Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
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| Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Headquarters | New York City, Washington, D.C. |
| Type | Nonprofit veterans advocacy organization |
| Key people | Paul Rieckhoff |
| Mission | Advocacy for post-9/11 veterans |
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America was founded in 2004 to represent veterans who served in the Iraq War (2003–2011), the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), and related operations. The organization engaged with policymakers in New York City, Washington, D.C., and state capitals to address issues arising from deployments to Baghdad, Kandahar, and Fallujah. Its activities intersected with debates involving the United States Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and public figures such as Barack Obama, John McCain, and Nancy Pelosi.
History
The organization emerged amid post-2001 mobilizations following the September 11 attacks and the onset of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), recruiting veterans returning from campaigns including the Battle of Fallujah (2004), the Battle of Marjah, and operations in Mosul. Founders and early leaders engaged with lawmakers during hearings in the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives, interacting with committees such as the United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The group grew alongside other veteran organizations like the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans, while sometimes differing on policy toward the Iraq War (2003–2011), the NATO mission, and issues raised by journalists at outlets such as The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Mission and Programs
Programs targeted transition challenges faced by veterans returning from operations in Helmand Province, Anbar Province, and Kandahar Province. Initiatives addressed healthcare matters involving the Department of Veterans Affairs medical system, mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and access to benefits under statutes like the VA Home Loan Program and the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. Collaborative efforts included partnerships with institutions such as Yale University, Columbia University, and veteran-service organizations including Wounded Warrior Project and Team Rubicon to deliver services and research on reintegration into communities like Chicago and Los Angeles.
Advocacy and Policy Initiatives
Advocacy work involved campaigns directed at legislators including Mitch McConnell, Chuck Schumer, Harry Reid, and Paul Ryan on topics such as veteran healthcare, disability compensation, and employment programs. The organization lobbied for legislation debated in the United States Congress and engaged with executive-branch agencies like the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs over issues tied to demobilization from the Iraq War (2003–2011) and the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021). Its policy positions entered public discourse alongside reports from think tanks such as the Brookings Institution, the RAND Corporation, and the Heritage Foundation, and were covered by broadcasters like CNN, NBC News, and PBS.
Membership and Chapters
Membership drew service members and veterans who served in operations including Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. Local chapters organized in states such as Texas, Virginia, California, Florida, and Pennsylvania and worked with municipal officials in cities like Houston, Richmond, San Diego, Tampa, and Philadelphia. The organization coordinated with collegiate veteran groups at institutions like University of Michigan, University of Virginia, and University of California, Berkeley, and interfaced with national service networks such as the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Funding and Partnerships
Funding sources included individual donations, grants from foundations like the Ford Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation, and partnerships with corporations that engaged veterans in hiring programs such as Amazon (company), Boeing, and Walmart. The organization collaborated with nonprofit partners including American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and AmeriCorps affiliates to deliver services. Financial oversight and audits intersected with standards advocated by entities such as the IRS and nonprofit watchdogs that monitor charitable organizations in the United States.
Awards and Recognition
The group and its leaders received recognition from veteran-centered forums and civic institutions including awards presented by the National Press Club, citations from state legislatures such as the New York State Assembly and the California State Assembly, and coverage in magazines like Time (magazine) and Esquire (magazine). Individuals associated with the organization were profiled by media outlets including NPR, The Atlantic, and Rolling Stone for their advocacy on issues stemming from service in Iraq and Afghanistan.