announced that it will host a Heroes Celebration in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 30th at 7pm to salute our newest generation of veterans and honor IAVA's recent successes. Hosted by Actor Cameron Diaz, Writer, Producer and WWII Veteran Norman Lear and CAA agent Nick Styne, this inspiring star-studded reception will bring together Hollywood supporters and local veterans to raise awareness of the unique challenges facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Run to Honor Pat Tillman

April 14

NEW YORK - In honor of fallen U.S. Army Ranger and former NFL player Pat Tillman, members of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, will participate in Pat's Run 2009 in Tempe, Arizona (April 18th) and San Jose, California (April 25th). To honor Pat's life and legacy, IAVA member veterans will also participate in a "shadow" run in Afghanistan (date TDB). This is the first year IAVA will join Pat's Run as an official sponsor.

Common Ground Honors IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff At Annual Celebrating Home Gala

February 4

Media Advisory: IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff and Governor David Paterson honored with Celebrating Home Award at NYC Common Ground Gala

WHAT: The innovative and ground-breaking non-profit Common Ground hosts its 7th Annual Gala honoring Governor David Paterson and IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff.

Veterans Week Largest In Decades

November 7

Veterans Week 2008 Largest in Decades
200 Events Nationwide, 2nd Annual Heroes Gala, Ad Council Campaign among Highlights

NEW YORK - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the country's first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, is gearing up for an action packed Veterans Week with over 200 events nationwide, including the parade in New York City, IAVA's 2nd Annual Heroes Gala, and the introduction of a massive, historic Public Service Advertising (PSA) campaign in conjunction with the Ad Council. Veterans from across the country will have the opportunity to participate in local events, and New York City veterans will join IAVA for the parade on Veterans Day and star-studded Heroes Gala the following night.

MTV and IAVA Host Concert for Vets

October 17

IAVA, MTV, 50 Cent, Kid Rock and Others Team Up for Concert to Honor Veterans Artists and Celebrities from 50 Cent to Kid Rock to Beyoncé Join Forces For "A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE"

NEW YORK - Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest nonpartisan Iraq and Afghanistan veterans group, announced it has teamed up with MTV's Choose or Lose campaign to produce "A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE" to mobilize support for our country's newest generation of heroes. The concert will coincide with the launch of BRAVE (Bill of Rights for American Veterans), a petition to call attention to the most urgent issues facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. "A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE," will be taped in New York City on October 23 and is scheduled to air on MTV on Friday, October 24, at 8pm ET.

NYC Vets Host Debate Watch Party

October 14

Presidential Debate Watch Party with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans
IAVA and Rieckhoff Host Nonpartisan Event

NEW YORK - This Wednesday, October 15, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest non-profit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, will host a Presidential Debate Watch Party. IAVA Executive Director and Iraq Veteran Paul Rieckhoff will be joined by fellow veterans, civilian supporters, and military friends and family, to discuss the debate and the importance of veterans' issues in this year's election. Rieckhoff and other local veterans will be available for comments during and after the debate.