NEW YORK, NY (February 27, 2018) – Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the leading voice for the Post-9/11 generation of veterans, is proud to announce its partnership with “American Creed”, a documentary film featuring former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Historian David Kennedy to explore what bonds us together as a nation. The film, produced by Citizen Films and broadcast on PBS will feature IAVA Member Leader and Marine Corps veteran Tegan Griffith. IAVA applauds the filmmakers and PBS for their commitment to closing the civilian-military divide by showcasing a veteran in its depiction of American life.

“American Creed will spark conversations nationwide about what it means to be an American, and IAVA is proud to partner with this film to ensure veterans voices are included in that narrative. This film is a critical reminder that we not forget the men and women currently overseas, and the veterans of our most recent wars, that wear the uniform in the name of those ideals” said Paul Rieckhoff, Founder and CEO of IAVA. “We are honored to have one of our members and Iraq veteran Tegan Griffith participate in this important conversation. Tegan is a shining example of the future leaders of America who served our country. Her story ecompasses what is means to be an American and the changing face of service on behalf of its people. We hope that in hearing her story can unite all Americans at an unprecedented moment of political and cultural division.”

“American Creed” will air Tuesday, February 27 on PBS at 9:00PM EST. More information can be found at https://www.americancreed.org/. 

About Tegan Griffith: Tegan served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years as an aircraft maintenance administration specialist and was trained as a publications librarian. She served in Iraq from April to November of 2008 with a Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron. Tegan left the Marines as a sergeant and returned to her home state of Wisconsin in December 2009. She has participated in Storm the Hill 2013 and 2014. Tegan has also led several VetTogethers in Wisconsin and continues to network with IAVA members nationwide.

About IAVA Films: Soon after our founding in 2004, IAVA leadership recognized that film and entertainment projects had a unique power to define our experience and activate millions. Films connected to our experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the broader military experience, for better or worse, would tell our story to the world forever. 

As the voice of the Post-9/11 veterans community, with a massive and deeply-engaged membership nationwide, IAVA has the opportunity to support and validate the best–and serve as a watchdog for the worst. IAVA can also provide historical, technical, cultural, social, technological and programmatic support that can ensure a project maximizes its impact, generates thoughtful conversation, and does no harm–by supporting the veterans and supporters long after the film is over. Dynamic IAVA members across America can see them first–and drive the national dialogue, in our communities, online and in the media. 

For more than a decade, Academy Award-nominated and critically-acclaimed IAVA-supported films have ranged from independent documentaries to box office blockbusters, and have included titles like Dunkirk, War Machine, Blood Stripe, The War Tapes, Restrepo, Warrior Champions, Fort Bliss, Crisis Line: Veterans Press 1, American Sniperand Max. These are the films that America is talking about–or should be talking about.