FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 21, 2008
CONTACT: Michael Houston, IAVA (917) 697-6406 or

IAVA Veterans to Attend Democratic National Convention
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Available for Comment in Denver

NEW YORK - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, will attend the upcoming Democratic National Convention.  IAVA will meet with delegates and convention guests, raising awareness about the most critical issues facing the 1.7 million Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and highlighting our historic fight for the new GI Bill.  IAVA spokespeople, including Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff, will be available throughout next week to respond to media requests.

"When Senator Obama makes his case to the American people next week, it's critical that he address the most urgent issues facing the 1.7.million men and women who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). "IAVA's goal is to inject urgent issues like mental health care, traumatic brain injury and VA funding into the national political dialogue.  How the next President cares for our country's newest generation of veterans will have significant, long-term implications for not only the servicemembers and their families, but the nation as a whole." 

IAVA is also planning to host a major community service event for delegates and residents in Denver that will include preparing care packages for troops serving overseas.  Several high profile guests are expected to attend.  Additional details to follow. 

To arrange an interview with any of the IAVA veterans attending the Democratic National Convention, please contact Michael Houston at (917) 697-6406 or .  The veterans include: Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff (New York, NY), Chief Legislative Counsel Patrick Campell (Camarillo, CA), Veteran Membership Associate Andrew Roberts (Suffern, NY), Policy Associate Tom Tarantino (San Anselmo, CA) and Veteran Spokeswoman Carolyn Schapper (Salinas, CA).

A delegation of IAVA veterans will also attend the upcoming Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul.  Additional details to follow.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (http://www.iava.org/) is the nation's first and largest group for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  A non-profit and nonpartisan organization, IAVA represents more than 100,000 veteran members and civilian supporters in all 50 states.

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