2006
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A year of many firsts for IAVA.
IAVA established itself as a force to be reckoned with in Washington, DC. With a new name and strength in numbers, IAVA advocated for post-9/11 veterans with renewed vigor.
6,000+
members
IAVA is Born
With a name and branding change, Operation Truth became Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), establishing a name that would quickly emerge as the powerhouse advocacy and awareness organization for the post-9/11 generation of veterans.
IAVA Films
IAVA has fostered meaningful relationships with the film and entertainment communities, partnering with and producing films that engage the veteran community and bridge the military-civilian divide. IAVA has also served as a producer on several documentary films.
IAVA raised over $20,000 in initial funding for The Ground Truth, the Sundance award-winning documentary by Patria Foulkrod, and also helped the filmmaker find almost all veteran subjects. As well, IAVA served as a technical advisor and validator for The War Tapes, one of the first and best films about the war in Iraq, winning it Best International Documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival in May 2006.
When I Came Home looks at the challenges faced by returning combat veterans and the battle many must fight against the Veterans Administration for the benefits promised to them. In addition to Herold Noel, the film’s main subject, IAVA’s founder, Paul Rieckhoff, makes several appearances in the film.
Chasing Ghosts
IAVA’s founder and US Army Veteran, Paul Rieckhoff, publishes a book about his combat tour in Iraq.
Operation Truth Ad “Not There”
Jun 15, 2006: Operation Truth (now Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) television ad featuring Iraq Vet and amputee Specialist Robert Acosta challenging the Bush administration’s rationale for, and conduct of, the Iraq war.
