Third Annual Heroes Gala

The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest nonpartisan, non-profit organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, announced that its Third Annual Heroes Gala will take place on Tuesday, November 10 from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. at Gotham Hall in Manhattan. The event will be hosted by NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams and will honor Van Toffler, President of MTV Networks Music and Logo Group, and Iraq Veteran, Spokesperson and Actor J.R. Martinez, for their outstanding contributions on behalf of and to the new veterans community. Coinciding with Veterans Day and IAVA's nationwide Veterans Week activities, this unique and inspiring event will bring together veterans of all generations, distinguished members of the veterans community and high profile supporters. The Heroes Gala will also offer guests and media in attendance a sneak peak of the new television Public Service Announcement (PSA) for IAVA's National Veterans Support Campaign. Produced in conjunction with the Ad Council, the PSA will be released on Veterans Day. The campaign's first ad, featuring a new veteran coming home to an empty New York City, gained national prominence last year. The new ad, part of an inspired, innovative strategy, will show veterans that IAVA "has their back" as they transition home. "The Heroes Gala is a special night for veterans of all generations to come together and pay tribute to their peers and leaders in the veterans community. IAVA is thrilled to have Brian Williams participating this year and to be honoring two individuals who have made a tremendous difference in the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. JR and Van are both incredible leaders who have made a profound difference in the lives of millions. Both have demonstrated exceptionally strong leadership and have utilized the power of television in an internet age to make a difference in the lives of this country's newest generation of heroes. This inspiring event is sure to be the most memorable of the year," said Paul Rieckhoff, Founder and Executive Director or Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org) is the country's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has more than 150,000 veteran members and civilian supporters nationwide. Its mission is to improve the lives of this country's newest generation of veterans and their families.