IAVA calls on President to listen to Post-9/11 veterans, Raise Voices of Women Veterans

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America issued the following yesterday:

PRESS CONTACT

Tel: 212-982-9699

press@iava.org

85% surveyed by IAVA say women veterans aren’t fully recognized by American public

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 14, 2016) – As the White House hostsThe United State of Women, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and its 425,000 members call on President Obama to accelerate his Administration’s support of women veterans:

“If the Administration is serious about taking action to improve the lives of women in America, female veterans must be a part of that conversation,” said Allison Jaslow, IAVA Chief of Staff and Army combat veteran. “Over 280,000 women have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, yet according to IAVA’s recently released comprehensive member survey, only fifteen percent of respondents feel that the general public understands their contributions. The White House should be commended for the progress Joining Forces has made in recognizing the sacrifices of military families and our veterans. As a nation, we still have work to do to better recognize the contributions of our female veterans.

Women are the fastest growing segment of the military and veteran population. They comprise nearly 20 percent of new recruits, 15 percent of active duty forces and 18 percent of the reserve component and as the American public does not yet understand the contributions of women veterans, they are having a harder time transitioning home. In response, we look to the President and First Lady to recognize the changing face of the American military and include female vets in discussions of the state of women in the world.”

Note to media: Email press@iava.org or call 212-982-9699 to speak with IAVA CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff or IAVA leadership.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org) is the leading post-9/11 veteran empowerment organization (VEO) with the most diverse and rapidly growing membership in America. As a non-profit founded in 2004, IAVA’s mission is to connect, unite and empower post-9/11 veterans. Celebrating its 11th year anniversary, IAVA has connected more than 1.2 million veterans with resources and community, and provided more than 5,800 veterans with personalized support from IAVA’s Master’s level social workers.

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