Thousands of IAVA Veterans Unite in Baltimore and Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

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Thousands of IAVA Veterans Unite in Baltimore and Washington

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Come Together in Full Force for Orioles and Nationals Games

NEW YORK – This week, 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, is bringing together thousands of new veterans and their families at the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals baseball games. These games are a part of IAVA and Miller High Life’s national campaign, “Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life.” Already this summer, over 5,000 veterans and their families have received one-of-a-kind experiences across the country.

“Bringing thousands of new veterans together like this is historic and monumental. It is a good example of how IAVA is uniting new veterans in communities nationwide. Connecting our members in the Washington-area shows key leaders and decision makers the strength and power of IAVA. It also serves as a reminder to the public about the sacrifices that these men and women make every day,” said IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff.

Baltimore: Yesterday in Baltimore, over 1,000 IAVA member veterans and their families came out to Camden Yards to watch the Orioles take on the Chicago White Sox. Following a pre-game event with iconic Miller High Life delivery man Windell Middlebrooks, IAVA Deputy Executive Director Todd Bowers threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Veterans and their families received advice on benefits and resources while kids enjoyed food, music and face painting.

Washington, DC: Tomorrow, hundreds of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans will watch the Washington Nationals take on the Florida Marlins at Nationals Park, be honored during the game, and see IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff throw out the first pitch. Miller High Life spokesperson Windell Middlebrooks will be taking part in the pre-game event and a select group of IAVA member veterans will be delivering the line-up cards, game ball, and sitting in the Presidential Platform during the game. Members of the press are invited to attend with hundreds of vets and their families. To do so, please RSVP to Blake Henderson at Blake@iava.org

The "Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life" campaign provides up to one million dollars in cash and experiences to America's newest veterans and their families. The campaign encourages Americans to take action and support this generation of veterans. Proceeds go directly to providing veterans with a variety of memorable "High Life Experiences." These experiences range from all-access VIP passes to the Coke Zero 400 NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway, to tickets to the 2010 MLB All Star Game, to tickets to the PGA U.S. Senior Open Championship.
 
Nationwide, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans can visit TheRucksack.org  to find unique opportunities in their community and request tickets. The Rucksack is the first and only tool to connect Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with donated tickets and experiences. Veterans must be confirmed (paperwork-certified) IAVA members to gain access to these events and opportunities. The Rucksack also gives partners, sponsors or individuals a platform to provide experiences to returning veterans.
 
To arrange an interview with IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff, Deputy Executive Director Todd Bowers, Actor and Miller High Life Delivery man Windell Middlebrooks, or another member veteran, please contact Blake Henderson (212)-982-9699 or Blake@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 180,000 veteran members and civilian supporters nationwide.