Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is the nation's first and largest group dedicated to the Troops and Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the civilian supporters of those Troops and Veterans.

The mission of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is to ensure the enactment of policies that properly provide for our Troops & Veterans, keep our military strong, and guarantee our national security for the purpose of a stronger America. IAVA uniquely empowers Iraq & Afghanistan combat veterans to use their credibility and experiences to speak truth to power, shape public opinion, and place a priority on these issues.

Prominent members include Perry Jefferies, Paul Reickoff, Ray Kimball and Sean Huze.

History

The organization was founded in 2004 by Paul Rieckhoff, a First Lieutenant in the United States Army who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff

Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director and Founder
Paul is the Executive Director and Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1998 and served a tour of duty in Iraq lasting from April 2003 to February 2004. During that time, Paul was a 1st Lieutenant, and served as an Infantry Platoon Leader in the 3rd Infantry and 1st Armored Divisions. Paul's Platoon conducted over 1,000 dismounted and mounted combat patrols, and was centered in the Adamiyah section of central Baghdad.

Prior to going to Iraq, Paul worked as a high school football coach and an Investment Banking Analyst on Wall Street. Paul received a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Amherst College and continues to serve his country as a 1st Lieutenant and Detachment Commander in the New York Army National Guard.

Perry Jefferies, Veteran Outreach Director
Perry Jefferies, from Waco, TX, served as a First Sergeant in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He now lives in Copperas Cove, TX, with his wife and four children.

Rob Timmins, Field and Outreach Director
Rob served as an Army Infantryman in Operation Iraqi Freedom, in Najaf, and then Mosul. He received his BA in Sociology from the College of Staten Island. He recently re-enlisted in the Army Reserves and is currently living in Staten Island.

Patrick Campbell, Congressional Liaison
Patrick is a combat medic serving with the Washington, D.C. National Guard. He returned from Iraq in October 2005 after one year of service in Baghdad with the 256 Infantry Brigade. He was awarded the Combat Medical Badge and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Patrick is currently a full time law student at the Catholic University of America, and also staffing the Washington, DC office of IAVA.

Vanessa Williamson, Research Director
Before joining IAVA in 2004, Vanessa received her MA from NYU, and has worked for several nonprofit and advocacy organizations.

Devon Collins, Director of Operations
Prior to joining IAVA, Devon attended Rollins College in Florida, graduating with a degree in Sociology.

Daniel Atwood, Director of Online Strategy
Daniel graduated from Trinity College with a BS in Computer Science. Prior to joining IAVA, Daniel worked as a legal assistant at a New York law firm and has held positions as a computer specialist and academic mentor.

Source: [http://www.iava.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=146 IAVA Staff Profiles] .

ee also

*Iraq War Veterans Organization

External links

* [http://www.iava.org/index.php Official homepage]
* [http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Paul_Rieckhoff Paul Reickhoff Biographical Data] . Compiled at Sourcewatch.
* [http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/226/war-murder.html Murder Amidst War: Interview with Paul Rieckhoff NOW on PBS]
* http://www.archive.org/details/When_I_Came_Home
* http://www.iava.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=270&Itemid=135