Hazard Ground

Feeling an obligation to do his part for his country, Paul Rieckhoff enlisted in the Army after graduating from college in the years just before 9/11. After the Twin Towers fell, Paul found himself in uniform working tirelessly at Ground Zero. It wouldn't be long after that he would trade the dust and debris of 9/11 for the sands of Iraq, fighting as an infantryman at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following his service overseas, Paul returned home to start a group that is now the leading post-9/11 veteran empowerment organization, serving his country in a much different, but much needed role once again. Paul is the founder and CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), a veteran advocacy powerhouse that is making sure those who put on the uniform and serve around the globe, are given the support they deserve when they finally make it home. www.iava.org | "Chasing Ghosts: Failures and Facades in Iraq - A Soldier's Perspective"