Eric Hall

Leadership Fellow

Branch: Army
Years Served: 2005-2010
Rank: SPC
Military Occupation: Infantry
Hometown: Frisco, TX
Twitter Handle: @eahall123

Tell us a little about you outside of the military:

    • I currently live in Frisco, TX and I am a Financial Services Professional with NYLIFE Securities.
    • After leaving active duty, I obtained a B.A. in Political Science and M.A. in Constitutional Law from The University of Texas at Dallas.
    • I spend much of my free time volunteering and riding my Harley.
    • I currently serve on the board of The American Civil Rights Project, as a volunteer with Mangait Therapeutic horsemanship, and as an alumni volunteer with the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

What do you hope to gain from the fellowship?

    • I want to sharpen the skills needed to successfully engage decision-makers, and influencers in order to create meaningful policy changes, and accountability as solutions are implemented.

What does advocacy mean to you?

    • Advocacy allows for the building of coalitions as with the Deborah Sampson Act and the PACT Act, and most importantly, it allows us to pass on real stories to the decision-makers.

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

    • I believe that the US military is the best leadership school in the world and has given the servant leadership skills needed to make a difference.
    • During my time in the Army, I gained confidence in myself, learned to work through challenges and adapt before even thinking about giving up. These are all things I apply to my life today.

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

    • The most pressing issue is modernizing the government and the VA.
    • Data should follow the Veteran, and information should be easily accessible and transferable.

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

    • Defending education benefits is a priority for me, as I was able to complete a B.A. and M.A. thanks to the GI bill. I even started a doctoral program recently because I have access to veteran benefits.
    • I want to help protect this opportunity for Veterans. I believe that we must continue to be vigilant to protect the wins, while still fighting for goals yet to be achieved.

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