A Nation's Gratitude: Honoring Our Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans

Since 2001, between 1.9 and 3 million service members have served in post-9/11 war operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, with over half of them deployed more than once. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is a nonprofit organisation founded in 2004 by Iraq War veteran Paul Rieckhoff. IAVA has over 425,000 members and its mission is to unite, empower and connect post-9/11 veterans through education, advocacy, and community.

There are over 425,000 members of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) organisation

The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organisation founded in 2004 by Iraq War veteran Paul Rieckhoff. IAVA is headquartered in New York City and has a policy office in Washington, DC.

IAVA has over 425,000 members, including veterans, their families, and civilian allies. Membership is free and always will be, as veterans have already paid their dues. The organisation's mission is to unite, empower, and connect post-9/11 veterans through education, advocacy, and community.

IAVA has been involved in the passage of several pieces of legislation since its establishment. The organisation publishes an annual policy agenda that focuses on recommendations for Congress, the Executive Branch, the Private Sector, State Nonprofits, and other stakeholders.

IAVA's "Big Six" priorities include:

• Combating suicide among troops and veterans
• Reforming the VA for today's veterans
• Initiating support for injuries from burn pits
• Defending veteran and military education benefits
• Improving services for women veterans
• Establishing support for veterans who want to utilise medical cannabis

IAVA has a four-key impact area program called HEEC, which stands for Health, Education, Employment, and Community. Through HEEC, IAVA creates an impact by providing assistance to veterans and their families, raising awareness about issues facing the veteran community, and advocating for supportive policies at all levels of government.

IAVA uses data and stories from its community to catalyze positive change for America's veterans. The organisation partners with best-in-class entities to provide support services to veterans in need, including mental health care, financial support, and housing.

IAVA is a community of over 425,000 members and growing, and it continues to fight for the improvement of post-9/11 veterans' lives.

IAVA provides free membership and support services to veterans in need

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organisation founded by Iraq War veteran Paul Rieckhoff. IAVA provides free membership and support services to veterans in need.

IAVA's mission is to connect, unite, and empower post-9/11 veterans through education, advocacy, and community. The organisation has over 425,000 members, and membership is free and available to all veterans, their families, and civilian allies.

IAVA provides a range of support services to veterans, including mental health care, financial support, and housing assistance. They also offer remote and easily accessible veteran care services, including the opportunity to speak with a Veteran Care Manager.

In addition to their support services, IAVA also advocates for veterans' rights and has been involved in the passage of several pieces of legislation benefiting veterans. They publish an annual policy agenda that focuses on recommendations for Congress, the Executive Branch, the Private Sector, and other stakeholders.

IAVA also recognises the importance of community-building and offers various opportunities for members to connect and share their stories digitally. They host local events and online community events to help veterans build connections and find support.

IAVA is committed to improving the lives of post-9/11 veterans and ensuring that they receive the care and support they need and deserve. With their dedicated staff and extensive network, IAVA is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those who have served.

Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars account for over half of the severely disabled veteran population

Since 2001, between 1.9 and 3 million service members have served in post-9/11 war operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and over half of them have deployed more than once. Many Iraq and Afghanistan veterans face a life of disability due to the physical and psychological injuries they sustained in the war zones. Over 1.8 million veterans have some degree of officially recognized disability as a result of the wars. This means that veterans of the current wars account for more than half of the severely disabled veteran population.

The nature of the injuries sustained by veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars varies. Many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In addition, veterans of these wars have higher rates of respiratory problems, sexual dysfunction, and non-suicidal self-injury. The impact of these injuries can be long-lasting and may not appear until months or years after a veteran has returned home.

The Iraq and Afghanistan wars have also taken a significant mental toll on veterans. In addition to PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues, veterans of these wars face elevated rates of suicide, drug and alcohol dependence, and homelessness. The transition back to civilian life can be especially challenging, and many veterans struggle to find a sense of connection and purpose.

The high rate of disability among Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans has been attributed to several factors. Advances in battlefield medicine and rapid evacuations have resulted in a higher survival rate for those with severe injuries. There is also increased awareness of the after-effects of TBI and more screenings for mental health issues. In addition, the definition of disability has expanded, and veterans are now encouraged to file for disability claims when they leave the service.

The impact of these disabilities is felt not only by the veterans themselves but also by their families and communities. When service members return home injured, it is often their families who provide care, even when veterans are hospitalized. This has placed a significant burden on families and communities, and it is a cost that should be considered when planning for future wars.

Organizations like the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) provide resources and community for post-9/11 veterans. With over 425,000 members, IAVA offers free membership and works to unite, empower, and connect post-9/11 veterans through education, advocacy, and community-building. Their programs include non-partisan advocacy, data-driven research, transition assistance, and community events.

Veterans face elevated rates of suicide, mental illness, drug and alcohol dependence, and homelessness

Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars face elevated rates of suicide, mental illness, drug and alcohol dependence, and homelessness.

The Iraq and Afghanistan wars have been more difficult for military families than past wars, with more frequent deployments and shorter periods at home. The mental health of veterans is a growing concern, with many suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other mental health issues. The stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment, as well as the lack of access to appropriate mental health services, contribute to the high suicide rates among veterans.

Veterans with mental health issues are also at a higher risk of drug and alcohol dependence, which can further exacerbate their mental health problems. The National Coalition for the Homeless found that 55% of homeless people are alcohol-dependent, and 25% reported being dependent on other harmful substances. Homelessness can be both a cause and effect of substance abuse. The difficult conditions of living on the street, such as a lack of food and shelter, can lead to a highly stressful state of being, which may result in self-medication with harmful substances.

Veterans with mental health issues are also more likely to become homeless. In the US, there are approximately 582,462 people affected by long-term homelessness, and this number is increasing yearly. Of these, over 122,000 people suffer from severe mental illness, which is a major cause of homelessness. Common mental disorders among the homeless include PTSD, CPTSD (particularly high in homeless veterans), and major depressive disorder.

The combination of mental disorders and substance abuse is known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. While substance abuse may temporarily suppress difficult mental conditions, it creates a destructive cycle of dependency. Veterans with co-occurring disorders are at a higher risk of experiencing negative consequences such as post-traumatic stress disorder, psychiatric symptoms, poor personal hygiene, medication non-adherence, and violent behaviours.

To address these issues, there is a need for increased access to quality mental health services and crisis intervention for veterans. Early intervention is crucial, as the symptoms of mental health issues can resurface months to years after deployment. Treatment options such as cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, and cognitive-behavioural therapy have been shown to be effective in managing PTSD and other mental health issues. Additionally, support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can be helpful in managing substance abuse.

It is important to recognize that the wounds of war are not always visible, and that the mental health of veterans should be a priority. By providing adequate support and treatment, we can help veterans heal and rebuild their lives.

Veterans' families experience higher rates of divorce, homicide, child abuse, and child neglect

Since 2001, between 1.9 and 3 million service members have served in post-9/11 war operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and over half of them have deployed more than once. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) veterans organization founded by Paul Rieckhoff, an American writer, social entrepreneur, advocate, activist and veteran of the United States Army and the Iraq War. IAVA has over 425,000 members and offers free membership to all veterans, families, and civilian allies.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been particularly difficult for military families, with more frequent deployments and shorter periods at home. Veterans' families experience higher rates of divorce, homicide, child abuse, and child neglect. A 2010 report found that child abuse in Army families was three times higher in homes from which a parent was deployed.

The military has increasingly offloaded the burden of care for service members' health onto their families and communities, and mainly onto female spouses and partners. When service members return home injured, it is often their families who provide care – even when veterans are housed in military hospitals.

The high rates of divorce, homicide, child abuse, and child neglect in veterans' families can be attributed to various factors. These include the stress and mental health issues that come with serving in a war zone, insufficient income, hazardous duty, and exposure to extreme circumstances that may lead to chronic illnesses. Additionally, the structure of the military lifestyle can contribute to family stressors. For example, soldiers often experience geographic mobility and long work schedules, which can cause disruption to family life and increase stress.

While the military offers support programs for families, these do not always effectively address the unique challenges faced by military spouses and children. The military's focus on discipline and appearance may also create a reluctance to address child abuse fatalities, as doing so could be seen as a blot on a commander's record or a career ender for soldiers.

To better support veterans' families and address these issues, the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs should record all war-related injuries and post-deployment deaths of service members. Congress should also fully project future obligated costs for veterans' medical care and disability when budgeting for future war costs. Additionally, the U.S. government should establish a Veterans Trust Fund to demonstrate its commitment to supporting veterans and their families.

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