FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 20, 2025

CONTACT: press@iava.org

The newly renamed fellowship celebrates Zach McIlwain’s legacy and welcomes a new generation of veteran leaders

Washington, DC – IAVA, a leading advocate for post-9/11 veterans, announced today that its flagship Leadership Fellowship has been renamed the Zach McIlwain Leadership Fellowship to honor the memory of Zach McIlwain, an early IAVA Fellow and dedicated advocate who passed away in December.

“With IAVA, Zach found community, purpose, and a place where he belonged. He counted his work with IAVA among his greatest achievements and said it made him feel like he was truly making a difference for veterans,” stated Selena Gibbs, Zach McIlwain’s mother. “Zach believed the cost of war did not end on the battlefield. He was proud to break the silence around mental health and remind fellow veterans that their lives still mattered. One of my greatest fears since losing him is that he will be forgotten. Having this fellowship carry his name means his legacy will live on in action through veterans who lead with courage and keep fighting for those who served.”

The fellowship, one of IAVA’s most impactful programs, equips veterans with the training, skills, and support to advocate for their communities and advance meaningful policy change at every level of government.

“Zach believed deeply in the power of veterans lifting each other up and making change from the front lines of advocacy. This fellowship was one of the places where he found his voice,” stated Kaitlynne Yancy, Director of Membership. “Now, through it, countless others will find theirs. Naming this program after Zach is not just a tribute. It is a promise to continue the work he cared so deeply about.”

The announcement comes alongside the selection of the 2025 Zach McIlwain Leadership Fellows, who will carry forward this legacy of leadership and advocacy. This year’s cohort includes outstanding veterans from across the country who will receive training in legislative strategy, storytelling, policy development, and community organizing.

“Zach McIlwain embodied the spirit of service and leadership that this fellowship stands for,” said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO. “Renaming our fellowship in his honor is a reminder that our work is not only about policy but about people and about ensuring no veteran ever feels alone in their fight.”

In recognition of the importance of mental health and suicide prevention in the veteran community, IAVA encourages anyone struggling or in crisis to reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

For more information about the Zach McIlwain Leadership Fellowship and to meet the new fellows, visit https://iava.org/the-cavalry/#fellows.

For media inquiries, please contact:
press@iava.org
(202) 544-7692

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is the leading voice of the Post-9/11 generation of American veterans. We represent over 425,000 members, and our best-in-class, non-partisan advocacy on behalf of the post-9/11 generation of veterans has chalked up big wins for our community – and America – for 20 years and counting.

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