FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 8, 2020
CONTACT: press@iava.org

New York, NY — Unwilling to wait any longer for overdue action by the Department of Veterans Affairs, comedian Jon Stewart will lead a bipartisan coalition of veterans, members of Congress and civilian supporters in a Veterans Day rally and press conference in Washington, DC to demand legislative action bringing health care and benefits to those exposed to burn pits and other toxins. 

“Saying thank you for your service will no longer suffice! The only true way to say thank you is to pass vital legislation that ensures ordinary people who do extraordinary things 24/7 to keep this Nation safe from harm’s way and now suffer from the toxic aftermath of Burn Pits. Anything less, then we failed as a Country.” Jon Stewart & John Feal.

Millions of veterans alive today were exposed to an incredible range of dangerous substances, often unknowingly, as a result of their military service. From burn pits to radiation to chemically-laced IEDs and other toxins, these exposures have resulted in deaths, illnesses, and disease to a large and rapidly increasing number of veterans across the country yet the Department of Veterans Affairs waits for more research and data and is doing nothing to treat the sick and dying.

“The damage is already done,” said IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler. “Millions of veterans have been exposed to dangerous toxins and an untold number have died. Very few of them received support from the government or VA and we need legislation to change that today.”

Veterans and their families cannot wait any longer. Congress must act to pass legislation bringing care to those who earned it.

WHO:     Jon Stewart; Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA); Office of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand; Office of Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D.; Burn Pits 360; The Feal Good Foundation

WHAT:   Rally and press conference to raise national attention and awareness to the urgent need for Congressional action to support veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins.

WHEN:   Veterans Day, November 11th at 10am ET

WHERE: East Front Lawn, US Capitol, Washington, DC

IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 400,000 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.

###