Veterans Coalition for Common Sense
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| Veterans Coalition for Common Sense | |
|---|---|
| Name | Veterans Coalition for Common Sense |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Paul Rieckhoff |
| Type | Nonprofit advocacy group |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. |
| Region served | United States |
Veterans Coalition for Common Sense Veterans Coalition for Common Sense is an American veterans advocacy organization that emerged in the early 21st century amid debates over veterans' health, veterans' benefits, and veterans' policy. The group engaged in public policy, litigation, and direct services to address issues for veterans returning from conflicts such as the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021). It interacted with federal institutions including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Congress such as the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives, and allied organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.
History
The organization formed during a period marked by post-9/11 conflicts including the Invasion of Iraq and the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, overlapping with debates about the Authorization for Use of Military Force of 2001 and the Iraq Resolution of 2002. Founders drew on networks connected to veterans from campaigns like the Battle of Fallujah and veterans advocacy movements influenced by earlier groups such as Vietnam Veterans of America and the Disabled American Veterans. Early activities included testimony before committees such as the United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, collaboration with think tanks like the Rand Corporation and the Brookings Institution, and campaigns aligned with media outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, CBS News, and NPR. The group also coordinated with legal advocates from institutions like the American Civil Liberties Union and law firms with ties to cases argued before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Mission and Advocacy
The stated mission focused on improving benefits, healthcare, and policy for veterans affected by deployments including those to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). Advocacy priorities included issues tied to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Agent Orange-style exposure debates, and conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The organization pushed for reforms at agencies like the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, advocated through legislative channels including bills introduced in the 109th United States Congress and 110th United States Congress, and partnered with advocacy coalitions such as the National Veterans Legal Services Program. It engaged public figures and policymakers including members of the United States Senate Armed Services Committee and the United States House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
Programs and Services
Programs addressed veteran reintegration issues similar to services offered by organizations like Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Team Rubicon. Services included assistance with claims before the Board of Veterans' Appeals, outreach similar to initiatives by the Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service, and referrals to healthcare providers in systems like the Veterans Health Administration. The organization ran public education campaigns using platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and publications comparable to reports from the Government Accountability Office and analyses by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Partnerships extended to academic institutions such as Georgetown University and Johns Hopkins University for research on veteran health and policy.
Legal Actions and Litigation
The group pursued litigation strategies akin to cases handled by organizations like the Legal Services Corporation and litigators before the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Legal actions targeted administrative decisions at the Department of Veterans Affairs and enforcement of statutes including the Veterans' Benefits Act and aspects of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. Court appearances involved judges from circuits including the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and references to precedent from cases such as those adjudicated by the Supreme Court of the United States. Litigation collaborations involved civil rights groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center and veterans law advocates associated with the National Veterans Legal Services Program.
Organizational Structure and Funding
The structure mirrored nonprofit governance models with a board of directors and executive staff, comparable to governance at the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Funding sources included private donations, grants from foundations such as the Ford Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and potential government grants administered by agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense for transition programs. Fiscal reports and filings followed standards set by the Internal Revenue Service for 501(c)(3) organizations and reporting practices analogous to filings with the Federal Election Commission for related advocacy work. The coalition collaborated with corporate partners in veteran hiring initiatives similar to programs by Amazon (company), Microsoft, and Boeing.
Criticism and Controversies
Critiques paralleled controversies faced by other veterans groups including scrutiny over fundraising practices seen in disputes involving Wounded Warrior Project and questions about policy stances comparable to debates around Students for a Democratic Society and advocacy alignment with political figures in the United States Congress. Media coverage evaluating effectiveness appeared in outlets like The New Yorker, Politico, Reuters, Associated Press, and The Guardian. Allegations of conflict of interest, transparency, and organizational governance echoed issues raised in nonprofit oversight discussions involving the Attorney General of the United States and regulatory reviews by the Internal Revenue Service.