IVAW

IVAW is a United States-based veterans organization founded by Iraq War veterans in 2004. It is composed of military veterans, active-duty service members, and National Guard members who served after the September 11 attacks. The group is known for its public opposition to the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War, advocating for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops and accountability for the wars' consequences.

History and founding

IVAW was established in July 2004 during the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts, by a group of Iraq War veterans including Michael Hoffman and Jimmy Massey. The founding was a direct response to their experiences during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the evolving occupation of Iraq. Early support and mentorship came from the older Vietnam Veterans Against the War organization, which had been prominent during the Vietnam War. The group gained national attention with high-profile events like the Winter Soldier: Iraq & Afghanistan investigation in 2008, modeled after the VVAW's 1971 Winter Soldier Investigation.

Mission and objectives

The organization's core mission is to end military occupation abroad and provide support for veterans at home. Key objectives include advocating for the full funding of veterans' healthcare through the Department of Veterans Affairs and securing benefits for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. IVAW also works to educate the public and troops about the realities of war, highlight the human and economic costs of conflict, and promote diplomacy over military intervention. A central tenet is supporting the right of service members to refuse illegal or immoral orders, grounded in principles from the Nuremberg trials.

Activities and campaigns

IVAW organizes a wide range of public actions, including marches, civil disobedience, and congressional testimony. Major campaigns have included "Operation Recovery," which focused on stopping the redeployment of troops with post-traumatic stress disorder and Traumatic Brain Injuries. The group's "Truth in Recruiting" campaign works to provide balanced information in schools and communities about military service. Members have also participated in symbolic actions at places like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and have been active in supporting the G.I. rights movement, often collaborating with allies like Veterans for Peace and Code Pink.

Organizational structure

The organization operates as a grassroots and member-led entity, with decisions made through a consensus-based model at annual national conventions. Local chapters across the country, such as those in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles, carry out regional activities. Leadership includes a National Board and Coordinating Committee elected by the membership. IVAW is funded through member dues, individual donations, and grants from allied foundations and has maintained its status as a 501(c)(3) organization.

Public perception and impact

IVAW has significantly influenced public discourse on the Iraq War and veterans' issues, receiving coverage from major outlets like The New York Times and CNN. Its members' firsthand accounts have provided powerful counter-narratives to official Pentagon statements. While praised by anti-war and progressive groups, the organization has also faced criticism from some conservative commentators and veterans' groups like the American Legion, who have questioned its tactics and patriotism. Its legacy is intertwined with broader 21st-century anti-war movements.

Notable members and chapters

Prominent members have included co-founder Michael Hoffman, former Army sergeant and 2008 DNC speaker Adam Kokesh, and author Phil Klay. The organization has featured testimony from soldiers like Camilo Mejía, the first Iraq War veteran to publicly refuse redeployment. Active chapters have been established in numerous cities, with the New York City Chapter and Chicago Chapter being particularly influential in organizing large-scale demonstrations and community outreach programs.