On October 13, IAVA’s CEO Jeremy Butler testified before the House VA Committee on the important topic of extremism within the veteran community. IAVA applauds the committee for holding this hearing. As reports of those arrested for taking part in the January 6 attack started to come out, IAVA was extremely concerned with the number of veterans that took part in the events that day. We strongly believe that even one veteran participating in an attack on the Capitol is too many. If veterans are in fact being targeted and recruited by extremist groups then it is very much the duty of the committee to understand why and to address the factors that lead to a veteran feeling open to their messaging. Watch the full hearing HERE and read Butler’s full written statement HERE.

A week later, on October 20, EVP Tom Porter testified before the Senate VA Committee on  IAVA’s top priorities, like suicide prevention, VA reform, and women veterans.  See the full hearing HERE and his written statement HERE.

IAVA’s Associate of Government Affairs Kaitlynne Hetrick partnered with Miguel Vazquez, Program Advisor at The Mission Continues, on October 21 to host a live event on service projects for veterans and their families to participate and make an impact within their greater communities. These opportunities include: sharing information about IAVA’s annual member survey, IAVA’s upcoming Veterans Day SAV March, volunteering with The Mission Continues in local communities for Veteran’s Day, IAVA’s 24/7 peer support, and care management program, and more. Watch the Facebook Live HERE. 

IAVA has announced its second annual virtual Veterans Day Parade: IAVA’s Veterans Day Support America’s Veterans (SAV) March. For the past 17 years, IAVA has served as a catalyst for the veteran community to come together in celebration on Veterans Day in person at parades around the country. For the second year in a row, IAVA is giving Americans across the country an opportunity to support veterans by raising money and virtually marching 2,093 miles, the shortest distance from coast to coast across America. IAVA urges supporters to participate by going outside, grabbing a flag, and creating their own community parade experiences. While Americans continue to celebrate this time-honored federal holiday, IAVA is giving citizens an opportunity to pledge their support for our nation’s veterans by committing only $100 per mile they walk, run or ruck on Veterans Day. Click HERE to sign up!

Time is running out to take IAVA’s member survey! Each year, IAVA provides veterans like you the opportunity to shape the work we do on behalf of all post-9/11 veterans. 2021 will be a big year for this country, for veterans, and for IAVA.  The survey will close on October 29. If you’re an IAVA member, check your email for your link to the survey. If you are not yet a member, click HERE. Fill out the form, upload documentation confirming your military service, and you should receive a confirmation email within 24 hours along with an email to take the survey! Make your voice heard before time runs out!

IAVA understands that this time can be very stressful and triggering for veterans and we want you to know that we are here to help. IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF) 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 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 7417