We Must Improve the Lives of Veterans

by Paul Rieckhoff · 2010-03-25 10:15:00 UTC
Topics:

Paul Rieckhoff is part of Change.org's Changemaker network, comprised of leading voices for social change. Change.org asked Mr. Rieckhoff to respond to questions to provide context for his work and the causes he supports.

Change.org: What cause or causes would you most like to promote as a Changemaker and why?

We must improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. Veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan face a new battle – the transition from combat to civilian life. Challenges include mental health injuries, unprecedented levels of unemployment, high rates of homelessness and an ineffectual disability benefits system. Those who have sacrificed so much should not have to fight for care and benefits when they return home.

Change.org: If you could ask 1 million people to all do 1 thing to advance causes that matter to you, what would it be?

Join the movement at IAVA.org. America has a tremendous opportunity to create a powerful new generation of leaders. Whether you are a veteran or not, everyone can play a role in supporting the new veterans movement. At IAVA.org you can show America’s troops and veterans that you have their back by taking action through volunteering, giving and raising awareness.

Change.org: Tell us a bit about your personal story and how you came to care so much about these causes?

I served as an Army infantry platoon leader in Baghdad, Iraq. When I came home, I saw a major disconnect between the sacrifices of those serving, and the general public. Most Americans didn’t understand what today’s veterans needed, or the issues they faced, and there was no organization focused specifically on addressing those issues. That’s why I founded IAVA – to confront these critical issues and improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.

Change.org: What are the greatest obstacle(s) to change on your issues?

The disconnect between our community and the general public. Nearly two million veterans have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, but that represents less than one percent of all Americans – (while 12 percent of Americans served in WWII). Many Americans today have no personal connection to the wars other than what they see on television or read in newspapers. Therefore, the burden of war lies squarely on the shoulders of a few. The entire nation must step up, support our cause and share in the sacrifices of our servicemembers and their families.

Photo credit: The US Army

Paul Rieckhoff is the Founder and Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).
PREVIOUS STORY:
Good Intentions Will Not End Rape in Congo
NEXT STORY:
A letter from Bettina Siegel, "Pink Slime" petition creator

COMMENTS (12)

    Comment Policy

    · All fields are required to comment.

    [X]

    Comments on Change.org are meant for further exploration and evaluation of the campaign on Change.org. To that end, we welcome constructive comments. However, we reserve the right to delete comments which, as determined solely in our discretion: (1) are offensive, abusive, or off-topic; (2) include content solely intended to personally attack the campaign creator, (3) are designed to subvert or hijack comment threads rather than contribute to them; and/or (4) violate our terms of service and/or privacy policy. Repeat offenders may be permanently removed from the site at our discretion. Please also be advised that: (A) we do not actively curate and/or monitor in any manner whatsoever the comments made on the Change.org platform, and (B) the creator of each campaign on Change.org may remove any comment at her/his/its discretion.