Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
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| Abbreviation | IAVA |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2004 |
| Type | War veterans organization |
| Purpose | "IAVA's mission is to connect, unite and empower post-9/11 veterans." |
| Headquarters | New York, New York |
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Founder and CEO
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Paul Rieckhoff |
| Website | iava.org |
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), is a nonprofit 501c3 veterans organization founded by Paul Rieckhoff, an American writer, social entrepreneur, advocate, activist and veteran of the United States Army and the Iraq War. He served as an Army First Lieutenant and infantry rifle platoon leader in Iraq from 2003 through 2004. Rieckhoff was released from the Army National Guard in 2007.
IAVA was founded in 2004 by Iraq War veteran Paul Rieckhoff to provide resources to and community for post-9/11 veterans. The organization is headquartered in New York City and maintains a policy office in Washington, DC. IAVA’s mission is to unite, empower and connect post-9/11 veterans through education, advocacy and community. Its programs include non-partisan advocacy on Capitol Hill, data-driven research on post-9/11 veteran issues, veterans transition assistance through its Rapid Response Referral Program (RRRP), and community building through its VetTogether and online community events.
In 2012 Stars and Stripes reported that “IAVA representatives are frequent cable news guests and regulars at hearings on Capitol Hill, where few if any veterans initiatives are passed without their blessing.” The Washington Post has stated that “With its ability to talk intimately about both the horror of combat and the difficulty of coming home...[IAVA]...has emerged as a key player on veterans issues on the Hill.” In regards to IAVA’s CEO Paul Rieckhoff, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has been quoted as saying, "He's relentless. When [Paul Rieckhoff] brings a new issue to me, I know that's what I should be fighting for."
According to IAVA, the organization currently has 187,808 veteran members and 238,540 supporters. IAVA membership is free and is available to “all veterans, families, and civilian allies.”
IAVA has been involved in, and at times led, the passage of a number of pieces of legislation since its establishment. The organization publishes an annual policy agenda that focuses on recommendations for Congress, the Executive Branch, Private Sector, State Nonprofits and other stakeholders.
The IAVA Policy Agenda lists various veterans issues that the organization is engaged in with its “Big Four” priorities:
IAVA regularly publishes data-driven research reports to educate on the issues pertaining to post-9/11 veterans. The purpose of these reports is to drive the development of solutions to benefit veterans and their families. These reports include:
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