IAVA: A legacy of winning
Select a year from the list below to learn about IAVA’s impact during that time.
2009
As troop numbers increased in Afghanistan, IAVA kept up the fight to combat suicide.
2009: IAVA MADE HISTORY
Mandatory Mental Health Screening
IAVA aggressively fought to pass a bill mandating every returning service member be screened for mental health injuries. Removing the stigma of seeking help and catching mental health injuries early ultimately saves more lives than all the body armor money can buy.
IAVA achieved its goal when the provisions of this bill were incorporated into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) signed on October 28, 2009.
IAVA Expands Our Reach
Support Your Vet Campaign
Building on the success of our 2008 campaign, IAVA again partnered with the Ad Council to increase awareness of and support for veteran mental health. IAVA firmly believes that a proactive approach is necessary and that seeking help is not a weakness. We must remove the stigma around seeking help, ensuring that mental health injuries are addressed, in order to save veteran lives.
Events: Bringing Veterans Together
Storm the Hill
During IAVA’s annual Storm the Hill, IAVA members got the opportunity to sit with policy makers to share their stories and discuss the issues that matter most to post-9/11 veterans.
CAA Heroes Celebration
The CAA Heroes Celebration in 2009 began an annual tradition of West Coast Heroes Celebrations.
3rd Annual Heroes Gala
IAVA honored J.R. Martinez and Van Toffler at our 2009 Heroes Gala.
Video Highlight
IAVA History
Select a year from the list below to learn about IAVA’s impact during that time.
