As Americans, we have a duty to honor those who have defended our country.  But supporting troops and veterans is more than a moral obligation.  It is a crucial component of our national security.  Shortages of armor, equipment, and translators have hampered troops in theatre.  Troops' mental health problems lower retention.  Poor treatment of veterans and an inadequate G.I. Bill make recruitment more difficult.  The extensive use of National Guardsmen and Reservists in Iraq leaves fewer troops at home for domestic emergencies.  It is time that these force-readiness issues are treated with the urgency they deserve. 

As the first and largest nonpartisan organization for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is uniquely qualified to help all Americans understand the war and act decisively to support troops and veterans.

Since our founding in 2004, IAVA has worked closely with Congressional offices on both sides of the aisle to respond to body and HMMWV armor shortages, the challenges of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and inadequate funding for veterans' healthcare.

In 2005, IAVA was the first organization to bring a delegation of Iraq veterans to Capitol Hill to discuss troops' issues with lawmakers.  Our veterans have provided Congressional testimony, spoken at numerous press conferences, and commented for hundreds of news reports on issues from PTSD to body armor.  In 2006, we developed the IAVA Congressional Ratings,[i] which graded every lawmaker on their votes on important pieces of legislation that affected troops, veterans, and military families.  

How can IAVA be a resource for your office?

In 2007, IAVA will continue to provide first-hand testimony, independent research, a mobilized grassroots base and a vocal presence in media to affect all issues related to the military and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  We look forward to working with the 110^th Congress.

For more information about our work and how to reach IAVA, please see the "Contact Us" section at the end of this document.

[i] The 2006 IAVA Congressional Ratings are available at: http://www.iavaaction.org/.