New York (June 28, 2016) — Tonight, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Founder and CEO Paul Rieckhoff joins New York City Public Advocate Letitia James and leading veterans advocates from New York City for a town-hall style discussion at the Intrepid Sea and Space Museum with the city’s veterans community. IAVA led the fight to establish a Department of Veterans Services in January 2016 to serve the more than 250,000 veterans living in New York City, along with their spouses and dependents.

In October 2014, IAVA provided Mayor de Blasio and New York City Commissioner of Veterans’ Affairs Loree Sutton with a set of policy recommendations as a means to develop a comprehensive policy plan for New York City veterans. Those recommendations included the creation of a new Department of Veterans Affairs, which will provide substantial resources and options for veterans seeking help on a range of issues, including housing, healthcare and employment. IAVA continues to advocate for the newly established Department of Veterans Services to be appropriately funded with an annual budget of $100 million to adequately support veterans and their families.

WHAT:  “Veterans Talk to Tish & IAVA” Town Hall

WHO:   Letitia James, New York City Public Advocate and Paul Rieckhoff, IAVA Founder and CEO

WHEN:  Tuesday, June 28, 2016
6:30 – 8:30 PM

WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Pier 86, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue
New York, NY 10036

Other Guest Speakers include Craig Newmark, Founder, Craigslist and CraigConnects and Dan McSweeney President, United War Veterans Council.