Election week is always intense but keeping with the script of 2020, this year’s election has topped the charts. As we end the week, the next Commander in Chief is still undecided but many of the Senate and House elections have come to a close. This year, an astounding 182 veterans ran for Congress. Seventy-four have been declared winners while 83 have lost their elections. The remaining 25 are still undecided. Leo Shane at Military Times has a running list of all veteran candidates and how their races have fared. 

The most recent unemployment numbers have been released and the nation saw a full point drop to 6.9%. Unemployment is still above what it was one year ago but veterans saw a drop to 5.5%, a celebrated difference from the 11.7% back in April. The rate for post-9/11 veterans dropped slightly to 6.2% but remains above the overall veteran rate. Approximately 500,000 veterans were searching for jobs last month across the U.S. Read more HERE. 

MARCH WITH US

This year, IAVA is reinventing Veterans Day. The IAVA Support America’s Veterans (SAV) March is a first of its kind virtual parade across the country. On November 11, all of our individual parades combined will virtually take us from coast to coast. Grab your flags, invite your friends, and make plans now. While you and your friends have fun you can also pledge to raise money for IAVA, by committing to only $100 per mile you walk, run or ruck on Veterans Day. We are hoping that our community will pledge $100 per mile for every mile across America. Sign up to march with us HERE. 

IAVA Has Your Back

We know that this time can be stressful and IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF) is here to help! This program provides 24/7 peer support, comprehensive care management, resource connections, and can help with accessing your VA benefits. To get connected to a Veteran Care Manager for immediate help anytime, day or night, please call 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) or fill out our online form. Our services are remote, free, and confidential and QRF is here for all veterans, regardless of era, discharge status, or location. If you are a veteran or a veteran family member facing challenges or have questions, QRF is here to help you get back on your feet and meet your goals.

If you are currently experiencing a crisis please contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1.800.273.8255, and press 1. Alternatively, use the Crisis Text Line by texting “RISING” to 741741