Anthony Paolino

Name: Anthony Paolino
City/State: Montgomery, TX
Branch of Service: US Air Force
Years of Service: 2002-2014
Last Rank Held: E6
Military Occupation: Aircraft Electro Environmental Systems & Instructor

Tell us a little about you outside of the military:

I enjoy the work that I do, volunteering with several organizations, teaching and coaching, and above all, time with my family.

Why are you joining the IAVA Cavalry?

To continue advocating for the priorities most important to my veteran brothers and sisters.

How did your military experience shape you to be the person you are today? 

Critical training and skills obtained and the ability to have exposure to a variety of new cultures.

Which one of IAVA’s policy priorities do you believe is the most pressing? Why?

Democracy. With the new administration coming in this past week, we’ve already seen a great deal of disruption and change. I want to help ensure the voice of veterans is heard by our country’s leaders and legislators. When policy related to veterans and military families is being created or changed, our voices need to be heard and considered.

Which one of IAVA’s policy priorities do you have the strongest personal connection to? Why? 

Alternative therapies. We are failing our veterans. Over-prescription of pain killers, anti-depressants and anti-psychotics is a huge problem, and we should be ashamed by the number of lives ruined or ended by this situation. As a piece of the solution, we need to make alternative therapies more accessible to veterans.