Victor Cortese

Branch: Army
Years Served:10
Rank: Captain
Military Occupation: 13 – Field Artillery Officer
Twitter Handle: TBD

Tell us a little about you outside of the military: 

• • Since leaving the military I have worked in real estate development for social and economic impact, focusing on distressed neighborhoods in Philadelphia. In addition to my work, I’ve volunteered as a little league baseball coach, and my family has become deeply involved in our community. We’re outdoors and sports enthusiasts, and I love spending time with them on family trips, making memories together in nature and through shared experiences.

Why are you joining the IAVA Cavalry? 

• • I’m joining IAVA because I believe the Iraq and Afghanistan generation of veterans represents a bastion of well-intended individuals dedicated to continued service. We have the drive and integrity to advocate for what’s important, not only for the veteran community but also for our country as a whole. I see this as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully alongside others who share a commitment to making a difference.

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

• • My military experience instilled in me a deep pride and reinforced a strong sense of service and servant leadership. It also brought me lifelong friendships that continue to shape my life, and it laid the foundation for my commitment to serving others. This sense of duty and camaraderie has influenced every aspect of who I am today, both personally and professionally.

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

• • I believe protecting our democracy is the most pressing of IAVA’s policy priorities, especially given how polarized our country has become. While we can’t ignore this division, history shows that challenging times have shaped and strengthened our nation before. Now more than ever, we need leaders with a dedicated, authentic, and team-oriented mindset who can speak truth, connect with others on a real level, and advance important dialogue. Members of our military didn’t serve just to watch democracy fracture—we served to protect and preserve it for future generations. Without our democracy, no other policy advocacy or movement toward a ‘more perfect union’ is possible.

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

• • The IAVA priority I feel the strongest personal connection to is protecting our democracy. While other priorities like repealing AUMFs, improving reproductive care access (which resonates with me as my wife also served), and justice system reform are critical, safeguarding our democratic system is most paramount. For those of us who served, this mission is deeply personal, and it’s difficult to watch partisan disagreements devolve into threats against the very institutions that protect our freedoms. Without a stable democracy, none of the other essential policy changes are possible.