Paul Rieckhoff is Leading the Charge

One of the most dynamic media leaders in America, Rieckhoff is a nationally-recognized independent authority on politics, war, the military, and veterans affairs. He’s an experienced media personality, author, political strategist. media critic, renowned social entrepreneur, Political Science professor, moderator and host. And a proud husband and father of two awesome (and exhausting) little boys. A gritty former high school football coach, investment banker, Army Infantry Officer and 9/11 First Responder, Rieckhoff founded Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) in 2004 and has been a respected fixture on the American media and political scene ever since. 

He’s a regular on MSNBC, CNN, NewsNation, Fox News and NPR and has appeared on hundreds of television and radio shows ranging from Real Time with Bill Maher to Meet The Press to PBS Newshour to Fox’s The Kelly File. He’s testified before Congress, battled with Presidents, and led groundbreaking bi-partisan efforts to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs, pass the New GI Bill, fight veterans suicide, and repeal “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”, while forging creative partnerships with Lady Gaga, NASCAR and Netflix. Rieckhoff has also produced four films (Warrior Champions, Reserved to Fight, Jerebek, and When I Came Home) and acted in Green Zone starring Matt Damon. Rieckhoff has trained thousands of veteran leaders to be “changemakers” and inspired millions worldwide to get involved, take action and make positive change. 

Rieckhoff mantra is “adapt, improvise and overcome” and every day, he’s showing the world what American ingenuity, leadership and innovation are all about. Rieckhoff was featured on the cover of TIME Magazine, is an Ashoka Fellow and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. His honors include: GQ’s “50 Most Powerful People in D.C.”, Esquire’s “America’s Best and Brightest,” Rolling Stone’s “The Quiet Ones: 12 Leaders Who Get Things Done”, Penthouse’s Annual “Badass List” and The Hill’s “Top Lobbyists”.