Statement on Tucson Shootings and Congresswoman Giffords

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, January 10, 2011

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Statement on Tucson Shootings and Congresswoman Giffords

NEW YORK - Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the country's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, released the following statement in response to the shootings in Tucson, Arizona:

"The attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is a national tragedy. The thoughts and prayers of IAVA Member Veterans nationwide are with Congresswoman Giffords, her family and all of the victims of this terrible attack. 

Congresswoman Giffords has been a strong advocate for veterans and their families in Arizona and across the country. She represents nearly 100,000 veterans in her district, and we are grateful for her dedicated leadership and commitment to our community.  This past year, Giffords authored six critical bills addressing veterans’ transition home, mental health, housing for military families and upgrades to the Post-9/11 GI Bill.  Recently, Congresswoman Giffords introduced two key bills to fund scholarships for mental health professionals serving at Vet Centers and expand DoD/VA grants for nonprofits supporting active duty service members and their families.

We join all Americans in mourning on this solemn day and keep all of the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers."

To arrange an interview with IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff, or Deputy Executive Director Todd Bowers, an Arizona native, contact Isabel Black, 212-982-9699, 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. Its mission is to improve the lives of this country's newest generation of veterans and their families.