Veterans Week 2009: We've Got Your Back

Somewhere, high atop the mountains of Afghanistan, Marine Staff Sergeant Todd Bowers is smiling. He's not thinking about Cameron Diaz or all the Jack Daniels he'll consume when he comes home. Or at least not this minute. He's reflecting on a handshake, one that launched a historic campaign to welcome new veterans home.

A year ago today, in partnership with the Ad Council, IAVA launched a nationwide Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign to let new veterans know they aren't alone. At the campaign's core is the first and only social network exclusively for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, IAVA's Community of Veterans. On this site, new vets can find mental health, educational, and family resources, but more importantly, peer support from their fellow veterans. Last year, Todd co-starred in the now iconic commercial featuring two veterans shaking hands on an empty New York street corner.

Today, he's in Afghanistan. On his fourth overseas tour since 9/11.

This is the reality for many who serve today, and for their families. That's why, today, IAVA and the Ad Council launched a new round of groundbreaking PSAs. We want vets like Todd to know that on Veterans Day, and every other day, "We've got your back."

Check out the powerful new television PSA "Camo" right now featuring Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Ronaldo Zueleta:

Thanks to tons of donated media, you will soon be viewing this ad and others like it, on television and radio channels, websites, bus stations, and airport terminals near you. And it will make a huge impact. In just a year, the campaign and IAVA's community of veterans has already changed the lives of countless veterans.

But don't take my word for it.

According to Afghanistan veteran and IAVA community member Laurie Emmer, "For the longest [time] I felt like I was the only one going through things, but through this community I found otherwise. No matter what our deployment jobs, service or experiences were, we still share the places we went. Whether I am having a good day or a bad day I know this is the place I can come to for encouragement and support."

Whether it's amputees, folks struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Outdoor Enthusiasts, or just those looking to swap war stories, every vet can find a home in this virtual veterans' hall, and meet a group of folks that "has their back." With events like last week's unthinkable tragedy at Fort Hood, this dynamic community offers a safe place where veterans can go to find support, healing and conversations with other vets.

Please help us spread the word about this historic campaign and show new vets, like Todd Bowers, that America "has their back." On Veterans Day, sharing the ad with your friends, family members, and coworkers is an easy way for every American to do something to support our newest generation of veterans. With your help, we can make every day Veterans Day.

Crossposted at www.IAVA.org.

 

Follow Paul Rieckhoff on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PaulRieckhoff

Comments

[ShoreSage]

Paul, I think that one way to demonstrate backing for vets would be to launch a national Dump Tom Coburn campaign. The Senator who blocks health care for veterans no longer deserves a federal paycheck.

Maurice Rondeau
University of South Vietnam, Danang Division
Class of 67-69

[Dice Klay]

the ONLY heroes in the armed forces are the conscientious objectors. Period. Where is the call for support for conscientious objectors? How can i support them? What does Reikhoff think about conscientious objectors anyhow?

[hezrez]

That is an ignorant thing to say.
#1 How dare you discount the sacrifice of service members on veterans day.
#2 Conscientious objectors are not in the military by definition.
#3 Duh.

[clsez]

Watched you since you first got back from your last tour with sane and heartfelt discourse. Listened to you when Air America first started and your numerous forums getting people to listen to the serviceman's perspective. Great Job Paul. I needed to finally say that.

[bbbbmer]

Bring them home...

[Cambridge9]

To have one's peers help a veteran become a civilian is definitely a necessary benefit that we civilians can't equate with. But it mustn't stop there. We, the civilians who are the beceficiaries of these veterans' selflessness, also need to step up and accept these guys and galls - without reservation; with all the problems they have accumulated - physical or mental.

If I can expect (and I do) that the LGBT community, the folks of various colors, the folks who pray to a different god or anyone 'not like me' should have the right to a good life of love and happiness, then I must accept anyone who needs my help, veteran, homeless person, abused spouse or abuser of alcohol or other illegal substance - and do my best to offer assistance.

Not everyone can be saved (sometimes from themselves) but unless we ALL step up to the plate and accept the fact that WE ARE ALL OUT BROTHER/SISTERS' keeper we will all be diminished.

[Dredd]

Paul, we may need to recapture the definition of war. I like James Madison's definition.

http://blogdredd.blogspot.com/2009/11/all-security-is-local.html

[FogBelter]

The United States needs to remember its responsibility to her Veterans everyday of the year, not just on Veterans Day. When John Edwards was running for President, before his fall from grace, I really respected the way he brought the plight of homeless vets to the forefront. I was sorry to see no candidate, after he dropped out, continue speaking out about that issue. As a Nation, we can't send men and woman to War and then allow them to languish on the streets of America, cold, hungry and in need of medical attention once they come home ... it's a disgrace. Our Military members go into harms way in order protect their Nation and, we, the Americans at home. We cannot allow them to risk their all for us when they are in the service and forsake them when they are in need at home.

I commend your efforts, Paul, and that of IAVA on behalf of returning Veterans and hope that as a Nation we can recognize and act on our responsibility to those Veterans forgotten once the Patriotic bunting comes down.

[Frustrated in PA]

As a proud non-military member of the IAVA community, thank you to Paul Rieckoff for starting this very important movement. And IAVA is not just for Iraq/Afghan veterans. As I said, I am non-military but I do volunteer work with many veterans. I have fought hard for more PTSD acknowledgement on behalf of our Vietnam veterans, my father and uncle among them. Just offering an ear to listen, a smile at the right moment or a tear in support of their pain can mean all the difference in the world to any veteran, especially those just returning from theater.

I grew up and viewed firsthand the ravages of PTSD on a soldier, it is not only devasting to that vet but to the family as well. Please spread the word, take a moment, volunteer with your local POW/MIA or BVA. It helps make a difference and for purely selfish reasons, makes YOU feel good.

[AirForceBlue]

Little known to the public, even most veterans, stuck in the upper-upper Northwest corner of Washington DC adjacent to Maryland is the United States Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRC). It is the place originally formed as the USArmy Home back around the Civil War era to house in self-sustaining comfort career veterans spending their final years there. It later welcomed US Air Force vets. Concurrently, there has been a US Navy facility in Gulfport MS (totaled by Hurricane Katrina) with a similar background, but now combined with the USA/USAF home to form the AFRC.

Somewhere in the late 1980's the US Congress got strongly involved with the evolving AFRC's budget and the inevitable diminishing of an honorable institution began in accordance with Congress' usual incompetence. Over the years the vets were charged ever increasing payments, the membership declined and then became open to any vet regardless to length of service. What had once been a beacon for "lifers" is now another government flameout in the making. (Full disclosure: To their credit the US Navy has resisted Congress at every step but Congress' power refuses to be denied.)

Just sayin'...................................why should IAVA exist merely for Iraq & AFGHAN vets? Those Korean & Vietnam veterans are just as worthy to be counted.

Support renewed attention to the Armed Forces Retirement Home and block its further degrading.

[fcsakes]

Thank you for this information. I was not aware of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, but will try to find out more information now. I agree, they should have left it alone. Again, another example of the hypocrisy of our government. They fly flags and play mournful music and speak deeply felt epitaphs, but all that means little when it comes down to the forgotten vets from wars they would just as soon not bring up. "All it takes is a lie and a flag," it is like a knife turning in the gut.

[AirForceBlue]

Thank you for the noble and very powerful comment.

Armed Force Retirement Home
3700 North Capitol Street, NW
Washington DC 20317

[Michael Valentine]

Four tours of a war zone is too much. Support the troops start the draft.

[Mnemanth]

Agreed. It's time for all "citizens" to pay their debt to freedom. Might actually motivate some people to rethink what we're doing abroad.