The Event Will Celebrate the Achievements of a Veteran Leader Empowering Our Nation’s Veterans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 10, 2020
CONTACT: press@iava.org

New York, NY –  This month, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) will host its thirteenth annual Heroes Gala. The event will be virtually held through Facebook Live streams and will honor award recipients for their commitment to empowering veterans across America. Colonel Nicole Malachowski (USAF, Retired) will receive the Veteran Leadership Award during a Facebook Live event on Tuesday, November 17th.

“While our 2020 celebration will look a little different this year, we are so excited to honor amazing leaders. Nicole has shown incredible spirit, patriotism, and commitment, not only during this challenging year, but throughout her military and civilian careers,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA. “The veteran community has been hit hard by the pandemic, and it is encouraging to see Americans like Nicole, who continue to do so much for our country and community.”

Colonel Malachowski will be receiving the Veteran Leadership Award for her advocacy in making healthcare more accessible for American service members and her incredibly inspiring outreach to leaders young and old. Upon her medical retirement from the Air Force, she voluntarily authored recommendations for the Air Force Chief of Staff on improving support for wounded and ill service members, specifically those enduring complex and chronic illnesses. She was also the first female pilot selected to fly with the USAF Air Demonstration Squad, also known as the Thunderbirds.

WHO:       

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America;

Colonel Nicole Malachowski, United States Air Force, Retired     

WHAT:    

Virtual event to honor and celebrate leaders who empower veterans. 

WHEN:    

Tuesday, November 17th, at 2:00 pm ET 

WHERE:  

Facebook Live attendees can RSVP here 

For more information on all 2020 award recipients, please visit: iava.org/heroes-gala/

Jeremy Butler serves as IAVA’s Chief Executive Officer. Jeremy joined IAVA with 15+ years of experience providing substantive and strategic counsel to leaders in high-profile government and private sector offices, including the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. He graduated from Knox College with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and received a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He is a Surface Warfare Officer in the Navy Reserve. Butler regularly contributes to national media outlets across the country.

IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 400,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.

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