WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 4, 2019) – Tomorrow, Jeremy Butler, incoming CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the leading Post-9/11 veterans empowerment organization, will attend the State of the Union.

Originally from Glenarm, Illinois, Butler is a graduate of Knox College and the U.S. Naval War College where he received a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. He continues to serve our country as a Surface Warfare Officer in the Navy Reserve, having spent nearly 19 years in service, combining his active duty and reserve time as a Surface Warfare Officer.  Butler deployed to the Persian Gulf as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In response to the invitation, Butler stated “I am honored to attend the State of the Union on behalf of all IAVA members. The post-9/11 generation of veterans deserve to be represented, and I will do my best to ensure their voices continue to be heard.”

For the last year, Butler has led all IAVA internal operations nationwide as IAVA’s Chief Operations Officer. Prior to that, his extensive experience at IAVA spanned all aspects of the organization’s work, including leadership roles in communications, finance and development. Butler is a well-known and respected voice in the veteran and military community and has regularly served as an IAVA spokesperson at events and in the media. He has contributed to Fox News, C-SPAN, Sirius XM, NY1 and numerous veteran and military media outlets.

“It is truly an honor to be given this opportunity to serve”, said Butler . “Since Paul founded the organization over 14 years ago, IAVA has done more to support America’s veterans than most will ever know. It is both humbling and exciting to step in to this new role. I am incredibly thankful to be able to work with the IAVA Board of Directors, staff and members to ensure that we continue to connect, unite and empower post-9/11 veterans everywhere.”