Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is an advocacy organization founded in 2004 that represents the interests of the 2.5 million post-9/11 veterans in the United States. Its core mission is to ensure these veterans receive the benefits, healthcare, education, and community support they have earned. The organization has grown to include more than 425,000 community members.
IAVA operates from offices in Washington, D.C., and New York City, positioning itself to engage directly with policymakers and the public. Its programs include the Cavalry program, a leadership training initiative that has trained over 75 veteran leaders to date.
As a non-profit, IAVA functions within the veteran advocacy sector, focusing its work on legislative action, public awareness campaigns, and direct support services. The organization's activities are designed to address the specific challenges faced by veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.