IAVA continues to lead advocacy efforts to recognize and advance veterans issues

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 24, 2023
CONTACT: press@iava.org

Washington, D.C. – Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America’s (IAVA) new CEO Allison Jaslow appeared on CBS Mornings earlier this week as a part of their “Changing the Game” series to discuss her leadership of the leading advocacy organization for the post-9/11 generation of veterans and the issues that are facing IAVA members today. 

This conversation was particularly critical in light of the 20th anniversary of the Iraq war, the upcoming Senate vote to repeal the authorization for the use of military force (AUMF), and the VA’s recent adoption of a more gender-inclusive motto. She also spoke about what it means to her to be the first openly gay veteran to lead a major veterans organization.

On the Iraq War, “It’s not just remembering the war, but making sure that we learned all the lessons that we should’ve learned from this particular war. When you’re a leader in combat, one of the most difficult days you will ever have is when you lose somebody. When you lose somebody, you want to be able to look your soldiers in the face and say that it was for the right reasons, to explain to them what their buddy made the ultimate sacrifice for,” said Allison Jaslow, who is also a veteran of the Iraq War. “I struggled to give my soldiers that answer. I want platoon leaders in the future to be able to look their soldiers in the eye and know very clearly what they lost their lives for, what they got injured for.”

Watch the full interview 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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