IAVA’s Cavalry

Leaders of Change

Our premier leadership development program, IAVA’s Cavalry are chosen through a competitive application and interview process to help be the force that the post-9/11 generation needs to represent us on the national stage. When IAVA calls in our Cavalry, our leaders listen and real change happens.

Who is the Cavalry?

What began as a few scrappy veterans engaging with Congress has grown into leadership development program and pipeline that fuels #VetsRising. Members of IAVA’s Cavalry are chosen through a competitive application and interview process, and once selected, get opportunities to meet with policymakers and members of the media to share their story, and help create change on behalf of the newest generation of America’s veterans. 

IAVA’s Cavalry are the voice of the Post-9/11 Generation of Veterans.

Meet the Team

Adam Burckhardt

Cavalry Member

Brandon Leon Newberry, Esq

Cavalry Member

Cameron Zbikowski

Cavalry Member

Dawn Fleming

Cavalry Member

Jerritt A. Lynn

Cavalry Member

Luis “Carlos” Peña

Cavalry Member

Matthew Philip Wee

Cavalry Member

Ralph McComber

Cavalry Member

Sameer Khan

Cavalry Member

Victor Cortese

Cavalry Member

Join the Cavalry

Once you’re a part of IAVA’s Cavalry, you’ll forever be.

IAVA welcomes veterans and military-connected family members of all backgrounds to apply to be a member of IAVA’s Cavalry. We ask all applicants to be familiar with our policy priorities as those selected will engage decision makers on critical issues affecting post-9/11 veterans.

Participation in our Leadership Fellows program – an effort to double-down on the leadership of some of IAVA’s Cavalry –  is by invitation only and will be offered to stand-out members of IAVA’s Cavalry.

Interested in applying? The application period for Fall 2024 is now closed. Please stay tuned for future opportunities.

We need the Cavalry

Put simply – we can’t do our work without IAVA’s Cavalry. Our staff alone can’t advocate on behalf of the more than 3 million post-9/11 veterans alone. We need our best members to be the face of our generation of veterans. We need them to tell their stories, and convince policy makers and those in power to act. And IAVA staff are standing ready to train you to be able to do so, in Washington, and back at home in your communities.

We lean on trained Cavalry Members to be voices in the media and leaders in their local community. As well, select Cavalry Members will be invited to receive additional training as an IAVA Leadership Fellow to prepare themselves to take on additional leadership within our Cavalry.

Hear From Our Members

01/02

Upcoming Events

View All Events

Pints and Patriotism – Cary, NC

6:00pm | October 17, 2024
Fortnight Brewing Company
1006 SW Maynard Road – Suite A
Cary, NC 27511
Learn More

Pints and Patriotism – Scottsdale, AZ

6:00pm | October 23, 2024
Fate Brewing Company – Scottsdale
1312 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Learn More

Cavalry Events

Cavalry Week

IAVA’s Cavalry Week gives Member Advocates the opportunity to meet with policy makers face-to-face, to share their stories, and to discuss the issues that matter most to post-9/11 veterans.

Veteran Leader Fellowship Program

IAVA’s Veteran Leader Fellowship Program strives to create a network of empowered veteran leaders who are driven by values, authenticity, and a shared purpose.

All-Star Advocacy Fly-In

IAVA’s All-Star Advocacy Fly-In gives Member Advocates the opportunity to meet with policy makers face-to-face, to share their stories, and to discuss the issues that matter most to post-9/11 veterans.

Storm the Hill

Storm the Hill is IAVA’s annual program where selected veterans, called “Stormers,” travel to Washington, DC, to meet with lawmakers and advocate for post-9/11 veterans’ issues. Through personal stories, they push for action on key concerns directly with representatives and senators.

The Latest

View All Media

From Service to C-Suite: My Journey in Advocacy and Personal Safety

IAVA’s CEO Gives Compelling Testimony before a Joint Hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees

Read: Building Partners in our Veteran Community

Support our veterans today

Veterans aren’t a charity. They’re an investment. Donate to help empower IAVA veterans and ensure their voices are heard.

Donate to IAVA
Donate
© 2024 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America | Nonprofit Web Design by NMC