As we begin a holiday week, we want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and hope that everyone has a safe and restful celebration. We would also like to remind everyone that the IAVA offices will be closed this Wednesday, November 25th and we will reopen on Monday, November 30th. Even with our office closure, the Quick Reaction Force is still available 24/7 to help any veteran, or family member, that is in need of assistance. Call 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) or fill out our online form anytime!

Last Wednesday, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on National Security held a hearing on how VA and DoD are handling health concerns for veterans deployed to Karshi-Khanabad (K2) Air Base in Uzbekistan. Many veterans that served at K2 have sickened and died from illnesses that are believed to have been caused by toxic exposures. Reports state that the base had dangerous levels of radiation and that “black goo” oozed up from the ground. However, VA has previously denied any connection between the base and the serious health concerns veterans are experiencing, which leaves those exposed ineligible to receive benefits related to their service at K2. Exposures like those at K2 are why IAVA has made Burn Pits and Toxic Exposures one of our top priorities. The Toxic Exposure in the American Military (TEAM) Act (S. 4393) would allow veterans with toxic exposures to have health care benefits, allow veterans access to government information about what they were likely exposed to, and would increase research to continue to study the link between toxic exposures and certain illnesses. The Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and other Toxins (Warfighters) Act (H.R. 8261/ S. 4572) would provide access to VA disability services for Global War on Terror veterans. Both pieces of legislation are instrumental in IAVA’s fight to help veterans that answered the call and have been suffering as a result of toxic exposures during their time in service. Take Action and let Congress know that they need to pass the TEAM Act and the Warfighters Act now! You can watch the full hearing HERE and read more about it HERE. 

Friday, IAVA released a press release after Newsweek published an article alleging that former Deputy Secretary James Byrne was fired from VA due to his unwillingness to discredit a female veteran, and Capitol Hill staffer, that was assaulted at the DC VA Medical Center. IAVA strongly urges VA to address the allegations and urges Congress to pass legislation, like the Deborah Sampson Act (S. 514/ H.R 3224), that would help those that have experienced sexual assault or harassment at VA. Read the Newsweek article HERE and IAVA’s full press release HERE.

New Cosponsor for IAVA-Backed Legislation

IAVA gained another cosponsor in the Senate for the Deborah Sampson Act (S.514). Thank you to Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) for supporting this landmark piece of legislation that would close many gaps in care for women veterans at VA.

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