From VA.gov
Today marks the 20-year anniversary of the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).
OIF, commonly known as the Iraq War, was authorized when Iraq was found to be in breach of a United Nations’ Security Council resolution that “prohibits stockpiling and importing” weapons of mass destruction. The coalition began with preemptive airstrikes on Saddam Hussein’s presidential palace and military targets, followed by nearly 70,000 ground troops and 15,000 warships in the region.
On Dec. 15, 2011, after nearly nine years of conflict, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other top U.S. military leaders observed the official end to OIF. According to the Department of Defense, nearly 4,500 U.S. military personnel were killed and nearly 32,000 wounded in the Iraq War.
VA estimates that more than 3.6M Veterans served in the Post-9/11 era.
Many Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans have health problems due to toxic chemicals, shrapnel, explosions, other head trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). VA’s health care and other resources are accessible to eligible OIF Veterans.
All Iraq Veterans should consider applying or reapplying for the health care and benefits they have earned. Visit www.va.gov/PACT, call 1-800-MyVA411, or find a local facility to get started. Download the Accessing new toxic exposure health care and benefits guide to consider your options.
As we commemorate the 20-year anniversary of OIF, Veterans and their families can help spread the word about the benefits many OIF Veterans have available to them. Download and print PACT Act outreach materials and fact sheets.
Photo Credit: DAV