IAVA Statement on Withdrawal of US Troops from Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 21, 2011

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IAVA Statement on Withdrawal of US Troops from Iraq

Announcement of end to Iraq War a poignant time for post-9/11 veterans

NEW YORK -Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation’s first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, released the following statement on the President's announcement that all U.S. troops will be out of Iraq by the end of the year.

“Today is a historic day for the United States and for the people of Iraq. And it’s an especially poignant time for the veteran community. Many of us gave a large part of our lives, and some gave all, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn,” said Iraq veteran and IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff.

“All Americans should be grateful for the sacrifices of those who served in Iraq over the past 8 years. Today, and especially in the coming weeks leading into Veterans Day on 11/11/11, the country should recognize the brave service and sacrifice of veterans and their families. And we need more than just a pat on the back. The men and women who have served need support in tackling record levels of unemployment, suicide and mental health injuries. Just as we supported them overseas in Iraq, all Americans must continue to support our veterans as they transition back home.”

If you are a member of the media who wishes to arrange an interview with IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff or an IAVA Member Veteran that attended the signing ceremony, please contact Isabel Black at (212) 982-9699 or isabel@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 200,000 Member Veterans and civilian supporters nationwide.

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