Star-Studded Gala in NYC Honors New Veterans; Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News to Host

MEDIA ADVISORY
Monday, November 9, 2009 

Star-Studded Gala in NYC Honors New Veterans;
Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News to Host

WHAT: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation’s first and largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, will hold its Third Annual Heroes Gala in New York City.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 10, 6:00-9:00 PM E.S.T

WHERE: Gotham Hall, 1356 Broadway (at 36th Street), New York, NY 10018.

WHO: NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams will host the event, which will honor Iraq Veteran, motivational speaker and Actor J.R. Martinez and President of MTV Networks Music and Logo Group, Van Toffler. The awards will be presented by Senior NFL Analyst Chris Mortensen and Afghanistan Veteran and Investment Banker at Citigroup Global Markets, Westley Moore. Music will be provided by the children of the PS22 Chorus.

The Third Annual Heroes Gala Honorary Committee includes: Matt Damon, Jason Alexander, Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV, Henry Rollins, Lieutenant General (USA, Ret.) Paul D. Eaton,  Norman Lear, Sen. Chuck Schumer, Harry Smith, Arnold Fisher, Ken Burns, Garry Trudeau, and Bob Woodruff.

The Heroes Gala Host Committee includes: Cameron Diaz, Roger C. Altman, Milo Ventimiglia, Craig Newmark, T Bone Burnett, Constance J. Milstein, Greg D'Alba, Leslie and Judith Gelb, Thomas Schlamme, Abigail Disney, Marshall Carter and Gerry Byrne.

See full committee listings at www.IAVAheroesgala.org

SUMMARY: The Heroes Gala is a special night for veterans of all generations, families and supporters to come together and pay tribute to their peers and leaders in the veterans’ community. The event will also offer guests and media in attendance a sneak peak of the new groundbreaking Public Service Announcement (PSA) for IAVA’s National Veterans Support Campaign.

PRESS RSVP: Members of the press who are covering the event are NOT required to purchase tickets in advance and will receive credentials upon checking in. Media unable to attend can also view a live feed of the evening at www.iavaheroesgala.org.

If you are a member of the media who wishes to cover the Gala or to arrange an interview with IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff or any other IAVA veteran please contact Terrell Frazier, IAVA, (212) 982-9699, or  terrell@iava.org.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the country's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has more than 150,000 veteran members and civilian supporters nationwide.

###