In Historic Day, IAVA Stands With President Obama at the White House for Two Critical Announcements about Troops’ and Veterans’ Healthcare

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 9, 2009 

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today at the White House, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff joined President Obama, Secretary Shinseki and Secretary Gates in announcing support for advance funding of VA healthcare and an overhaul of the military and veterans’ record system.  Prior to the announcement, President Obama met with Rieckhoff and the heads of other leading veterans’ organizations for the second time in the past month.

 Rieckhoff issued the following statement on today’s announcement:

“Today is a very good day for our men and women who serve in uniform.  President Obama has taken bold action on two key campaign promises to America’s veterans. Advance funding VA healthcare and overhauling the transition process for veterans from military to VA will eliminate two of the most significant bureaucratic hurdles that keep veterans from the health care and benefits they have earned. Veterans nationwide thank the Administration for making them and their families a priority.

 The President’s announcement marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration and cooperation between the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.  With the implementation of the Joint Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record Initiative, DOD and VA medical and administrative records will finally be electronic and interoperable. This initiative will help simplify the transition from the DOD to the VA for our nation’s heroes, and improve care for all veterans, especially the more than 33,000 wounded troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.  With this initiative, President Obama is finally bringing VA and DOD healthcare into the 21^st century.

The President also reiterated his support for advance funding of VA healthcare.  For nineteen of the last twenty-two years the VA budget has been passed late, forcing the largest healthcare provider in the nation to ration care.  Imagine trying to plan for next month’s bills without knowing your next paycheck.  That’s what we ask veterans’ hospitals to do almost every year.  Advance funding will ensure that the quality of care for veterans will no longer be compromised by budget delays. With the strong support of the President and bipartisan leadership in Congress, advance funding can and must move forward this year.

Advance funding for VA healthcare and seamless transition between the military and the VA have been top legislative priorities for IAVA this year. IAVA applauds President Obama, Secretary Shinseki and Secretary Gates for their leadership. We look forward to continuing to work together on the many other issues facing today’s veterans, including psychological injuries, unemployment and homelessness.”

To arrange an interview with IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff or another spokesperson from IAVA, please contact Chrissy Stevens, (212) 982-9699 or Chrissy@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.