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Naveed S.
Seasoned Political Director with extensive experience in advocacy, voter engagement, and coalition management, particularly focused on veterans and military families.
Professional Background
Naveed S. is a dedicated Veteran of the U.S. Army who served as a Public Affairs Specialist, bringing a wealth of experience and insight to his professional endeavors. Over the course of his military career, he completed four years of active service and a notable twelve-month tour in Iraq, where he honed his skills in communication and public relations. After leaving active duty in 2010, he continued to serve his country through the Army Reserves until March of 2015. This military background has provided him with a strong foundation in leadership, resilience, and a deep understanding of the issues affecting military personnel and veterans.
Career Transition
After his time in military service, Naveed S. transitioned into the civilian workforce and has since gained robust experience in various fields, particularly in digital marketing and residential real estate sales. His adaptability and commitment have allowed him to excel in these sectors, contributing to his professional growth and development. Naveed's work at a Digital Marketing Agency demonstrates his ability to leverage technology and innovative strategies to enhance business visibility and outreach in a competitive market. His experience as a realtor with various firms, including Fairfax Realty Inc and Keller Williams Realty, Inc., showcases his strong interpersonal skills and ability to connect with clients, assisting them in navigating the complexities of real estate transactions.
Advocacy for Veterans
Naveed's passion for advocacy, particularly for military veterans, is a defining aspect of his career post-service. He is an active member of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), where he has tirelessly worked to promote the rights and benefits of veterans on Capitol Hill. His contributions to veterans' issues have not gone unnoticed; he has been honored for his efforts by esteemed figures such as President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, with a significant mention being his invitation to attend the final State of the Union address. This recognition is a testament to his impactful work and dedication to improving the lives of veterans.
Government Involvement
In recognition of his expertise and commitment to veterans' affairs, Virginia's Governor Terry McAuliffe appointed Naveed to the Board of the Virginia War Memorial in 2016. In this esteemed role, he provides valuable insight from a Post-9/11 veteran’s perspective, contributing his knowledge to ongoing discussions surrounding the $25 million renovation and expansion of the memorial. This appointment reflects Naveed's leadership and influence within the veteran community, as well as his commitment to honoring the sacrifices of those who served.
Education and Achievements
Naveed's educational background is rooted in a strong foundation in political science, having studied at the University of Virginia. Furthermore, he obtained an Associate's degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations at Northern Virginia Community College. This combination of education has equipped him with the analytical skills necessary for understanding complex issues in both political and business arenas.
Throughout his career, Naveed has actively engaged with various organizations, taking on roles such as Senior Advisor at Courage for America and Political Director at Common Defense. His previous positions reflect a continuous trajectory of leadership and advocacy, enabling him to contribute to the political landscape while supporting the rights and needs of veterans. These experiences, alongside his role as a Government Affairs Associate at Common Defense, highlight his commitment to effecting positive change for veterans through insightful policy development and advocacy efforts.
Community Engagement
In addition to his professional endeavors, Naveed S. has demonstrated a commitment to community engagement. His work as a Leadership Fellow at the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America exemplifies his dedication to fostering connections between veterans and the resources available to them. Furthermore, his early roles, including Media Analyst at Barbaricum and Public Affairs at the U.S. Army, provided foundational experiences that have shaped his understanding of strategic communication and relationship building.
As Naveed continues on his trajectory, his commitment to advocacy, professional excellence, and dedication to serving the veteran community remains evident. His extensive background and diverse experiences uniquely position him as a valuable advocate and resource for both current service members and veterans alike. Through his partnerships and initiatives, Naveed continues to make significant strides in ensuring that the voices of veterans are heard and that their needs are met. His journey from a Public Affairs Specialist to a prominent advocate and successful professional in various sectors is a testament to his resilience
Highlights
On September 12, 2001, the world woke up to a profound sense of uncertainty and vulnerability, yet also a newfound resolve. The attacks on 9/11 shattered the illusion of invincibility for Americans, forever altering the way the U.S. saw itself and its role in the world. The day after was filled with questions: What happened? Why? And what comes next?
The collective consciousness was marked by shock, but also by an overwhelming wave of unity and solidarity. Strangers comforted each other, communities rallied to support first responders and victims, and there was a sense of shared purpose. Flags were raised, and people lined up to give blood—acts of patriotism and empathy that signaled the strength of the human spirit. At the same time, however, this newfound solidarity coexisted with a growing fear of the unknown, of further attacks, and of an enemy that seemed both everywhere and nowhere.
Internationally, the world looked on in sympathy, with allies offering their support, but also in trepidation as the U.S. began preparing for a military response. It was the beginning of a new era defined by the Global War on Terror, with far-reaching consequences that continue to this day. The world on 9/12 was one where security tightened overnight, where airports, cities, and borders were no longer safe, and the public grappled with the realities of living in an age of global terrorism.
For many, especially veterans and military families, 9/12 signified the start of an era of prolonged conflict, sacrifice, and service. For the thousands of American troops lost in Iraq and Afghanistan and 40 other countries around the world, and far, far too many right here at home, and their families, I weep for you every night. I will work until the end of my days to be worthy of your courage and sacrifice.
9/12 also marked the beginning of a more polarized world—one where fear of terrorism evolved into fear of the "other," and where policies enacted in the name of security now more than two decades later still infringe on our civil liberties and freedoms. In essence, America on September 12, 2001, was a world forever changed—a world more aware of its fragility, but also one in which the strength of community, the need for resilience, and the resolve to rebuild were at their height. It set the stage for the complex global landscape we continue to navigate today.
What was life like on September 10, 2001? Perhaps it’s because we were kids back then that it seems so rosy, but I’m saddened that my kids don’t get to experience that world. The best we can do is try to set partisan differences aside and build friendships and community with each other. When you need help, it’s your community that will rally around you. Build that, and stop vilifying each other.
Strive to be worthy of those who gave their lives in the name of this experiment of democracy.
Only then can we hope for a peace that makes life on earth worth living. #AskNot
This morning, I was honored to join Rep. Jason Crow, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, and Rep. Jake Auchincloss to celebrate the anniversary of the #PACTAct being signed into the law by the Biden-Harris Administration two years ago today!
Since then, over 5.4 million veterans have received free screenings for toxic exposures from the VA through the #PACTAct. This is a vital measure for early detection and treatment of potentially life-threatening health conditions.
The #PACTAct outreach campaign has led to veterans and survivors applying for benefits at record rates. Since August 2022, there have been 4.17 million total claims submitted, including 1.6 million specific to the #PACTAct.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has provided over $5.7 billion in earned benefits to veterans and their survivors and this benefits delivery is happening at an unprecedented pace. Since August 10, 2022, more than 1.3 million #PACTAct claims have been processed.
As part of President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, the VA has prioritized processing claims for veterans with cancer, providing nearly $637 million in #PACTAct benefits to them.
With the new authorities granted by the #PACTAct, the VA has expanded its workforce to serve veterans more swiftly and efficiently. Both the VETERAN'S HEALTH SERVICES and the Veterans Benefits Administration have seen their highest growth rates in 20 years.
And as of March 2024, the VA expanded access for toxic-exposed veterans to enroll in VA Health Care without needing to prove a service-connected disability, regardless of where they were deployed. #PACTAct
One more thing: Whether you served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or stateside, you earned the right to this standard of care the day you raised your right hand and took an oath to protect and defend the constitution. TYFYS.
