Got Your 6 has tapped one of the veterans community's top political activists to take over as executive director of its efforts to rally entertainment and social leaders to better understand veterans.

Bill Rausch, currently the political director at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, will assume his new post next month. He has been one of IAVA's more visible faces in recent years, and will take over a group that has worked to raise its profile in both Washington, D.C., and in Hollywood over the past two years.

Rausch, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., served 10 years in the Army, including 17 months in Iraq. He also worked as a consultant to the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments, and has been an active volunteer with Team Red, White & Blue and Volunteer Alexandria.

In his new role, he'll be charged with using that experience to work with nonprofit, entertainment, and government partners to educate the public on the challenges facing veterans and the stereotypes that perpetuate misperceptions about their experiences.

Rausch said his goal will be to "integrate these narratives into popular culture while empowering our veterans to step up and lead" in their local communities.

He'll also oversee Got Your 6's ongoing research projects like the recent Veterans Civic Health Index, which surveyed veterans on their community involvement and goals.

Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He has covered Washington, D.C. since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policies. His work has earned numerous honors, including a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award and the VFW News Media award.

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