Service members don’t need the media or the President to tell them the state of our union. They know it because they live it, and they serve because they care about it.

This higher obligation and loyalty to our country, our values, and our brothers and sisters in arms is why six IVAW members, all Iraq veterans, will embark on a 6,800 mile State of the Union tour of the U.S. this summer, stopping at eight major military installations to talk and to listen. These members carry a simple message to their brothers and sisters still in uniform: “You are not alone.”

At each stop, IVAW members will host a free concert for service members, a BBQ and workshops dealing with GI rights and navigating the Veterans Administration. The tour participants will not be alone in their mission to connect with active duty men and women. Joining them along the way will be local IVAW members and supporters from Military Families Speak Out and Veterans for Peace.

IVAW members come from all branches of the military and from all across the United States. Many of them turned against the war in Iraq as individuals, but didn't know there were other troops who shared their beliefs.

IVAW brings together more than 1,250 veterans and active duty troops who agree that it’s time to end the occupation and care for our veterans. The State of the Union tour is delivering that message of solidarity straight to our Soldiers, Marines and their families.

The State of the Union Tour will be stopping at eight military bases this summer, to entertain servicemembers and veterans with live music and BBQs, and also to provide a forum for conversation between IVAW members and troops about the occupation, GI rights and navigating the Veterans Administration.

With the help of local organizers, VA experts and the hard work of countless Iraq Vets, this summer, the message will be clear to our nation’s finest: You are not alone.

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