Last Wednesday, America watched in horror as rioters breached the Capitol building in an effort to stall the certification of the Electoral College votes. This attack on the Capitol was a direct assault on the electoral system and on the rights our servicemen and women have fought for centuries to defend. The events on January 6th have no place in our society. IAVA condemns the violence and anarchy we witnessed and encourages everyone who took part in the unlawful actions to consider the democratic ideals that, instead, we should aspire to reach. Read our full press release HERE.

Following the attacks, Gen. Mark Milley and the entire Joint Chiefs of Staff said the attack “was a direct assault on the electoral system and on the rights our servicemen and women have fought for centuries to defend.”

The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) held a hearing this week on “Civilian Control of the Armed Forces.” President-Elect Biden has tapped retired Army general Lloyd Austin to be his secretary of defense but there are barriers due to his 2016 military retirement being too recent than the required seven years before eligibility to lead the Pentagon.  There is the possibility of a waiver, as was the case with former Secretary Mattis, but senators on both sides of the aisle have expressed concerns over exercising this option again so soon. Read more about it HERE and watch the full hearing HERE. 

This week, IAVA’s Hannah Sinoway was joined by the New York City Veterans Alliance and VetsEdu to discuss housing assistance for veterans during the pandemic as well as VA home loan information. The VA home loan remains one of the best benefits for veterans. Watch the full video HERE. 

Finally, at the start of each new Congress, the IAVA team is on Capitol Hill welcoming the newly-elected and catching up with those returning. Those in-person conversations are not happening this time, but we did hold discussions with House and Senate VA committees on priorities for the coming months.  Lots of opportunities for success!

IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force 

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