FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 11, 2022
CONTACT: press@iava.org

New York, NY –  This week, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) completed a virtual Washington, DC Fly-In. IAVA was joined by 9 All-Star Member Advocates and IAVA board member Amy McGrath. The IAVA team met with 15 House and Senate offices to discuss long-overdue critical legislation to support veterans suffering toxic exposures, like from burn pits, to ensure they get the healthcare and benefits they need and deserve. Videos of the event are available on IAVA’s website and social media channels. 

“It has been an honor and privilege to once again advocate side by side with IAVA’s incredible members,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA. “The time is now to get this comprehensive legislation passed for veterans who have been exposed. Our elected leaders in Washington cannot turn their backs on the stories they’ve just heard from IAVA members; they need to act now to address the serious impacts from burn pits and toxic exposures.”

IAVA Advocates held meetings with the offices of  7 Representatives including House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano (D-CA) and Ranking Member Mike Bost (R-IL), and 9 Senators, including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) and Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-KS) to discuss military toxic exposures and the importance of finally establishing VA healthcare and disability benefits for those exposed and establish a new framework for establishing presumptions.

Biographies of the Member Advocates for this week are available here. IAVA’s CEO Jeremy Butler and Member Advocates are available to meet with the media upon request through press@iava.org. 

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.

###