2017
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IAVA began its #SheWhoBorneTheBattle campaign to fully recognize and improve services for women veterans. As well, 2017 brought a huge win for all veterans and a big step toward VA reform!
8,000+
lives changed through our Rapid Response Referral Program (RRRP)
She Who Borne The Battle
In March 2017, IAVA announced our #SheWhoBorneTheBattle campaign to fully recognize and improve services for women veterans. #SheWhoBorneTheBattle is focused on recognizing the service of women veterans and closing gaps in care provided to them by the VA. Over 345,000 women have deployed since 9/11. While the number of male veterans is expected to decline in the next decades, the population of women veterans will increase. Women continue to take on new roles and responsibilities throughout the services. Yet, their service and sacrifice is often overlooked.
VA Accountability
In June 2017, IAVA celebrated the President’s signing of the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, landmark legislation that gives the VA Secretary additional tools needed to expedite the removal of bad-acting VA employees. IAVA had been relentlessly pushing Congress to pass VA accountability legislation since the 2014 Phoenix VA scandal exposed the outrageous state of the VA health care system.
Other Updates
#DefendTheGIBill
When the Forever GI Bill was first proposed, IAVA was challenged with strong, bipartisan proposals in both the House and Senate to pay for new veterans benefits by making billions of dollars in cuts to the Post-9/11 GI Bill housing allowance or by charging every new servicemember $2,400 to be eligible for their benefit. In response, IAVA successfully executed an extensive grassroots, legislative, and media campaign to #DefendTheGIBill that defeated both proposals and caused proponents of the bill to find a way to pay for it in a way that would not adversely impact GI Bill beneficiaries.
Veterans and Troops Respond to NFL Protests
When the Take a Knee movement became a national conversation, IAVA knew it was important to learn the veteran point of view. We polled over 8,000 veterans and servicemembers to understand their thoughts on protests and the NFL. This led to a meeting with Roger Goodell and, eventually, Salute to Service.
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.
We partnered with Warner Brothers and Dunkirk to encourage a national conversation about military service. As well, IAVA worked with Netflix and Plan B Entertainment to partner on the release of War Machine, even offering IAVA members a special screening with War Machine star, Anthony Michael Hall, in New York City ahead of Memorial Day.
2017 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!
First IAVA Salutes
In September of 2017 IAVA hosted its first-ever IAVA Salutes Award Reception. This one-of-a-kind event drew leaders in politics, media, advocacy and the veteran community to recognize the leadership of individuals in our community. In 2017, IAVA recognized Ms. Martha Raddatz and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
“Love Has No Labels”
For Veterans Day 2017, IAVA members and staff contributed to the Ad Council’s #LoveHasNoLabels campaign which asked veterans and service members from many backgrounds to share their experiences.
