FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
CONTACT: Will Coghlan, (212)-982-9699,

NEW YORK – The nation’s largest Iraq War Veterans group launched a nationwide television advertising campaign today, calling for a change in course in Iraq, and an exit strategy that honors the sacrifice of the 2000 American Troops who have thus far been killed in the ongoing conflict there.

The ad can be viewed on the web by clicking here.

“For months now, Iraq Veterans have been calling on the Administration to outline a clear mission with attainable goals and a sensible exit strategy for the war in Iraq, and we’re still waiting.” said Paul Rieckhoff, Iraq War Veteran and Executive Director of IAVA. “For our Troops in harms way, life has only gotten more dangerous. The Pentagon continues to approach the war in Iraq as business as usual, and that’s just not working.”

“The debate about the war is made up of false choices in the country today,” he added. “Staying the course is not an option, nor is an immediate pullout. It’s time to support our Troops by finally listening to them and giving them what they have been asking for – a clear mission and the tools they need to achieve it.”

In the ad, while pictures of flag-draped coffins are shown, a voiceover reads:

“They made the ultimate sacrifice. But how many more will die? With 2,000 American troops dead, and more dying every day, we desperately need a change of course in Iraq, and an exit strategy that honors their sacrifice. Because Mr. President, there has to be a better way to bring our Troops home.”

The ad will run nationally for six days on CNN and FoxNews.

IAVA (www.iava.org) is America’s first and largest Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans Organization, representing Veterans in all fifty states, Puerto Rico and Guam. Its mission is to amplify the voice of the Troops.

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