As tens of thousands of Russian troops mass on the border with Ukraine, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is joining colleagues in calling for action by the Biden Administration to prevent a full-scale invasion. Grassley, a Republican, favors the U.S. aiding Ukraine with supplies but stops short of … [Read more...]
$200,000 in state funds proposed for USS Iowa’s launch, furnishings
A bill just starting to navigate its way through the Iowa legislature would provide $200,000 in state tax money to support the commissioning of a Navy submarine bearing the state's name. The USS Iowa is a nuclear powered submarine that's under construction in Connecticut. Captain Quintin James, … [Read more...]
Iowa Veterans Affairs Commission unveils legislative priorities
Veterans groups are urging legislators to increase a tax break for veterans. A property tax exemption worth $1,852 is available to veterans who served in a war or were on active duty during peacetime for at least 18 months. The exemption reduces the assessed value of a veteran's home. "There's … [Read more...]
Iowa Guard units likely going to Poland, in support of NATO
Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Benjamin Corell has alerted several units that they are likely to be called to active duty this year. It includes a mission in support of NATO -- the North Atlantic Treaty Organization -- as fears rise about a Russian invasion of Ukraine. "We anticipate we … [Read more...]
About 80% of soldiers in Iowa Army and Iowa Air National Guard fully vaccinated
Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Benjamin Corell says the soldiers in his ranks are "a wealth of talent" for the state not seen since World War II, but during the annual "Condition of the Guard" address this morning at the Capitol, Corell said the Guard is going to lose some soldiers due to the … [Read more...]
World War Two veteran finally gets Auburn High School diploma
A 98-year-old western Iowa native who says one of his greatest regrets was not getting a high school diploma will be awarded that document today in a special ceremony. Donald Huisenga didn't graduate from the former Auburn High School in 1943 because he was drafted to serve in World War … [Read more...]
Senator Ernst sees Global War on Terrorism Memorial become reality
The president recently signed a bill into law that provides for a memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. honoring those who have fought in the Global War on Terrorism. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst pushed for the memorial along with New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan. "This has been a … [Read more...]
Ernst, Miller-Meeks say there’s more to do to address sexual assault in military
The two members of Iowa's congressional delegation who are military veterans say more must be done to reform how the military justice system handles sexual assault cases. Policy inserted in a military funding bill makes sexual harassment a crime in the Uniform Code of Military Justice for the … [Read more...]
Care packages created for families of deployed ING members
Members of Sioux City's 185th Iowa Air Guard refueling wing put together holiday care packages to send to the family members who have a member of the unit on deployment. Master Sergeant Stephanie Bowen says the 185th's Family Readiness Office led the effort as a way to recognize the contributions … [Read more...]
Reynolds calls COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Iowa Guard an overreach
Governor Kim Reynolds is among a group of GOP governors who're calling on Pentagon officials to abandon the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for National Guard soldiers. Reynolds argues that as governor, she has authority over the Iowa National Guard and should be allowed to let guard members in Iowa … [Read more...]