While recent "honor flights" have recognized veterans of World War Two, Korea and Vietnam, a new honor flight is being organized for those who served in conflicts in the Middle East. Bill Williams, a cofounder of the non-profit group Patriotic Productions -- which puts on the flights, says this … [Read more...]
Iowa Guard helps seize $63 million in illegal drugs
The Iowa National Guard helped seize illegal drugs that were worth tens of millions of dollars in 2018. "More than one pound of fentanyl, which equates to more than 180,000 fatal doses, and nearly 15 pounds of heroin, were seized and taken off the street in Iowa and in 2018, more than $63 million … [Read more...]
Iowa Guard leader hopes to broaden appeal of military service
The Iowa National Guard's leader says his top priority is recruiting soldiers and retaining those already in the guard's ranks. "We must broaden the appeal of military service to include people from all across the fabric of our society," Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Timothy Orr delivered … [Read more...]
Attorney/soldier is the new face among Iowa legislative leaders
Only one of the Iowa General Assembly's top six leaders will be new to the job when the 2019 legislative session starts next week. In mid-November, Representative Todd Prichard of Charles City was elected House Minority Leader by his fellow Democrats. Prichard, a 44-year-old attorney, joined the … [Read more...]
Ernst touts Pentagon requirement to track, treat soldiers’ brain injuries
Republican Senator Joni Ernst, a combat veteran, says one of her top legislative accomplishments this past year was a collaboration with one of the Senate's most liberal Democrats. "That measure in the National Defense Authorization Act to raise awareness and to treat traumatic brain injury, that … [Read more...]
Donated deer hides are turned into leather for use by veterans
A programs is underway again this year that takes unwanted deer hides from hunters across the state and uses them to help veterans. Spokesperson Lisa Widick says the hides can be turned in at Elks Lodges across the state for use by the Veterans Leather Program. "The hides are salted and stored … [Read more...]
Iowa lawmakers chide Veterans Administration for GI Bill benefit payment problems
It's unclear when or even if veterans who've been short-changed on their "Forever GI Bill" benefits may get what they're owed. Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican who is a combat veteran, is among those who've asked the Veterans Administration for an explanation. "Someone from the VA had indicated … [Read more...]
Event honoring fallen soldiers scheduled for Saturday on UNI campus
A special program that honors soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice will take place Saturday on the UNI campus in Cedar Falls. It's called "Dedication to Iowa’s Fallen" and will feature the presentation of wooden carved battle crosses to the families of 10 soldiers from Iowa who died while … [Read more...]
Sioux City native to take over command of hometown 185th Air Guard Wing
A change of command is taking place at Sioux City's 185th Air Refueling National Guard Unit. The Iowa National Guard says Sioux City native Colonel Mark Muckey has been selected as the next Wing Commander of the unit. Colonel Muckey says it's a great opportunity to come home 30 years after he … [Read more...]
Sioux City residents head to Maryland for christening of namesake ship
Around 50 people boarded a bus this afternoon in Sioux City for a 1,200-mile long trip to Annapolis, Maryland to witness the commissioning of the U.S.S. Sioux City. The ceremony at the U.S. Naval Academy is scheduled for Saturday morning. Kim Huffman is making the trip with her son. "It's a … [Read more...]