NEW YORK, NY (November 5th, 2019) – Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) announced the honorees for IAVA’s Annual Heroes Gala, taking place Thursday, November 7th at the Classic Car Club at Hudson River Park’s Pier 76 in New York City.

The IAVA Heroes Gala will be hosted by NBC’s Willie Geist and will recognize individuals who have demonstrated tireless leadership in support of the post-9/11 veterans’ community. This year’s Gala features special guests such as Golden Tate from the New York Giants and David Goggins, elite athlete and champion ultra-marathoner.

As the premier celebration of post-9/11 veterans, IAVA’s Annual Heroes Gala kicks off the 2019 Veterans Week that also includes the Veterans Day parade in New York City. The annual Heroes Gala is IAVA’s single largest fundraiser – sustaining IAVA’s ability to fight and win battles on behalf of and with the post-9/11 generation of veterans.

“The Heroes Gala is a star-studded evening, bringing together our nation’s best and brightest to celebrate those who’ve served in the wake of September 11th, 2001,” said Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America CEO Jeremy Butler. “It’s also an opportunity to honor the leadership and undeniable contributions civilians and corporations have made in furthering the causes critical to the lives and future of post-9/11 veterans.”

This year’s Gala will include special recognition for the families of the 9/11 first responders. IAVA’s advocacy was instrumental in finally securing permanent funding this year for the 9/11 victim compensation fund. The Gala will also honor Southwest Airlines for its consistent support of veterans and IAVA for many years, and include a tribute to Les Gelb, former Chair of the Board at IAVA who passed away this year.

2019 Honorees:
Families of 9/11 First Responders, Civilian Leadership Award
David Goggins, Veteran Leadership Award
Southwest Airlines, Corporate Leadership Award

Special Guests:
Nicho Lowry, Antique Road Show
Golden Tate, NY Giants Wide Receiver
Edward Schrank, Singer

IAVA Heroes Gala sponsors include: HBO, Barbaricum, PhRMA, National Football League Foundation, Steve Tisch Family Foundation, Jonathan M. Tisch Family Foundation, DC Communications Group, Robert Cohn Charitable Fund, Katie McGrath & JJ Abrams Family Foundation, Southwest Airlines, Salesforce Foundation, Emergent BioSolutions, PAX, Inc., PBC Properties & Buildings Corp, JLL and more.