Giving Back

Blog

June 15, 2020

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

Each issue, the editorial staff of Military Embedded Systems will highlight a different charitable organization that benefits the military, veterans, and their families. We are honored to cover the technology that protects those who protect us every day. To back that up, our parent company – OpenSystems Media – will make a donation to every group we showcase on this page.

This issue we are highlighting Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), a nonprofit organization founded in 2004 by Iraq War veteran Paul Rieckhoff to facilitate bringing resources to and community among post-9/11 veterans across the U.S. Its programs include 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 local in-person and online community events. The organization connects, unites, and empowers more than 400,000 veterans and allies nationwide. According to its leadership, IAVA organizes locally and drives historic impacts nationally.

A major focus of the IAVA’s mission, according to organization materials, consists of nonpartisan advocacy on Capitol Hill. IAVA has been involved in, and at times led, the passage of a number of pieces of legislation relevant to veterans and families. The organization also publishes an annual policy agenda that focuses on recommendations for Congress, the executive branch, the private sector, state nonprofit orgs, and other stakeholders.

Another of the IAVA’s primary programs is the RRRP, which pledges support to service members, veterans, and their families; a team of IAVA transition managers endeavors to connect those in need of resources relating to healthcare, financial aid, housing, legal help, employment, and education.

For additional information on IAVA, please visit https://iava.org/.