Organization will organize VetTogethers with film about Iraq War veteran and Navy Seal Chris Kyle in more than 15 cities

New York, NY (February 10, 2015) – Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has created scheduled opportunities for veterans to join together and see the film ‘American Sniper,’ the biopic of Iraq war veteran U.S. Navy Seal Chris Kyle. IAVA will offer screenings of the film to IAVA members and their families in more than 15 cities nationwide. IAVA also will have support and program information at each event.

The film, based on Kyle’s New York Times best-selling biography of the same name, offers a gripping portrayal of the Iraq War, the struggles of post-traumatic stress and the impact of war on military families. In January it earned six Oscar nominations, including nods for Best Picture and Best Actor for Bradley Cooper.

“With all the talk and debate, we think it’s very important to share this film with Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans and for vets to see the film with other vets who will understand and appreciate the emotions the movie may reveal for them. This movie exemplifies the civilian-military divide we’ve let grow within our society,” said IAVA CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff. “American Sniper has started a national discussion on the sacrifice of our veterans and what challenges they face when they return home. It shows the reality of war both on the battlefield and back home. Coming home and explaining your experiences to your loved ones is not only difficult, it’s impossible for many veterans. We see this tension in the film multiple times between Chris and his wife Taya. American Sniper truly puts the civilian in the shoes of an American servicemember. For the average citizen to understand what vets feel when they return home, that experience is vital.”

IAVA members can click here to see if there is a VetTogether screening in their area:

• February 11, New York, N.Y.
• February 11, San Diego, Calif.
• February 11, San Francisco, Calif.
• February 11, Oklahoma City, Okla.
• February 11, Boston, Mass.
• February 11, Atlanta, Ga.
• February 11, Nashville, Tenn.
• February 11, Minneapolis, Minn.
• February 10, California, Pa.
• February 11, Austin, Texas
• February 11, Boise, Idaho
• February 11, Washington, DC
• February 11, San Antonio, Texas
• February 11, Dallas, Texas
• February 11, Fayetteville, N.C.
• February 11, Indianapolis, Ind.
• February 11, Milwaukee, Wis.
• February 11, Cleveland, Ohio
• February 11, Mesa, Ariz.