IAVA’s latest batch of interns started in our DC office recently and we’re glad to have their help in advocating for post-9/11 veterans. Without further ado, here are our new interns!

Brandon Hughes

I am a former active duty Marine. I served in Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where I deployed twice to combat tours to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. I was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received during my second deployment. Later I served at Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA  as a weapons/infantry instructor. I currently attend George Mason University where I study Communication with a concentration in Political Communication.

I hope to get abundantly exposed to advocacy efforts from IAVA on behalf of veterans. As a veteran, I would love nothing more than to be on the front lines advocating for veterans!

Amy Valerio

I am a student at Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies majoring in International Relations with a minor in Economics. My learning experiences on how the foreign policies of powerful nations impact the developing world have inspired me to pursue a career in crafting the foreign policies of our nation.

I am thrilled to be at IAVA for the summer to contribute to the impactful work that IAVA does in empowering post-9/11 veterans. I look forward to taking an active role in our #SheWhoBorneTheBattle campaign to better recognize and support women veterans.

Robert Reynolds

I am a military child (or military brat if you prefer!) that grew up in England and Germany on military bases. I currently go to school at the University of North Florida studying Political Science and International Studies. I hope to work at the Department of Defense after I graduate college so that I am able to provide support to the service members who serve to protect our nation.  

Coming from a military family, I have personally seen how veterans are affected by the issues that IAVA advocates for and I am grateful to be a member IAVA’s team this summer to provide assistance to that work.

Brandon White

I am originally from Louisville, KY and working on a Master’s of Public Administration at Western Kentucky University. Before I started my MPA program I was the Membership Manager for the American Association of Owner Operators, an organization that both educates and provides benefits for over-the-road truck drivers. In addition, I was a Youth Development Coordinator with the Boys and Girls Club of Bowling Green, KY, mentoring children and teens in that position.

In Kentucky we have a strong, longstanding respect for our nation’s veterans, and I am proud to be at IAVA advocating for post-9/11 veterans!