Television Legend and Navy Veteran Montel Williams Joins IVA’s Advisory Committee

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CONTACT: Press@IndependentVeteransOfAmerica.org

Television Legend and Navy Veteran Montel Williams Joins IVA’s Advisory Committee

NEW YORK, June 20, 2025: In advance of July 4th in a few weeks, following the anniversary of D-Day, Trump’s Washington DC military parade, and the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, Independent Veterans of America (IVA) announced the addition of another powerful and trusted independent veteran leader to its deep, strong and growing list of strategic advisors.

“Montel Williams is a true patriot and leader that is respected by Americans of all backgrounds. We are honored to have this iconic veteran leader join IVA’s team of world class independent advisors. His support will help IVA continue to recruit, support and elect a powerful new generation of independent veterans.”

“For decades, Americans of all backgrounds have come to know and love Montel Williams. He is a decorated former Naval officer and Marine, inspirational speaker, author, entrepreneur and advocate for veterans and voiceless communities worldwide.” said IVA Founder and President Paul Rieckhoff.

Montel hosted “The Montel Williams Show”, a nationally syndicated talk show distributed by CBS Paramount Television, for 17 years, taping over 3,500 shows and interviewing more than 30,000 guests focusing on key social issues involving ordinary people coping with extraordinary circumstances. He received a Daytime Emmy® Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host and his show was nominated for Outstanding Talk Show two years in a row. He is also co-author of a new nonfiction book, “The Sailing of the Intrepid.”

Montel also enjoys acting, and recently guest starred on the hit Fox series “The Resident.” Over the years he appeared on programs including “All My Children.” “American Dreams” and “JAG.” Williams contributed to the long-running dramatic series “Guiding Light” playing “Clayton Boudreau”, landing him a nomination in 2009 for a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in Television Series. He also starred in the critically acclaimed off-Broadway play “The Exonerated”. Williams starred and executive produced a prime time network series for CBS, “The Education of Matt Waters”.

Montel began his professional career in the United States Marine Corp and was the first black Marine selected to the Naval Academy Prep School to then go on to graduate from the United States Naval Academy and be commissioned a naval officer. Williams earned a degree in engineering and a minor in international security affairs. He also earned a degree from the Defense Language Institute in Russian and Mandarin Chinese. While serving in the military Williams was the recipient of two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals and various other military awards and citations.

Montel and IVA Founder Paul Rieckhoff, have worked together on efforts for veterans for years, and Montel has appeared on Rieckhoff’s popular Independent Americans podcast. Now, the two are joining forces again in a new way to connect, unite and elect a new generation of leaders.

“America needs independent leaders. And America needs veterans. Now, more than ever. Independent Veterans of America has got them–and will unite, support and elect many more in the vital years to come. I’ve spent my life in service to this great country. I am proud now to stand with the leaders of IVA who are committed to that same dedication to service and country that I am and to building a movement that will provide a steady flow of independent leaders for decades to come. This is the moment for leaders to answer the call. And this is the moment for IVA.” -Montel Williams.

Williams joins an impressive and diverse IVA Advisory Committee that already includes Admiral Mike Mullen, Author Sebastian Junger, Filmmaker Ken Burns, Independent Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, Radio and TV Host Michael Smerconish, Former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson, TAPS Founder Bonnie Carroll, Veterans for All Voters Board Members Eric Bronner and Yinka Faleti, Founder of Open Primaries John Opdycke, Former Presidential Candidate and Forward Party Co-Founder Andrew Yang, Good Party COO Victoria Mitchell and others.

IVA is the first and only organization focused specifically on recruiting and electing independent and unaffiliated veteran candidates and incumbents. After announcing our historic first round of endorsed candidates in 2024, and generating strong membership growth and national media coverage, IVA’s outstanding group of independent veterans are leading at the local, state and federal level, supporting independent reform, and inspiring communities nationwide to come together and put country over party.

300 IVA members have already expressed interest in running for office in 2025 and 2026 and the organization will be announcing a new round of 2025 endorsements this summer.

IVA is driving the growing independent movement:

~49% of all Americans consider themselves independents. They are the largest, fastest-growing and most-influential group of voters in the United States. And they are starving for leaders with integrity to support.
There are more than 18 million veterans in America. And 49% of veterans self-identify as independent or unaffiliated voters. And that number is rising by the day.
A majority of veterans are clear in their desire for less partisanship and more integrity in our leaders.

Veterans vote. 98% of post-9/11 veterans recently surveyed said they planned to vote in 2024.
A supermajority (65%) of young people (age 16-39) consider themselves independent and unaffiliated with either major party. This group includes millions of active duty and post-9/11 veterans.

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. 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.

Leave the herds. Run with the 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