Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) veterans organization founded by Paul Rieckhoff, an American writer, social entrepreneur, advocate, activist and veteran of the United States Army and the Iraq War. He served as an Army First Lieutenant and infantry rifle platoon leader in Iraq from 2003 through 2004. Rieckhoff was released from the Army National Guard in 2007.

Founding and purpose

IAVA was founded in 2004 by Iraq War veteran Paul Rieckhoff to provide resources to and community for post-9/11 veterans. The organization is headquartered in New York City and maintains a policy office in Washington, DC. IAVA's mission is to unite, empower and connect post-9/11 veterans through education, advocacy, and community. Its programs include non-partisan advocacy on Capitol Hill, data-driven research on post-9/11 veteran issues, veterans transition assistance through its Rapid Response Referral Program (RRRP), and community building through its VetTogether and online community events. In 2012 Stars and Stripes reported that "IAVA representatives are frequent cable news guests and regulars at hearings on Capitol Hill, where few if any veterans initiatives are passed without their blessing." The Washington Post has stated that "With its ability to talk intimately about both the horror of combat and the difficulty of coming home...[IAVA]...has emerged as a key player on veterans issues on the Hill." In regards to IAVA's CEO Paul Rieckhoff, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has been quoted as saying, "He's relentless. When [Paul Rieckhoff] brings a new issue to me, I know that's what I should be fighting for." In early 2019, Paul Rieckhoff stepped down as CEO and transitioned to the Board. His COO, Jeremy Butler, a Navy veteran, was elevated to the position. Butler continues to press on with an ambitious agenda, in the characteristic style of IAVA. According to IAVA, the organization has over 425,000 members. IAVA membership is free and is available to "all veterans, families, and civilian allies."

Advocacy

IAVA has been involved in, and at times led, the passage of a number of pieces of legislation since its establishment. The organization publishes an annual policy agenda that focuses on recommendations for Congress, the Executive Branch, Private Sector, State Nonprofits and other stakeholders. The IAVA Policy Agenda lists various veterans issues that the organization is engaged in with its "Big Six" priorities:

Legislative accomplishments

116th Congress See a comprehensive listing of IAVA’s supported legislation and legislative victories for the 116th Congress. 115th Congress See a comprehensive listing of IAVA’s supported legislation and legislative victories for the 115th Congress. 114th Congress 113th Congress 112th Congress 111th Congress 110th Congress

Research

IAVA regularly publishes data-driven research reports to educate on the issues pertaining to post-9/11 veterans. The purpose of these reports is to drive the development of solutions to benefit veterans and their families. These reports include:

Rapid Response Referral Program (RRRP)

IAVA's Rapid Response Referral Program (RRRP) provides support to service members, veterans, and their families who need resources and assistance. The RRRP program is staffed by a team of transition managers who connect veterans to resources that can support their needs on issues relating health, financial, housing, legal, employment, etc.

VetTogethers

IAVA's VetTogethers are local events that are organized by its members through IAVA's social network website myIAVA. These events are meant to connect veterans to their community and build awareness and friendships.

Board of directors

The IAVA Board of Directors provides leadership, assistance, and counsel to the organization. The current Board of Directors includes: Former Members of the IAVA Board include:

2016 Commander-in-Chief Forum

On September 7, 2016, IAVA hosted a live televised Commander-in-Chief Forum with presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. The first of its kind, it focused exclusively on issues pertaining to defense, foreign policy, and veterans. The Forum was presented by NBC News and MSNBC and was moderated by former TODAY Show co-anchor Matt Lauer from the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. The audience were mostly veterans and active duty service members. The forum generated controversy among some supporters of Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson because he was not invited to the event.[25] [26] On September 1, 2016, IAVA invited Gov. Johnson and Dr. Jill Stein, the Green Party candidate, to participate in an upcoming Commander-in-Chief forum of veterans issues. The Johnson campaign distanced themselves from any protests and considered the invitation.[27]

Firsts

In 2023 Allison Jaslow became the CEO of IAVA, making her the first woman to lead IAVA and, according to military.com, "the first openly gay head of a major veterans service organization".