Veterans Week 2010 Unites New Veterans Nationwide on the Ground and Online

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, November 4, 2010

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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, announced a full week of open press activities for a historic Veterans Week (Veterans Day is Thursday, 11/11). Online and on the ground, IAVA is giving every American a way to get involved in the new veterans movement this Veterans Week. Members of the media are encouraged to attend events and/or contact IAVA to get in touch with a veteran for media opportunities. Veterans Week activities are sponsored by Health Net Federal Services and Microsoft Corp.

IAVA’s Veterans Week 2010 includes: 


•    Veteran Spokespeople Available for Comment: IAVA has Iraq and Afghanistan veterans available for interviews on a range of issues at all events around the country during Veterans Week.

•    A Massive March Online: Thousands of Americans will march with IAVA online by taking advantage of a groundbreaking new Facebook application allowing users everywhere to donate their statuses.  The IAVA app, developed by interactive agency Invoke, raises awareness around Veterans Day and allows every American to show new veterans that we’ve got their back. Supporters can sign up to donate their status and march with IAVA online by clicking here.

•    Marches on the Ground around the Country: From local parades to 10K runs to NFL football games, scores of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and supporters will come together to honor the service of veterans from all generations.  There are parades or runs in New York, Arizona, Texas, Washington State, Washington DC and two in California.  Additionally, IAVA Member Veterans will attend and take part in the pre-game Baltimore Ravens vs. Atlanta Falcons flag ceremony on Veterans Day in Atlanta.  More information about these exciting IAVA local Veterans Week events across the country can be found here.

•    91st Annual New York City Veterans Day Parade: Hundreds of IAVA Member Veterans will march in the largest Veterans Day Parade in the country on November 11th. For the very first time, the parade will be broadcast live nationally. Veterans and supporters will meet at the historic Flatiron Building on 23rd St and Broadway in Manhattan on the morning of Veterans Day to mobilize for the march.

•    IAVA’s Annual Veterans Day Celebration in New York City: IAVA is headquartered in New York, and will host its annual Veterans Day Celebration following the Veterans Day Parade on November 11th.  The celebration will be held at Providence NYC (311 West 57th St.) and will host hundreds of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. There will be live music, access to resources for the New GI Bill and navigating the VA, as well as fun activities for kids. More information about the New York City Veterans Day Celebration can be found here. Media are encouraged to attend.

•    IAVA’s Fourth Annual Heroes Gala:  IAVA’s Fourth Annual Heroes Gala is the most-anticipated Veterans Week event in New York City.  It is an opportunity for supporters and members of the veterans’ community to unite and pay tribute to veterans of all generations.  Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News will serve as the Master of Ceremonies at the Gala, which will honor Afghanistan vet and best-selling author, Wes Moore; and David Gelbaum, venture philanthropist, CEO of Entech Solar, chairman of the Quercus Trust and the largest donor to new veterans. Special guest, Bill Cowher, legendary Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers head coach and CBS football analyst, will also participate and join new veterans from across the country.  More information about IAVA’s Heroes Gala can be found here.

“After such a divisive election, Veterans Day is an opportunity for all Americans to come together and unite behind our troops and newest veterans. 11/11 is an important day for vets and civilians alike to honor those who have served and sacrificed,” said IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff. “No matter what your position is on the wars or where you fall on the political spectrum, you can be a critical part of this important holiday. Online and on the ground, IAVA is making it easy for all Americans to get involved and make a difference. Across the country, thousands of IAVA Member Veterans and Supporters will unite to make a huge impact and remind all Americans what Veterans Day is really about. IAVA hopes that all Americans will stand with us.”

If you are a member of the media who wishes to cover IAVA’s Veterans Week events, the NYC Veterans Day Parade and Celebration, the Fourth Annual Heroes Gala, or to arrange an interview with IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff, Deputy Executive Director Todd Bowers, or another IAVA member veteran, please contact Isabel Black (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 veteran members and civilian supporters nationwide.

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