BY: Rochelle Zaltzman
New York, November 10, 2009. The Third Annual IAVA Heroes Gala was held tonight at Gotham Hall. Brian Williams, Anchor and Managing Editor of NBC Nightly News was an amusing Master of Ceremonies and Paul Rieckhoff, Iraq war veteran, founder and Executive Director of IAVA, presided over the award presentations.
IAVA’s mission is to better the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families and to honor and support the l.8 million troops and veterans who are currently serving, or have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. IAVA educates the public about veterans’ issues, fostering a community for troops, vets and families, as well as advocating on behalf of the newest generation of American heroes.
One of the honorees, J.R. Martinez, is not only an Iraq veteran, but a television actor familiar to soap opera viewers. He overcame seemingly insurmountable odds after he was severely injured in Iraq. Unbowed, in spite of thrity-five surgeries, he has used his experience, charisma and a great sense of humor to demonstrate to veterans and civilians alike that with with courage, compassion and determination, anything is possible.
Honoree Van Toffler, President of MTV Networks Music has uniquely embraced JAVA’s mission and inspired millions to make a difference by utilizing broadcast platforms to produce PSAs and to connect Generation Y to the service and sacrifice of IAVA veterans.
Honoree Westley Moore, is a vet and investment professional who knows his way around an M4 and a 401K equally well. He was a Captain and a paratrooper as well as Special Assistant to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Wes also spearheaded the American Strategic support plans for the Afghan Reconcilliation Program that unites former insurgents with the new Afghan government.
Honoree Chris Mortensen, Senior NFL Analyst, ESPN, served two years in the army. A winner of the National Headliner Award for Investigative Reporting in all categories, Mortensen has received 18 awards in journalism and was nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes.
This year, IAVA introduced Veterans Week HQ, a dynamic feature of IAVA.org where member veterans and supporters can find and post events nationwide on an interactive map. And here in New York, we will have hundreds of veterans again marching in the Veterans Day Parade, followed by a care package event at the Plaza Hotel.
Through the month of November, IAVA will be supporting Veterans Week activities across the country. Veterans Week is a unique opportunity for the veterans’ community to come together nationwide, and for the American people to say “Thank you.”
www.IAVA.org
