Iraq Veterans Applaud Replacement of General Peter Pace
General Pace's Departure Is an Important Step Toward
Rectifying the Mismanagement of the Iraq War

NEW YORK - The nation's first and largest organization for the veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), commends Secretary Gates for replacing General Peter Pace as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

"General Pace has led the Joint Chiefs during a critical and tumultuous time in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but he has continued to downplay the impact of the insurgency and the long-term breaking of the military.  This lack of sound leadership has put U.S. troops in danger.  General Pace's departure is an important step toward rectifying the atrocious mismanagement of this war," said Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of IAVA. 

"As Donald Rumsfeld's replacement, Secretary Gates has his work cut out for him cleaning up the mess left behind by his predecessor.  We applaud Secretary Gates for his continued efforts to establish accountability at the highest levels of the military command.  Sergeants and privates should not be the only ones held responsible for their actions; officers should be, as well.  Secretary Gates has demonstrated decisive leadership and a strong record of holding officials' feet to the fire.  This was apparent in his response to the crisis at Walter Reed and we hope it's a trend that continues.  More than ever, U.S. troops and veterans need responsive and responsible leadership at the Pentagon."

IAVA, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, is the nation's first and largest organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, representing more than 60,000 members in all 50 states. To arrange an interview with Paul Rieckhoff or any other IAVA member veterans, contact Michael Houston at (212)-982-9699, or email michael[at]iava.org. For more information, visit www.iava.org.

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