2013
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IAVA continued to support legislation to combat military sexual assault.
IAVA continued the push to #EndtheVABacklog while reasserting the need to combat veteran suicide.
The Wait We Carry
In partnership with the Knight Foundation, IAVA developed and launched thewaitwecarry.org. This interactive data visualization tool made it easy to understand the human cost of the VA backlog. The Wait We Carry details the individual stories of a fraction of the over 600,000 veterans impacted waiting over 125 days for disability-benefit claims answers.
COMBATING MILITARY SEXUAL ASSAULT
IAVA has been a leader in advocating for reforms to the military justice system that will protect victims of military sexual assault—and prevent future assaults. In 2013, the first Military Justice Improvement Act was introduced. IAVA successfully fought to include thirteen amendments in the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that improve victims’ rights, strengthen prevention efforts, and protect whistleblowers. With much more to do, we are continuing this fight in the current Congress.
Other Wins
#EndTheVABacklog
IAVA created a successful movement to reduce the massive backlog of veterans’ disability claims at the VA. In March 2013, when the backlog reached a peak of 600,000 waiting veterans, we launched a broad campaign to #EndtheVABacklog. We prompted the VA to implement long-languishing reforms to its claims processing system. Thanks to these reforms, the number of veterans waiting over 125 days to receive compensation for service-connected disabilities decreased by over 60 percent.
Ad Council
Continuing our relationship with Ad Council, we launched a campaign to expand the reach of our discussion regarding the veteran suicide epidemic.
1,500+
lives changed through our Rapid Response Referral Program (RRRP)
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.
In 2013, the Oscar-award winning documentary short, Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1, was co-produced in association with IAVA and HBO, and it profiled the longtime IAVA program partner, the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL).
IAVA Events
Storm the Hill
Storm the Hill is IAVA’s annual program where selected veterans, called “Stormers,” travel to Washington, DC, to meet with lawmakers and advocate for post-9/11 veterans’ issues. Through personal stories, they push for action on key concerns directly with representatives and senators.
Heroes Gala
IAVA’s Heroes Gala is an exciting evening of patriotism and inspiration. It’s our opportunity to recognize some amazing leaders who empower veterans. And it’s been an anticipated mainstay of Veterans Day events and culture for most of our 20 years!
Video Highlights
Veterans in Action
IAVA Chief Policy Officer Tom Tarantino spoke at a press conference with Sen. Bernie Sanders on Jan. 31, 2013, about how Chained CPI changes would affect veterans.
Chicago Ideas Week
Adapt, Improvise and Overcome
One day you’re dodging bombs in Afghanistan. The next, you’re dodging traffic in America. IAVA founder, Paul Rieckhoff, spoke about the physical and emotional challenges of transitioning into civilian life, and learning how you can give veterans an ‘on ramp’ back into society at Chicago Ideas Week.
IAVA Veterans Week 2013
The days surrounding Veterans Day are a time to come together… to remember, to honor, and to celebrate.
