NEW YORK, NY (August 21, 2017) — As an organization representing more than 2.8 million veterans who have served since September 11, 2001 and their families, IAVA released the following statement regarding President Trump’s address on his strategy for Afghanistan.  

“Tonight, as President Trump addressed the nation, troops were on patrol in Afghanistan and overseeing an offensive in Iraq.  And, for a few minutes, the American people back home focused on their sacrifice as much as those troops’ families do every waking moment,” said Allison Jaslow, Iraq War veteran and Executive Director at IAVA.  “This shouldn’t be a rare occurrence, but after 16 years at war, the men and women putting their lives on the line everyday are rarely in the public consciousness today.”

“As our nation debates the strategy outlined tonight by the President and soon to be executed by his commanders on the ground, it’s critical that we unite behind those who serve and their families that sacrifice alongside them,” continued Jaslow.  “Less than 1% of Americans have carried the burden of our most recent wars, but we should not be the only ones that pause when headlines tell us another battle buddy has fallen. And, it’s critically important that we care for these brave men and women when they return home from war, as we’ve promised.” 

“IAVA remains committed to ensuring our nation follows through on its promises to our veterans,” continued Jaslow. “That’s why we’re fighting to hold the VA accountable; to combat suicide; to defend the Post-9/11 GI Bill; and to finally get women veterans the recognition and support they deserve.  More than 345,000 women have deployed since 9/11, but too many women feel like second class veterans.”

IAVA’s full Policy Agenda can be found here.