MTV and IAVA Host Concert for Vets

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.

"Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is thrilled to team up with MTV to raise awareness about the most pressing issues facing America's newest generation of heroes. From providing adequate mental health care to preventing homelessness, there is a tremendous amount at stake for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in this election," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) "IAVA looks forward to encouraging its thousands of members nationwide wide to sign the BRAVE petition and show support for the 1.7 million men and women who have served in harm's way. 50 Cent, Kid Rock, Beyoncé and the other participants are helping us grab America's attention in a huge way. On behalf of all veterans and troops, we want to thank them for participating." "A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE" will feature performances and appearances by some of today's top MTV artists and movie stars, including live performances by 50 Cent, Ludacris, Saving Abel, along with special taped performances and messages from Kanye West, Kid Rock, Fall Out Boy, Angels and Airwaves, Juanes, Taylor Swift, Nelly, Beyoncé, Seth Green, Elizabeth Banks and others. Concert attendees and viewers will be encouraged to sign a petition supporting BRAVE to hold elected officials accountable for adequately caring for new veterans. Supporters can sign the petition by texting BRAVE to 66333 or by logging on to http://www.chooseorlose.com. BRAVE includes the following calls to action: * Properly treat veterans' mental health issues. * Prevent homelessness among veterans. * Give disabled veterans the benefits they have earned in a timely manner. * Fully fund veterans' hospitals across the country. * Compensate troops who are made to serve longer via Stop Loss. IAVA is the nation's first and largest group for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A non-profit and nonpartisan organization, IAVA represents more than 125,000 veteran members and civilian supporters in all 50 states. To arrange an interview with IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff or another IAVA veteran, please contact Chrissy Stevens at (212) 982-9699 or Chrissy@iava.org. ###