IAVA: A legacy of winning
Select a year from the list below to learn about IAVA’s impact during that time.
2019
This was a year of new leadership at IAVA and increased membership input.
2019: IAVA MADE HISTORY
Jeremy Butler Named CEO as IAVA’s Founder Steps Aside
Founder and CEO Paul Rieckhoff (US Army) stepped down to focus on new creative endeavors, including his second book, podcast, and other media projects. Rieckhoff continues to serve IAVA on its Board of Directors and to be a leading voice, beacon of light and passionate advocate for our community.
After a deliberate search, IAVA’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to select Jeremy Butler, (US Navy) to lead IAVA forward as Chief Executive Officer. Butler previously served as IAVA’s Chief Operations Officer, continues to serve our country as a Captain in the Navy Reserve and is uniquely qualified to lead IAVA through its next chapter and fight on behalf of all veterans.
2019: A Historic Year for Advocacy
Burn Pits Accountability Act
IAVA aggressively fought to pass the Burn Pits Accountability Act, landmark IAVA-led legislation that required the Department of Defense (DoD) to evaluate whether each service member has been exposed to open-air burn pits or toxic airborne chemicals and document those exposures for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
IAVA achieved its goal when the provisions of this bill were incorporated into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), signed on December 20, 2019.
NEVER FORGET THE HEROES
IAVA celebrated a very personal legislative victory as we honored the Families of the 9/11 First Responders at the 2019 Heroes Gala.
The Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act, signed into law on July 29, 2019, extended authorization for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 through fiscal year 2092.
Events: Bringing Veterans Together
Storm the Hill
28 Stormers joined us in DC over the course of three separate Storms – spring, summer, and fall. These incredible IAVA members went through a rigorous application process and were competitively selected to come to Washington DC to tell their stories and advocate with IAVA on behalf of the post-9/11 generation of veterans. Stormers met with 84 Representatives and 51 Senators during the course of three sessions.
2019 IAVA Salutes Event
On June 10th, IAVA hosted its annual IAVA Salutes Award Reception. Attracting leaders in politics, media, advocacy and the veteran community to recognize the leadership of individuals in our community, IAVA’s 2019 event recognized journalist Quill Lawrence and Sen. Jon Tester.
Rally to Prevent Suicide
On June 11, 2019, IAVA Storm the Hill participants joined many other VSO partners and mental health groups outside the Capitol for a suicide prevention rally to share stories of hope and find inspiration. The issue of suicide is particularly painful and personal to the veteran community, and the rally was a sobering reminder that, while Storm The Hill is a fun, high energy week, we often must confront challenges that are very painful to our community.
Heroes Gala
IAVA honored Southwest Airlines, David Goggins and Families of the 9/11 First Responders at our annual Heroes Gala. We also paid special tribute to honor the life of Les Gelb.
Veterans Day Parade
2019 Gallery
Veterans in Action
In 2019, over 4,900 IAVA members responded to our Annual Member Survey – IAVA’s largest response ever. The survey results accurately and precisely reflect the thoughts and attitudes of IAVA’s diverse veteran and military membership nationwide.
IAVA CEO, Jeremy Butler, testified before the House Veterans Affairs Committee on March 6 and before a Joint Session of Congress on March 7.
Video Highlight
"IAVA Policy Priorities"
IAVA’s new CEO, Jeremy Butler, discussed IAVA policy priorities with BoldTV live on March 15, 2019.
IAVA History
Select a year from the list below to learn about IAVA’s impact during that time.
