FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 23, 2023
CONTACT: press@iava.org

Washington, D.C.– On Monday, February 27, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) will launch their annual Fly-In Event on Capitol Hill. Each year, select IAVA members meet with policymakers in DC to discuss the issues that matter most to the post-9/11 generation of veterans. 

IAVA’s member advocates will meet with Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to discuss issues affecting the veteran community, such as the implementation of The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, championing the Major Richard Star Act, modernization of the VA, mental healthcare and research on alternative therapy treatments, housing insecurity, education benefits, and more. 

Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA, will testify before a joint House and Senate Veterans Affairs committee hearing on Wednesday, March 1. Additionally, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs, Tom Porter will speak at a press conference on February 28 to advocate for the passage of the Major Richard Star Act. 

“In 2022, IAVA achieved unparalleled victories for veterans and their families,” said Butler. “Our years of continued advocacy led to the passage of the PACT Act, and now we must ensure that our government honors the promises made to care for those who served our country.”

“Now more than ever, it is critical to hold Congress accountable for protecting the members of the veteran community,” said Tom Porter, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs for IAVA. “Beyond the effective implementation of the PACT Act, our member advocates will also discuss retirement pay for veterans with disabilities with our lawmakers through seeking passage of the Major Richard Star Act to address these issues.” 

Biographies of the Member Advocates for this week are available here.

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 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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