All-Star Advocacy Fly-In

IAVA’s “All-Star Advocacy Fly-In”, formerly known as “Storm the Hill”, is our premier leadership development program. It gives select Member Advocates the opportunity to sit with policy makers, to share their stories, and to discuss the issues that matter most to post-9/11 veterans. During IAVA’s All-Star Advocacy Fly-In, our leaders listen and real change happens. Over the years, it has grown from a handful of veterans walking the halls of Congress into an annual event placing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in meetings with our nation’s leaders.

We bring the stories of the more than 4.1 million post-9/11 veterans to congressional leaders in Washington. Our Member Advocates receive first-hand experience in championing IAVA’s policy agenda and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and interact with Members of Congress, Senators, congressional staffers, and fellow veteran leaders from across the country. Member Advocates work alongside IAVA staff, representing IAVA’s membership in meetings with congressional offices and key leaders of the Executive Branch.

Over the years, our collective efforts have successfully fought for better body armor, addressed veteran backlogs in the VA, protected and enhanced the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and played a pivotal role in ensuring the passage of the Clay Hunt SAV Act to reduce military and veteran suicides – improving access to quality mental health care for millions of our nation’s veterans.

More recently IAVA’s in-person advocacy helped secure passage of the Honoring our Pact Act in 2022, the largest VA health care bill ever! As well, our Member Advocates were instrumental to ensuring the passage of the Deborah Sampson Act, which improved and expanded VA services to women veterans while helping to keep veterans safe within VA healthcare facilities.

IAVA’s All-Star Advocacy Fly-In welcomes veterans and military-connected family members of all backgrounds to apply. 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.

In addition to extensive media and advocacy training, those selected will leverage their voices to foster positive change for the veteran community. Member Advocates call on elected leaders across the political landscape to fight on behalf of the post-9/11 generation of veterans. They share their stories and raise awareness for IAVA’s Policy Priorities. IAVA’s All-Star Advocacy Fly-In is an all expense paid, week-long program. Those selected will be required to travel to DC and be available for the week in order to participate.