Founding of IVAW

Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) was founded in July 2004 at the annual convention of Veterans for Peace (VFP) in Boston to give a voice to the large number of active duty service people and veterans who are against this war, but are under various pressures to remain silent.

Our membership includes recent veterans and active duty servicemen and women who have served since September 11, 2001 in any branch of U.S. Military Service, National Guard, or Reserve.

IVAW’s strategy is to mobilize the military community to withdraw its support for the war and occupation in Iraq. Therefore, IVAW is leading the movement of veterans and GIs who are working to bring the troops home now.

Today, IVAW members are in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Canada, and on numerous bases overseas, including Iraq. IVAW has chapters around the country and abroad. IVAW members educate the public about the realities of the Iraq war by speaking in communities and to the media about their experiences. Members also speak with youth in classrooms about the realities of military service. IVAW supports all those resisting the war, including Conscientious Objectors and others facing military prosecution for their refusal to fight. IVAW advocates for full funding for the Veterans Administration.

Founders of IVAW  

Michael Hoffman

Mike was a Lance Corporal in the Marines who served with an Artillery Unit during the invasion of Iraq in March 2003. He currently lives outside of Philadelphia.

Kelly Dougherty

Kelly Dougherty joined the Colorado Army National Guard as a Medic in 1996. After serving in the Balkans, Kelly served as a Military Police Sergeant in Iraq from February 2003 - February 2004.

Alex Ryabov

Alex was born in Ukraine and, as a child, moved to NYC with his family where he currently resides. He served as a Corporal with the 1st Marine Division during the U.S. invasion of Iraq from March to May 2003. Alex is Vice Chair of the NYC chapter.

Isaiah Pallos

Isaiah was a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and served along side Michael Hoffman and Alex Rybov in the invasion of Iraq. He lives in Ohio with his wife and child.

Diana Morrison

Diana served in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and California National Guard for over ten years. She served in Iraq as a military policewoman.

Tim Goodrich

Tim’s unit deployed overseas to provide direct combat support for operations in Afghanistan and to participate in a bombing campaign in Iraq leading up to the official invasion in March 2003. After finishing his enlistment, Tim visited Iraq as part of a civilian fact-finding delegation in January of 2004.

Jimmy Massey

Jimmy was a career Staff Sergeant and Recruiter in the Marine Corps for 11 years, and is a combat veteran of the Iraq War where he served with the 7th Marines during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. His experiences in Iraq led him to oppose the occupation.