IAVA Observes Memorial Day 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 22, 2009
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Statement on Memorial Day; Veterans Available for Media

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:

"Even after almost eight years of war, too many Americans see Memorial Day as just another summer holiday.  Memorial Day should mean much more than barbeques and clearance sales.  It marks a solemn day of remembrance for the more than one million American service members of all generations who, on the field of battle, made the ultimate sacrifice," said IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff. "IAVA is honored to join our Commander-in-Chief, other veterans' organizations, and families of the fallen in the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. We are humbled to have this opportunity to pay our respects to the generations of Americans warriors who have given their lives in defense of our country."

In addition to participating in events nationwide, IAVA has created an online 'Wall of Remembrance' where people can submit what Memorial Day means to them, or text or tweet a message of support to our troops and veterans. For more information on the Memorial Day events IAVA will be participating in or to visit the Wall of Remembrance, click here.

Veterans available to comment throughout Memorial Day Weekend (May 22-25):  

Paul Rieckhoff

Paul Rieckhoff is the Executive Director and Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.  After helping with recovery efforts at Ground Zero in the aftermath of 9/11, Rieckhoff served as a First Lieutenant and infantry rifle platoon leader in the Iraq war from 2003-2004.  A nationally recognized authority on the Iraq war and issues affecting troops, military families and veterans, Rieckhoff is the author of the critically-acclaimed book Chasing Ghosts.

Patrick Campbell

Patrick Campbell serves as IAVA's Chief Legislative Counsel on Capitol Hill where he has been instrumental in garnering Congressional support for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and advance funding for veteran health care. Prior to joining IAVA, Campbell served a one-year deployment as a combat medic in Iraq from 2004 to 2005.  He received the Combat Medical Badge and the Meritorious Service Medal for his service.  A recent graduate of Catholic University of America's Law School, Campbell continues to serve as a combat medic with the Washington, D.C. National Guard.

Tom Tarantino

Tom Tarantino serves as IAVA's Legislative Associate in Washington, D.C. where he helps research IAVA's legislative agenda with focus on PTSD treatment and employment issues.  In 2006, Tarantino served a one year deployment in Iraq as a cavalry and mortar platoon leader with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and provided security for the base at Abu Ghraib.  He was awarded a Combat Action Badge and Bronze Star, and retired as an Army Captain in 2007 after 10 years of service.

Steve Taylor

Steve Taylor serves as IAVA's Veteran Membership Associate in New York where he manages relations with veteran members.  An Iraq War veteran, Taylor served during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 flying 18 combat missions as a Naval Flight Officer with the Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group.  He was awarded the Air Medal and Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device for his service.  A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Taylor recently completed his Masters of Policy Management from Georgetown University.  He currently serves as a Lieutenant in the Navy Reserves.

To arrange an interview with IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff or another veteran listed here, 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.