In 2025, IAVA entered a new era of leadership while continuing to fight for veterans, military families, and the democratic values our community defended in uniform. Across healthcare, national security, accountability, and community engagement, veterans led at a critical moment.
2025 was a defining year for IAVA and the post-9/11 veteran community. From fighting for veterans’ healthcare and military families to elevating veteran voices in national debates, IAVA expanded its advocacy, strengthened its leadership, and continued building a more connected and empowered generation of veterans.
IAVA Pressured Pentagon to Reverse Course on Fertility Care Travel
After IAVA publicly condemned the Pentagon’s rollback of reproductive healthcare travel protections for servicemembers and military families, the Department of Defense reversed course and restored travel support for fertility treatments, including IVF. The policy shift demonstrated the power of coordinated veteran advocacy at a critical moment for military families.
IAVA Applauded Federal Action on Cannabis Reform
Following executive action to reschedule cannabis at the federal level in December 2025, IAVA renewed its long-standing call for comprehensive reform to better support veterans seeking alternative treatments for PTSD, chronic pain, and other service-connected conditions. The announcement marked a major step forward in a policy area consistently championed by post-9/11 veterans and reflected growing national momentum around expanding treatment options for the veteran community.
We Raised Alarm Over VA Workforce Cuts
As concerns mounted over federal workforce reductions and their impact on veteran care, IAVA publicly demanded accountability and transparency around staffing shortages and changes inside the VA system.
Veterans Spoke Out Against the SAVE Act
IAVA warned that the SAVE Act could create unnecessary barriers to voting for servicemembers and military families stationed overseas or away from home. Our organization elevated concerns directly from post-9/11 veterans about democracy, access, and civic participation. In IAVA’s poll of its members, 74% of veterans reported dissatisfaction with how democracy is working in the U.S.
This Is What Progress Looks Like
From expanding toxic exposure care and strengthening GI Bill protections to advancing mental health infrastructure and modernizing the VA system, major legislation enacted in 2025 reflected priorities long championed by IAVA and the post-9/11 veteran community.
119th Congress. Credit: (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Dr. Kyleanne Hunter Named CEO of IAVA
Marine Corps combat veteran, policy expert, and national security leader, Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, was named the new CEO of IAVA in mid-2025, ushering in a new chapter for the organization focused on advocacy, public trust, and veteran leadership in national debates.
Just a week after taking the reins, new IAVA CEO, Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, addresses the Unite For Veterans rally on the National Mall.
IAVA Partnered with Dr. David Shulkin to Modernize Veterans Healthcare
In 2025, IAVA partnered with former Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Dr. David Shulkin, to launch a national initiative focused on modernizing veterans’ healthcare and strengthening the future of care delivery for the post-9/11 generation. A nationally recognized healthcare leader and member of IAVA’s Board of Directors, Dr. Shulkin’s partnership reinforced IAVA’s growing role in shaping conversations about the future of the VA system and veteran healthcare nationwide.
IAVA Testified Before Congress on Veterans Healthcare
In July, Dr. Hunter testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health, reinforcing IAVA’s leadership on the future of VA care and community healthcare access for veterans nationwide.
Veterans Demanded Accountability in National Security
Ahead of President Trump’s 100th day in office, IAVA released national survey findings showing overwhelming support among veterans for accountability regarding leaked classified information and growing concern over the impact of federal cuts on veteran services.
IAVA’s Leadership Fellows consistently make their voices heard in Washington and in their hometown states and local districts.
In partnership with AfghanEvac, IAVA launched “Battle Buddies,” a national initiative encouraging veterans to stand alongside Afghan allies facing immigration hearings and legal uncertainty. The initiative reflected IAVA’s continued commitment to those who served beside American troops.
IAVA Called for AUMF Reform
As tensions escalated in the Middle East, IAVA renewed calls to repeal outdated war authorizations and restore congressional oversight over decisions of war and peace. Months later, The 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq were formally repealed and signed into law on December 18, 2025, as part of the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Supporting Iraqi Children & Wartime Communities
IAVA partnered with the Iraqi Children Foundation’s “In Their Shoes” 5K initiative to support vulnerable Iraqi children and reinforce the organization’s commitment to wartime allies and long-term community healing.
#GoSilent Returned Nationwide on Memorial Day
On Memorial Day 2025, IAVA once again called on Americans nationwide to #GoSilent in honor of the servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. This year’s campaign specifically highlighted troops lost under post-9/11 war authorizations far beyond Afghanistan, reinforcing IAVA’s continued advocacy around accountability, remembrance, and the true costs of war.
Beyond the Uniform Speaker Series
In 2025, IAVA launched and expanded “Beyond the Uniform,” a national speaker series designed to connect communities with veteran voices, policy experts, artists, and public leaders working to solve pressing veterans’ issues.
Honoring Zach McIlwain’s Legacy Through Veteran Leadership
In 2025, IAVA honored the life and legacy of veteran leader Zach McIlwain by renaming its leadership fellowship program in his honor while announcing a new cohort committed to continued service beyond the uniform. The fellowship reflects IAVA’s enduring investment in mentorship, civic engagement, and developing the next generation of veteran leaders.
Continuing our 20th anniversary celebration, IAVA honored Governor Wes Moore, Senator Jerry Moran, and journalist Norah O’Donnell at our annual IAVA Salutes event for their leadership on behalf of veterans and military families.
2025 Cavalry Member of the Year honoree, Kay Kensington, shown here with IAVA CEO, Dr. Kyleanne Hunter.
The 2025 Heroes Gala celebrated leadership, service, and the evolving future of the post-9/11 veteran generation. The event honored leaders across government, advocacy, and the veteran community, including: Senator Elizabeth Dole, Marine veteran Gerry Byrne, T-Mobile, and Air Force veteran Kay Kensington.
Speaking Truth to Power
Dr. Kyleanne Hunter testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health about the future of VA care, community care, and protecting veteran healthcare access nationwide. Watch her testimony below:
Building Momentum for What Comes Next
As IAVA entered a new chapter in 2025, veterans continued leading conversations about democracy, healthcare, accountability, national security, and service. Together, we strengthened the voice of the post-9/11 generation and built momentum for the future, proving that service beyond the uniform can shape communities, strengthen democracy, and change lives!
