Andrew Bird

Name: Andrew Bird
City/State: Montgomery Village, MD
Branch of Service: Marine Corps
Dates of Service: 01/06/2003 – 08/30/2011
Last Rank Held: E5
Military Occupation: Infantry Rifleman
Current Occupation: Small Business Owner
X: NA
Instagram: NA
Facebook: NA

Andrew outside of the military:

After my time in the Marine Corps, I earned my degree in History from the University of Maryland. I spent several years as a consultant working across the DoD, DOJ, and DHA, tackling complex problems and driving solutions in both government and private sectors. I’ve worn many hats—advisor, strategist, builder—and now I’m all in on entrepreneurship. I’m the founder of Apparel and Beyond, a veteran-owned print shop and creative space in Gaithersburg, MD. I’m passionate about building something real, providing opportunities for others, and doing work that actually matters.

Andrew on joining the IAVA Cavalry:

The urge to serve doesn’t go away just because the uniform comes off. I’ve faced the challenges many veterans know too well—navigating benefits, advocating for my family, and pushing through systems that don’t always work the way they should. I care deeply about veterans’ issues because I’ve lived them, and I believe I can contribute something meaningful. I’m joining the IAVA Cavalry to be part of a team that drives real impact, not just talk. I bring lived experience, professional insight, and the determination to make sure others don’t have to fight the same battles alone.

How the military experience affected Andrew’s personal growth:

Combat doesn’t leave you—it sharpens you. I learned early what matters and what doesn’t. I’ve been under fire, I’ve taken hits, and I’ve kept going. That mindset shaped how I approach everything now—cut through the noise, focus on results, and stay accountable. The Marine Corps didn’t just give me discipline; it forced me to grow up fast and lead when it counted. I carry that with me into business, advocacy, and life—no excuses, just outcomes.

IAVA’s policy priorities that are the most pressing:

Three priorities stand out to me: expanding access to alternative therapies, defending democratic values, and honoring our commitment to Afghan allies. I’ve seen firsthand how traditional treatment methods don’t work for everyone. Veterans deserve access to therapies that actually help, whether it’s MDMA-assisted therapy, acupuncture, or other evidence-based alternatives.

Protecting democracy isn’t just a political issue—it’s a veteran’s issue. Many of us served to defend the principles that are now under pressure at home. We have a duty to stay engaged.

Lastly, the Afghan ally issue is personal. My wife and her family are from Afghanistan, and I’ve seen the fear, abandonment, and silence that followed our withdrawal. We made promises—to translators, partners, families—and we need to keep them. That’s not just foreign policy, that’s honor.

IAVA’s policy priorities with the strongest personal connection for Andrew:

I have the strongest personal connection to IAVA’s work supporting Afghan allies. My wife is Afghan, and her family lived through the fallout of our withdrawal. I’ve seen the fear, frustration, and heartbreak of those left behind, and I know how deeply it impacts the veterans who served alongside them. This isn’t abstract to me—it’s personal. We made promises, and our credibility as a nation and as veterans depends on keeping them. I believe we can still do right by those who risked everything to stand with us.