Statement on Scott Olsen Incident

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 28, 2011

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IAVA Issues Statement on Scott Olsen Incident

Veteran community hopes for speedy recovery of wounded Iraq veteran

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 regarding the injury of Iraq veteran Scott Olsen.

“Iraq and Afghanistan veterans come from varied backgrounds and represent diverse opinions. The strength of the new veterans community lies in our shared commitment to country, and veterans, like all Americans, should actively participate in the ongoing conversation about America’s future. And their safety is of paramount concern," said IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff.

"The injury of any veteran is a serious concern to the broader veterans community—especially when it happens on American soil. Scott Olsen and his family are in our thoughts and prayers, and we hope for his speedy recovery. We expect to see a full and complete investigation into the circumstances of this incident. It’s what Scott, and all Americans, deserve.”

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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