From IAVA:
ICYMI: IAVA Wraps Up Virtual Member DC Fly-In
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 26, 2021
CONTACT: press@iava.org
New York, NY – This week, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) completed a Virtual Washington, DC Fly-In event. IAVA was joined by 11 All-Star Member Advocates as well as IAVA board members, General (Ret.) David Petraeus, Karen Brasch and Wayne Smith. IAVA’s Member Advocates met with 20 Members of Congress to discuss burn pits and toxic exposures, women veterans, combating the veteran suicide epidemic, expanding VA healthcare access, and more. Videos of the event have been recorded and are available on IAVA’s website and social media channels.
“This year was a groundbreaking year for IAVA’s Member advocates,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA. “Despite the challenges of COVID-19 and pivoting to virtual advocacy, our members persisted and their voices were heard by Congress, highlighting the critical issues impacting post-9/11 veterans.”
IAVA Advocates held meetings with 9 Representatives including House Veteran’s Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano (D-CA), and 11 Senators, including Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed (D-RI) to discuss crucial issues and legislation directly affecting post 9/11 veterans. Tom Porter, IAVA Executive VP of Government Affairs, testified before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee on the mental health needs of veterans.
As part of the campaign, IAVA hosted a Facebook Live event with House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mike Bost (R-IL), IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler, and IAVA Member Advocates Sarah Letts and Corey Foster discussing women veterans, burn pits and toxic exposures and a wide variety of pressing issues for post-911 veterans.
Biographies of the Member Advocates for this week are available here. IAVA’s CEO Jeremy Butler and Member Advocates are available to meet with the media upon request through press@iava.org.
IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 400,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.
###
