Jerritt A. Lynn

Branch: Army
Years Served: 20 (still currently serving on Active Duty)
Rank: Master Sergeant
Military Occupation: Special Operations Civil Affairs
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerrittlynn24

Tell us a little about you outside of the military: 

• • Outside of the military, I am deeply family-oriented and dedicated to my wife, Amy, my three kids, and close friends. I truly cherish our time together, whether we’re playing football in the backyard, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or going on exciting explorations overseas. Traveling holds a special place in my heart; I love discovering and immersing myself in different cultures and histories, and I take great joy in exposing my kids to all the world has to offer. As an eternal student, I am always eager to expand my knowledge and understanding of the world around me. Additionally, I find immense joy in hiking, relishing the opportunity to explore nature and embrace the adventures it brings.

Why are you joining the IAVA Cavalry? 

• • After nearly twenty years of military service, I’m eager to reconnect with my community and contribute meaningfully. Veterans of the Global War on Terrorism have a unique perspective and the responsibility to advocate for policies that address our challenges. By shaping public policy, we can improve the lives of veterans and ensure their sacrifices are honored. Additionally, those who have served understand the true meaning of selflessness and empathy. I believe Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) will offer me the platform to continue serving the public beyond my military career.

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

• • My military experience has shaped me into a confident, empathetic leader with a deep appreciation for hard-earned accomplishments. It taught me to view challenges from multiple perspectives, helping to find solutions that benefit everyone involved. I’ve developed strong leadership skills, balancing mission success with the well-being of my team, and my goal-oriented nature has driven me to excel in any task. The satisfaction of completing tough jobs and overcoming obstacles has stayed with me, fueling my desire to make a meaningful impact both in my career and beyond.

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

• • I believe it is time for Congress to reassert its constitutional responsibility to limit the executive branch’s war powers, which have expanded significantly since the 2001 and 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). Since its adoption, successive administrations have steadily broadened their unilateral authority to conduct military operations, effectively bypassing Congress in critical decisions. This unchecked expansion undermines the role of elected representatives and weakens accountability to the American people. Restoring Congress’s rightful oversight of military force is essential to maintaining the balance of power and ensuring that decisions of such magnitude reflect the will of the nation.

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

• • One of the 2024 Big Six objectives outlined by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) emphasizes the importance of supporting our partners. I believe it is imperative that we extend this support not only to our former Afghanistan partners but also to those in Iraq, Jordan, the autonomous Kurdish regions, and other partners globally. If the United States is truly committed to creating and maintaining meaningful partnerships internationally, especially in areas that align with our geopolitical objectives, we must demonstrate perseverance, dedication, and unwavering support to those who fought alongside us. We cannot afford to turn our backs on our commitments.In advocating for public policy, we must remember that these partnerships are not transactional but built on trust and shared sacrifice. The United States’ role on the global stage should be one of consistent allyship, not short-term expediency. I believe that those of us who have served in conflict regions, particularly during the Global War on Terrorism, have a unique obligation to advocate for policies that reflect the promises we made on the ground. Our experiences give us a responsibility to ensure that the U.S. does not repeat the mistakes of the past. We must push for initiatives that support our partners overseas in ways that don’t mirror previous failures. We need to ensure that our commitment is defined not only by military engagements but also by holistic support that empowers and strengthens our global alliances for the long term, ensuring our promises stand the test of time.