It was with great interest that I read your Sept. 6 article “Aggressive advocates: With online focus, VA criticisms and media blitz, IAVA attracts the spotlight — and detractors.” As chairman of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America’s Board of Directors, I would like to thank the newspaper for bringing attention to the critical programs and policy work that IAVA pursues every day for our members and all new veterans.

We’re proud of what we do at IAVA. Our mission from Day One has been to improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. From receiving a four-star Charity Navigator rating to hosting hundreds of community events across the country to helping pass critical legislation through Congress, I think we’re doing just that.

Our views and platforms are honed from constant research and conversations with our more than 200,000 members and supporters. Our small staff does a lot with a little, but it’s really our members who shape IAVA. And they’ll continue to do so for years to come.

I’m a Vietnam War veteran who saw my own generation of returning vets largely forgotten by society. All of IAVA, from our chief policy officer, Tom Tarantino, to senior program associate Jason Hansman to executive director Paul Rieckhoff, is working to ensure that no similar fate befalls this New Greatest Generation of heroes. They are to be commended for such dedicated work.

Ed Vick

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

New York

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