IAVA's Annual Heroes Gala
IAVA’s Heroes Gala is an exciting evening of patriotism and inspiration. While we can’t host the event in person this year during Veterans Week as we have for 13 years straight, we want to make sure we’re still highlighting the amazing leaders who empower veterans.
Generous donations raised at the Heroes Gala help support IAVA’s mission to connect, unite and empower post-9/11 veterans.
2020 EVENT DETAILS
2020 will be different than years past, we will be honoring our amazing leaders on Facebook Live to reach the largest audience while also ensuring the safety of all involved.
Below is the important information as we honor those who are committed to veterans.
2020 IAVA Honorees
Veteran Leadership Award Recipient
NICOLE MALACHOWSKI
PRESENTED 11/17/2020
WATCH THE FACEBOOK LIVE EVENT
IAVA is proud to present the 2020 Veteran Leadership award to Nicole Malachowski. Colonel Nicole Malachowski (USAF, Retired) embarked on an adventure among the first group of women to fly fighter aircraft. She served as a mission ready fighter pilot in three operational F-15E fighter squadrons and has flown over 188 combat hours in both OPERATION DELIBERATE FORGE and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM…
Civilian Leadership Award Recipient
MO SIEDOR
PRESENTED 11/19/2020
WATCH THE FACEBOOK LIVE EVENT
Maureen “Mo” Siedor directs Swords to Plowshares’ Legal Services Unit which provides assistance and legal representation to homeless and low-income veterans on their veterans’ benefits and military discharge upgrade cases. She originally joined Swords’ legal team in 2014…
Corporate Leadership Award Recipient
THE CIGNA FOUNDATION
TO BE PRESENTED TBD
There are corporate leaders who show a lifetime of commitment to veterans, a commitment that must be recognized. The Corporate Leadership Award is an award presented to exceptional corporate leaders who have been steadfast champions for the veterans’ movement. The inaugural Corporate Leadership Award was presented in 2018 to HBO, Inc. Southwest Airlines received the second ever award. This is bestowed upon corporations who have consistently stepped up to the plate to provide needed financial support, in-kind support, and have invested in the post-9/11 veteran community.
IAVA is honored to bestow this incredible award upon the Cigna Foundation this year.
Other Awards
IAVA Lifetime Achievement Award
Occasionally, there are leaders who show a lifetime of commitment to veterans, a commitment that must be recognized. The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to exceptional individuals who have been steadfast champions for the veterans’ movement. Past Lifetime Achievement Award honorees include Sen. Johnny Isakson, Bob McDonald, former Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and American hero Les Gelb. This award is reserved for those who showcase a strong and lasting commitment to veterans, and is awarded only when the recipient has shown a lifetime commitment to our community.
IAVA only occasionally bestows this incredible award.
Highlight Videos from Previous Years
2019 Sizzle Reel
2018 Sizzle Reel
2017 Sizzle Reel
Generous donations raised at the Heroes Gala help support IAVA’s mission to connect, unite and empower post-9/11 veterans.