Their leadership on behalf of the Post-9/11 generation of veterans sets them apart

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
May 17, 2024
CONTACT: press@iava.org

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) hosted ‘IAVA Salutes’, an event to celebrate the impact of our work on behalf of the post-9/11 veterans and to honor the leadership of three individuals who’ve had the backs of our nation’s veterans. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Senator John Boozman both received IAVA’s 2024 Leadership in Government Award, and CNN Anchor Jake Tapper was awarded the 2024 Leadership in Journalism Award. 

“There are those who say they support our troops and veterans, and those who actually show up for us when we’ve needed them to. Our honorees have listened when we’ve spoken up, valued our stories, and taken action both independently and in partnership with us on behalf of our community,” said Allison Jaslow, CEO of IAVA.  “We’ve got a simple saying at IAVA that signifies our commitment to our members: ‘We’ve got your back.’ Speaker Emerita Pelosi, Senator John Boozman, and Jake Tapper share that commitment, and it’s why we recognized them for their leadership at our 2024 ‘IAVA Salutes’ event in Washington, DC.”

Here is what our honorees had to say about their awards:

“It is with greatest respect for IAVA’s leadership that I proudly accept your Leadership in Government award,” said Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. “It’s the outside mobilization that makes a difference. And IAVA has been such an important mobilizer to make sure that we can pass what we pass. Congratulations to Jake Tapper for the Leadership in Journalism Award and Senator Boozman. It’s an honor to be with them in celebrating Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.”

“This is truly a recognition of our collaborative efforts to improve the service and benefits veterans have earned. IAVA is a leading advocate for our heroes,” said Senator John Boozman. “I appreciate this tremendous honor. I look forward to continuing working with my Republican and Democrat colleagues on behalf of the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform.”

“I want to thank IAVA for this honor. IAVA has such a great track record of making sure that the voices of the post-9/11 generation are heard and as we approach Memorial Day, your voice has never been stronger or more important. It is the least I can do from the platform I have, having not served myself, to try to shine a light on the needs and the stories of veterans and the sacrifices that they go through and especially the sacrifices of those who don’t make it home,” said Jake Tapper, CNN Anchor and Chief Washington Correspondent.

IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 425,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.

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