IVA Issues Final Call to Support the Nation’s Best and Boldest Independent Veteran Leaders
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Press@IndependentVeteransOfAmerica.org
NEW YORK, November 4, 2025: This Election Day, the Independent Veterans of America (IVA) fires the final flare—calling on all voters of all affiliations to rally around a powerful wave of independent, veteran leaders who carry our mission forward and put country over party.
This week, Americans face a choice—a real one. Will we stick with the tired herd mentality of partisan politics, or will we run with the pack and elect courageous leaders who know how to stand up, unite, and deliver for all?
IVA stands unflinching in support of our 2025 endorsed independent candidates:
Kathy Greggs (Fayetteville, North Carolina – City Council)
-U.S. Army combat veteran and principled, boots-on-the-ground leader
-25+ years of service; champion for justice, inclusion, and transparency
-Committed to environmental justice, smart infrastructure, and veterans’ issues
-Not controlled by party bosses or corporate donors—Kathy is a true independent who fights to ensure every vote counts
Carlos De Castro Pretelt (Arlington, Virginia – County Board)
-Retired Army and Air Force leader with a mission to shake up the status quo
-Champions open primaries, ranked choice voting, housing opportunity, and government transparency
-Embodies independent, people-powered leadership and is steadfast in putting community over politics
Mike Procuk (Frederick County, Virginia – School Board)
-Decorated U.S. Army veteran, parent and community leader
-Committed to service, integrity, and respect—puts students above politics
-The trusted, independent voice Frederick County families and students need
Toby Proctor (North Granby, Connecticut – Board of Finance)
-Decorated Navy combat veteran and community financial leader
-15+ years of professional experience and deep civic roots
-Delivers integrity, independence, and accountable stewardship in public service
Why These Candidates, Why Now?
America’s independent veterans are the vanguard for a movement of hope, reform, and unity—stepping up on local, state, and national stages to drive change when it’s needed most.
These finalists represent every corner of America—diverse in age, rank, background, and geography—but are united in their dedication to principled, nonpartisan leadership.
They put service before self, and country before party. These women and men are the antidote to division, and the pack leaders who will answer when our democracy calls.
The National Mission
Nearly 50% of Americans identify as independents—more than any single party, and hungry for courageous, principled leadership.
18+ million veterans in the U.S.; almost half are independent or unaffiliated—and rising.
This is our time—veterans’ voices and votes matter more than ever in securing a future for all Americans.
Election Day Is the Moment—Run with the Pack
From now until the polls close, IVA will not rest. We’re on the air, online, and on the ground—reinforcing our endorsed independent veterans to victory. Today, every vote for an independent veteran is a vote for service, unity, and real American leadership.
And on this Election Day, if you’re frustrated with your broken and partisan election system, and your bad, extreme or limited options in candidates, join the thousands who have signed up to support IVA. We’re working every day to create a better and more fair election system and find, train and support better candidates.
On Veterans Day next week and beyond, we’ll continue this charge—because one election is just the starting line for a generational movement. We urge every American who’s had enough of broken politics to lace up, show up, and join the pack. There’s room for every independent veteran, every country-over-party voter, and every American ready to build the future our families deserve.
IVA President and Founder Paul Rieckhoff added, “Local elections like these are where the rubber meets the road for most Americans. These four strong, selfless and dedicated independent veterans have stepped up to serve again. They represent our shared American values–and the future of American politics. We encourage everyone who can to vote for them. And everyone who can’t, please spread the word about them. And help us recruit more for next year.
The biggest (and most underreported) story in America this Election Day is the huge and rising power of the independent voter. Almost half of all voters are independent now. 60% of young people. +50% of veterans. And 10,000 people are leaving the Democratic and Republican parties DAILY. And more will definitely leave after today. Both parties are hemorrhaging voters. And are increasingly out of touch with the majority of Americans. Most Americans are independent and want none of the above. Who will they vote for? And where can they win? In most elections, we don’t have a candidate on the ballot (yet). Will will be the determining factor. Independents are the difference this Election Day. And we’re also the future of American politics. We’ll see it today. And definitely in 2026.”
IVA is now accepting applications for endorsement for the pivotal 2026 elections on the IVA website endorsement page.
We expect this to be our largest and most powerful cohort of independent veteran leaders yet and will announce our first round of 2026 endorsements soon after Election Day and Veterans Day this month.
Independent Veterans of America (IVA) is the first organization in America to identify and empower the millions of politically independent/unaffiliated American veterans to defend and strengthen our democracy. IVA has support from a renowned group of advisors including Admiral Mike Mullen, historian Ken Burns, author Sebastian Junger, advocate Paul Rieckhoff, Medal of Freedom Recipient Bonnie Carroll, Independent Mayor of Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade and others, Led by and built around the unique power and potential of veterans, IVA is growing, deploying and electing a new generation of leaders who will protect the soul of the country we love, defend the values we hold dear, and improve our nation for generations to come.
This is the moment to answer the call. If you’re an independent veteran, or you’re an independent-curious Democrat or Republican, we invite you to declare your independence from the broken parties and join IVA.
Leave the partisan herds. Run with the independent pack.
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Independent Veterans of America’s mission is to organize and elect independent veterans to support and defend our democracy and lead America to a stronger future.
Learn more at www.IndependentVeteransOfAmerica.org
Every dollar goes straight into the fight — helping independent vets be seen, get traction, and win.
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