Our War Veterans: ‘Invest in Generational Leaders’ (VIDEOS)
Troops coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan have made huge sacrifices to defend their country and the freedoms of others. They deserve nothing short of our absolute gratitude for everything they have done for America, and to protect the lives of those abroad they have never even met. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America wants to make sure the public-at-large is well-connected to their troops and supports war vets coming home.
Watch IAVA CEO Paul Rieckhoff talk about the importance of supporting American troops and U.S. veterans:
Related: Paul Rieckhoff Named Part of ‘The New Greatest Generation’
“It’s really about connecting America with our community,” Rieckhoff said. “There are 2.4 million veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan … we want to connect everybody, every community with our cause, and let them know there’s a way for them to get involved.” Not sure what you can do to help support the troops? Watch Rieckhoff explain how you can get involved:
Paul Rieckhoff
Related: Transportation Department Provides Jobs for Returning Vets
The IAVA provides health, education and community programs to war veterans. But most people don’t realize veterans charities need so much help; they assume the government has it covered.
“We’re facing a spiking suicide rate, about a seventeen percent unemployment rate, and most of the non-profits in our space are still struggling – they’re living hand-to-mouth,” Rieckhoff said.
IAVA’s Veterans Support Fund is trying to raise $30 million to support programs for returning veterans. The easiest thing you can do is donate for this great cause.
“It’s a chance for people to invest in generational leaders,” Rieckhoff said. “We don’t think it’s a charity – we think it’s an investment.”
genConnect was credentialed press at the 2012 Aspen Ideas Festival in Aspen, Colo., where we interviewed the premier speakers and attendees at the conference. For more of our video interviews and articles from the Ideas Festival, click here.
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Category: 2012 Aspen Ideas Festival, Charities & Causes, Giving Back, Videos
