IAVA | December 31, 2020
IAVA YEARLY SITREP
As the leading voice for the post-9/11 veteran community, IAVA continues to facilitate change and create awareness about issues and topics impacting our community. Below are highlights from the last year:
IAVA LEADING THE WAY:
(IAVA Press Release) IAVA Calls on Administration and VA to Disclose Decision Process that Led to Use of Veterans as Test Subjects for Hydroxychloroquine as COVID-19 Treatment
April 22, 2020: “This is incredibly troubling for a number of reasons and raises so many questions that we need answered” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Press Release) IAVA Calls for Exhaustive Oversight in Wake of Reports that Vets Homes Were Gravely Mismanaged
May 12, 2020: “We know that VA does not own this entire crisis, but the Department appears to be bending over backwards to wash its hands of this when it has a very important and clear leadership role in keeping veterans safe in state-run homes,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Press Release) IAVA Recommends Concrete Actions to Bolster the President’s Plan to End Veteran Suicide
July 1, 2020: “The administration should work closely with Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) to strengthen the recommendations and create solid metrics to publicly track progress for continued funding,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Press Release) Three Dynamic Leaders Join IAVA Board of Directors Bringing Unique and Varied Experience to National Veterans Organization
July 23, 2020: “Collectively, they bring an impressive range of experiences, talent and skills to the organization and will be invaluable in keeping IAVA at the forefront of veteran support and advocacy,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Press Release) IAVA Celebrates Committee Passage of VA Motto Update
July 30, 2020: “Every veteran should feel welcome at the VA in an environment that celebrates the service of America’s female veterans as much as their male counterparts,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Press Release) IAVA Celebrates Committee Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Provide Rapid Job Retraining to Vets
July 30, 2020: “We strongly encourage Congress to include this important legislation in the coming emergency COVID package and get veterans back to work,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Press Release) IAVA Celebrates Passage of Deborah Sampson Act by Senate Committee
August 5, 2020: “Unanimous support of the Deborah Sampson Act (S. 514) marks a sea change since we began this campaign more than three years ago,” said Tom Porter, EVP of Government Affairs for IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Press Release) IAVA Announces Senate Passage of Landmark Suicide Prevention Legislation
August 6, 2020: “The innovative approaches they take in the Hannon Act are what is needed at this point in the veteran suicide crisis,” said Tom Porter, EVP of Government Affairs for IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Testimony) IAVA Submits Written Testimony to the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee
September 10, 2020: IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler submitted written testimony to HVAC on the Senate-passed Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act to combat veteran suicide…Read more.
(IAVA Press Release) Craig Newmark Announces $100K Donation to Support IAVA’s Vote Hub
September 14, 2020: Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies and long time IAVA supporter, announced a generous $100,000 matching challenge to IAVA in support of its mission…Read more.
(IAVA Press Release) IAVA Celebrates Burn Pit Legislation at Launch Event
September 15, 2020: “It is past time that veterans exposed to these deadly toxins receive the benefits that they deserve,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Press Release) IAVA Celebrates Final Congressional Passage of Top Priorities to Combat Veteran Suicide
September 23, 2020: “We have made this important bill a top IAVA priority since its introduction and we appreciate their combined commitment to attack this continuing nationwide crisis,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Press Release) IAVA Celebrates House Passage of Emergency Legislation to Retrain Veterans Who Have Lost Jobs to Coronavirus
September 24, 2020: “This will be one of the most impactful benefits for our generation of veterans and we strongly encourage the Senate to act swiftly on this critical legislation and get veterans back to work,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Press Release) IAVA Celebrates Committee Passage of Landmark Military Toxic Exposures Bill
September 24, 2020: “This has been a priority for IAVA on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of servicemembers and veterans who have been exposed.” said Tom Porter, EVP of Government Affairs for IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Press Release) IAVA Celebrates Passage of Emergency Legislation to Retrain Veterans Who Have Lost Jobs to Coronavirus
September 24, 2020: “This will be one of the most impactful benefits for our generation of veterans and IAVA strongly encourages the Senate to act swiftly on this critical legislation,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Press Release) IAVA Announces Nationwide Virtual “Support America’s Veterans Day Parade”
September 25, 2020: “IAVA has launched the first ever virtual Veterans Day Support America’s Veterans March to unite the entire country this Veterans Day,” said Sean Ullman, COO of IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Press Release) IAVA Celebrates Senate Passage of Landmark Women Veterans Legislation
December 10, 2020: “As the fastest growing veteran cohort, it is past time that women veterans receive care that is equal to both their male veteran counterparts and care that civilians receive,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Press Release) IAVA Reacts to Denis McDonough Nomination as Secretary of Veterans Affairs
December 10, 2020: “President-Elect Biden’s selection of Denis McDonough as nominee for VA Secretary is unexpected but also encouraging,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Press Release) IAVA Celebrates Final Congressional Passage of the Deborah Sampson Act
December 16, 2020: “The passage of the Deborah Sampson Act takes a significant leap in providing the equal level of care and resources that the women who chose to serve this country rightly deserve,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Events) IAVA Hosts Facebook Live with Defense Health Agency on Veteran Mental Health
December 17, 2020: Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA and Hannah Sinoway, EVP of Organization Strategy and Engagement for IAVA, discussed veteran mental health, coping with the holidays and suicide prevention with Dr. Tim Hoyt, Deputy Division Chief of the Psychological Health Center of Excellence…Watch here.
(IAVA Press Release) IAVA Calls for the Immediate Removal of VA Secretary
December 14, 2020: “The OIG report shows VA Secretary Wilkie’s blatant disregard and disrespect for what this veteran experienced in contrast with his overarching concern for his own reputation,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
IAVA MEDIA HITS:
(CNN) IAVA Joins CNN’s Home Front to Discuss Burn Pits
March 19, 2020: IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler joined CNN’s Brianna Keilar to discuss the effects of burn pits and the steps that we must take to ensure that our veterans are protected when they return home…Watch here.
(CNN) IAVA Joins CNN to Discuss Hydroxychloroquine Testing
May 20, 2020: IAVA CEO, Jeremy Butler talks to CNN’s Brianna Keilar about hydroxychloroquine testing by the Department of Veterans Administration on veterans…Watch here.
(MSNBC) IAVA Joins MSNBC to Discuss Memorial Day and Veterans Needs
May 25, 2020: IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler joined MSNBC’s Chris Jansing to discuss important issues in the veteran community during this unprecedented Memorial Day…Watch here.
(The Hill) IAVA CEO Comments on Memorial Day During COVID-19 and How to Support Veterans
May 25, 2020: “For the post-9/11 generation, particularly in the last few years, Memorial Day is perhaps especially important because it was one of the few times that the country seemed to turn their collective attention to the fact that we continue to be a country at war,” writes Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(MSNBC) IAVA Joins Morning Joe to Discuss Memorial Day and the #GoSilent Campaign
May 25, 2020: IAVA CEO, Jeremy Butler joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe to discuss important issues in the veteran community during this unprecedented Memorial Day…Watch here.
(The Well News) Veterans Need Help to Quit Smoking. Alternatives Can Help.
May 28, 2020: “To begin tackling issues like this, we need corporations and the philanthropic community to invest in both immediate and long term strategic and impactful solutions,” writes Sean Ullman, COO of IAVA…Read more.
(Connecting Vets) Why I Am Angry
June 2, 2020: “When in uniform, I am thanked for my service. When in a suit, I’m treated respectfully as I walk into a store or restaurant, a customer worthy of gracious attention,” writes Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(FOX News) IAVA Joins FOX’s Daily Briefing to Discuss Veterans’ Issues
June 3, 2020: IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler joined FOX’s Dana Perino to discuss racial tensions in the country and what it means to him as a Black, Naval Officer and CEO of a top Veteran Service Organization…Watch here.
(IAVA Media) IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler and Ranking Member Jon Tester Talk Veteran Issues and Legislation
June 5, 2020: IAVA CEO, Jeremy Butler and Ranking Member Senator Jon Tester held a Facebook Live event to discuss varying veteran issues and legislation meant to help veterans…Watch here.
(IAVA Media) IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler and Ranking Member Dr. Phil Roe Talk Veteran Issues and Legislation
June 18, 2020: IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler and Ranking Member Dr. Phil Roe held a Facebook Live event to discuss varying veteran issues and legislation meant to help veterans…Watch here.
(MSNBC) IAVA Joins MSNBC to Discuss Veterans’ Issues
July 3, 2020: IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler joined MSNBC’s Peter Alexander to discuss issues in the veteran community, COVID-19 and veteran employment…Watch here.
(Marine Times) VA Clears 5 Schools to Keep Enrolling GI Bill Students
July 8, 2020: “It was disappointing to see the VA so quickly to reinstate these five schools. I don’t think they were fully transparent in what they were requiring,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(The State) From Defeat to a First-Ever Bill: How Veterans Are Fighting Back on Toxic Exposure
August 6, 2020: “The dramatically increased activity and communication, both through the media and on Capitol Hill, finally got the attention of key decision makers,” said Tom Porter, IAVA’s EVP of Government Affairs…Read more.
(Medium.com) So Many Americans Have Sacrificed For Democratic Ideals. its Time To Do Our Part
August 13, 2020: IAVA CEO, Jeremy Butler joins others in the veteran community to offer 4 key points to uphold the integrity of our country’s elections…Read more.
(The Well News) The VA Needs to Follow the FDA’s Guidance on Smoking Alternatives
August 28, 2020: “The department should be sharing information about FDA reviewed modified risk options along with cessation programs with every American veteran,” writes Sean Ullman, COO of IAVA…Read more.
(Regional News Network) IAVA Weighs in on Veteran Sentiments Prior to the Election
September 3, 2020: IAVA’s CEO Jeremy Butler joins RNN to share insights from the veteran community as the election nears…Watch here.
(BBC World News) IAVA Comments on Veteran Issues Prior to the Election
September 6, 2020: IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler joins BBC World News to highlight issues impacting veterans as the election nears…Watch here.
(Boston Globe) Coming Home: Veterans Share the Truth About Transitioning to Civilian Life
September 14, 2020: “The reality is this is a diverse group of people that cannot be easily summarized. Understanding the nuances of this population, as well as individuals’ needs, is what makes QRF successful,” said Sean Ullman, COO of IAVA…Read more.
(Washington Post) Jon Stewart Urges Health-Care Law for Veterans Exposed to Toxic Burn Pits
September 15, 2020: “It is past time that veterans exposed to these deadly toxins receive the benefits that they deserve,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(IAVA Media) IAVA Hosts Mission Continues for Facebook Live about Voting
October 2, 2020: IAVA CEO, Jeremy Butler Joins The Mission Continues President Mary Beth Bruggeman to Discuss Voting and the Veteran Community…Watch here.
October 7, 2020: “Veterans in the post 9/11 cohort face unique issues that unfortunately, rarely breach the mainstream media and many times aren’t effectively addressed,” writes Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read More.
(Navy Times) How Will Trump and Biden Handle Veterans Issues? Here’s What They Told us
October 15, 2020: Question submitted from IAVA: “What is your position on legislation like the Military Justice Improvement Act (S. 1789), and the Deborah Sampson Act (H.R. 2234)”…Read more.
(The Well News) Veterans Group Sees Ally in Biden on Toxic Exposure Issue
November 10, 2020: “We finally have a chance at securing a much larger piece of legislation to get health care and disability benefits to those veterans who have been sickened by these toxic exposures,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(PhRMA) Recognizing America’s Veterans
November 11, 2020: “We believe it is our duty to ensure that all Veterans have access to proper health resources to effectively meet their needs,” writes Sean Ullman, COO of IAVA…Read more.
(Media Planet) IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler Comments on How VSOs Can Help Veterans Navigate Life After Service
November 18, 2020: “Whether a veteran needs assistance navigating VA benefits, accessing mental healthcare, finding stable housing, seeking employment, they are connected with the best resources to fit their needs through QRF,” writes Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read More.
(CNN) Top Department of Veterans Affairs Official Raises Concerns About Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution
December 9, 2020: “Front-line health care workers will be prioritized first and there were no details about whether certain veterans would be as well,” said Tom Porter, EVP of Government Affairs for IAVA…Read more.
(The Washington Post) Some Veterans Groups Disappointed Biden’s Pick for VA Chief Never Served in Uniform
December 10, 2020: “He’ll have to go a long way to prove himself to a very skeptical population who would prefer someone with more direct veteran and VA experience,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(The Hill) What the Veteran Community Needs – A Leader Who Puts Accountability First
December 15, 2020: “As a leading veterans advocacy organization, IAVA believes the next secretary of Veterans Affairs must bring to bear specific qualities if we are to effectively support our nation’s heroes,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
(Stars and Stripes) Congress Passes Sweeping End-of-year Bill Impacting ‘Every Corner’ of the Veteran Community
December 17, 2020: “The bipartisan bill was backed by several national veterans’ organizations. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans for America pushed Congress to approve the measures for women veterans for nearly four years,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA...Read more.
(Washington Examiner) The President-Elect Makes Some Odd Picks for His Administration
December 18, 2020: “McDonough does bring experience with all the levers of power in Washington. He understands the military, he knows how to get legislation passed, and, most importantly, I think, he has the ear and the confidence of the left flank,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA…Read more.
