2026 IAVA Salutes

Join Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) for IAVA Salutes 2026, taking place on the morning of Thursday, May 14, 2026 in Washington, D.C.

Each year, IAVA Salutes brings together leaders from government, business, media, and the veteran community to recognize public officials whose leadership has strengthened support for veterans and military families.

This year’s program will feature a breakfast reception and an intimate fireside conversation with the 2026 IAVA Leadership in Government Award honorees, focused on the evolving needs of today’s veterans and the future of veteran policy.

This year, we are proud to recognize two members of Congress who have led with integrity and worked across the aisle to strengthen support for veterans and their families:

Representative Don Bacon (NE-02), a retired Air Force general and longtime advocate for servicemembers and veterans, who has led on military quality-of-life issues and efforts to ensure veterans affected by toxic exposures receive the care they need. 

Representative Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs who has worked to improve access to care, benefits, and the systems that veterans rely on, including efforts to expand mental health resources and support for survivors of military sexual trauma. 

A Tradition of Bipartisan Leadership

IAVA Salutes honorees join a distinguished group of leaders whose bipartisan work has improved outcomes for veterans and military families, including Senator John Boozman, Representative Brian Mast, Governor Wes Moore, Senator Jerry Moran, Senator Jon Tester, and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.