Name: Jairous “Chad” Gurley, Sr
Hometown: Kernersville, NC
Branch: Army
Years Served: 9.5
Rank: E-5 Sergeant
Military Occupation: Motor Transport Operator
Twitter Handle: TBD

Tell us a little about you outside of the military: 

• I served for 8 years as a Veteran Service Officer/Advocate on the State and Local Level.
• I’m originally from Darlington, SC, home of the Darlington Raceway.
• I enjoy teaching. 

Why are you joining the IAVA Cavalry?

• I’m joining IAVA because I believe that real change is sparked from grassroots organizations. Most of the initiatives ignited by IAVA are important issues I advocated for in North Carolina. I want to leverage my experience and existing relationship with law makers to push these initiatives forward. 

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

• My military experience equipped me with the leadership and communicative ability to push agendas. Because change does not happen overnight, the military trained me to be patient through processes. The military also taught me to pay close attention to details.

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

• I support all policy priorities but the most pressing is the servicemembers and veteran’s empowerment and support act of 2023. I think there needs to be stricter punishments for assailants and those in the chain of command who negate to take reports seriously. There needs to be more protection for victims.

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

• Because of my work as a Veteran Service Officer, I feel connected to MST. I’ve adjudicated hundreds of cases where justice was not served on behalf of the service member. More support needs to be fostered around continuous trauma focused counseling.