Veterans: Support Gold Star Families and the Fallen, Don’t Politicize Them

From IAVA:

PRESS CONTACT

Tel: 212-982-9699

press@iava.org

New York, NY (October 19, 2017) — Today, after nearly a week of Gold Star families being dragged into a political battle, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) urges all Americans to put politics aside and come together to support our Gold Star families. As outlined in IAVA’s annual Policy Agenda, we have advocated on behalf of Gold Star families and the fallen for many years and urged action from leaders in Washington, DC. This is the time for that action to happen. We encourage all Americans to: read our policy recommendations and push for action in Congress, the White House, DoD and VA; to support our amazing partner TAPS; and to listen, learn, and reflect, instead of politicizing tragedy.

“Now is not a time for name calling and political debates. Now is a time for education, for unity and for support to those who need it most. If there’s anything that can bring our country together, it should be our Gold Star families and the brave men and women willing to sacrifice their lives for our country and freedoms,” said Paul Rieckhoff, Founder and CEO of IAVA. “This is a defining moment for our nation. From the White House to the man and woman on the street, we hope everyone will focus on moving our country forward together.”

Learn more about IAVA’s efforts to increase support for Gold Star families at iava.org/goldstar. 

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 12th year anniversary, IAVA has connected more than 1.2 million veterans with resources and community, and provided more than 7,300 veterans with personalized support from IAVA’s Master’s level social workers.