2024
Our Cavalry grew substantially and we fought to ensure the veteran voice was in the national conversation around the future of American democracy as two post-9/11 veterans represented both major parties on the 2024 presidential ticket.
2024
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2024 was a pivotal year for IAVA after 2023 was a year of profound change under new leadership. In 2024 our team rededicated ourselves to our core strengths and purpose, laying the groundwork for a strong and enduring future.
270
Congressional testimonies given (2024 stat)
IAVA rebranded its veteran leadership programs
In January 2024, we launched IAVA’s Cavalry – a new way to talk about IAVA’s advocate and leadership training programs that help IAVA members leverage their stories, raise their voices, and advocate for change. IAVA’s Cavalry encompasses all the best elements of our past programs and takes it up a notch — a renewed commitment to invest in veteran leaders capable of affecting change from the grassroots level on up.
"Pints and Patriotism" – Uniting Our Communities
In a hugely successful collaboration with democracyFirst, IAVA staff and veteran leaders hit the road, reaching 9 metro areas in 5 states to facilitate civilized, non-partisan discussions between veterans and their neighbors about the need to protect American democracy and the rule of law in 2024. Dubbed “Pints and Patriotism: Veterans Talk Democracy”, our popular events took place in comfortable, local establishments that naturally set the scene for community engagement.
2024 Events
IAVA Salutes Event
May 16th, 2024: IAVA hosted ‘IAVA Salutes’, an annual event celebrating the impact of our work on behalf of the post-9/11 veterans and honoring the leadership of individuals in government and journalism who’ve had the backs of our nation’s veterans.
NYC Fleet Week Happy Hour
May 22nd, 2024: This annual event always draws a fun crowd to celebrate those who serve and recognize the strength of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. 2024 was no exception!
IAVA’s 2024 Heroes Gala
November 6th, 2024: This year’s Heroes Gala marked the beginning of a celebration of the 20th Anniversary of IAVA! It was the 15th such event to celebrate those who’ve led within and on behalf of the post-9/11 generation of veterans. Click below to read more about our honorees on this special evening.
Always Data Driven
In October 2024, IAVA collaborated with Columbia University’s Center for Veteran Transition and Integration to conduct a pre-election survey of our membership. As always, IAVA’s policy priorities are fueled by the voices of its members.
Click below to see what IAVA members had to say!
Other News
Veteran Education Wins at the Supreme Court
In 2023, IAVA submitted an amicus brief in support of the petitioner in Rudisill v. Mcdonough.
The Supreme Court’s decision in favor of the petitioner on April 16th, 2024, allows veterans who qualify for both the Montgomery GI Bill and the post-9/11 GI Bill to access both benefits, ending previous unfair restrictions.
Progress Toward Rescheduling Cannabis
IAVA is committed to making sure that servicemembers and veterans have access to the widest array of possible treatments to treat the wounds of war – both visible and invisible. The recommendation by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to move cannabis to Schedule III reflects a growing acknowledgement of the accepted medical use and potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis products.
Divided Congress Comes Together for America’s Veterans
With a unified veteran community and broad bi-partisan support, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act passed Congress in December 2024 and was finally signed into law in January 2025.
Leading the Push for Post-9/11 Candidates
For the first time ever, two post-9/11 veterans were on the Presidential tickets for both of the major political parties. IAVA led this national conversation, highlighting the importance of veteran voices in our political system.
Video HIghlight
IAVA CEO Allison Jaslow joined other VSO leaders to give testimony before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on March 6, 2024, with the IAVA Cavalry in the audience.
