Female Iraq Veterans Brief Capitol Hill on Critical Issues Facing Women Warriors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

NEW YORK – Today on Capitol Hill, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the country's first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, in partnership with Disabled Americans Veterans (DAV) and The Independent Television Service (ITVS), will host a special screening of the acclaimed documentary film LIONESS and a panel discussion on female troops and veterans’ issues.

The film screening and panel discussion with members of “Team Lioness” and filmmakers Meg McLagan and Daria Summers will take place in the Cannon House Office Building Room 334 on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 from 11:45 am to 1:15 p.m. and is open to press.  

“Almost 200,000 women have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. As we conclude our recognition of Women’s History Month, it is a fitting time to honor their service and sacrifices,” said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).  “For years, IAVA has been working to raise awareness about the critical needs of our women warriors. Today’s historic event continues this dialogue, and we look forward to seeing real action from our nation’s lawmakers.”

Following the screening and panel discussion, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) will hold a press conference to discuss the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation that would help assess, expand and improve VA health care for women veterans.  The press conference is being held at 2:45PM in Room SVC – 212, Senate Visitors Center. IAVA Representatives will be in attendance.

“The VA is currently underprepared to handle the unique health care needs of our women veterans. As more female servicemembers come home from Iraq and Afghanistan, the VA must be ready to serve them. IAVA is proud to support the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, and urges Congress to move quickly to pass this critical legislation,” said Rieckhoff.

To learn more about LIONESS, please visit: http://www.lionessthefilm.com/.  

To RSVP or to arrange an interview with IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff or any of IAVA’s female spokespeople, please contact Michael Houston, (917) 697-6406 or Michael@iava.org.   

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org) is the country's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has more than 125,000 veteran members and civilian supporters nationwide. Its mission is to improve the lives of this country's newest generation of veterans and their families.