Governor Kim Reynolds announced her selection of the next leader of the Iowa National Guard at a news conference today at Guard Headquarters in Johnston. "Today I am pleased to announced the appointment of Major General Ben Corell as Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard," Reynolds says. … [Read more...]
Iowa Air Guard planes moved to other bases during runway project
Runway construction and repairs at Sioux Gateway Airport is already affecting Sioux City's 185th Air National Guard refueling wing. Colonel Mark Muckey, the base commander, says they have had to move their giant refueling planes to another base. "What we did a couple of weeks ago in preparation … [Read more...]
Iowa National Guard leader to retire after 40 years of service
The leader of the Iowa National Guard has announced plans to retire on May 1st. Major General Tim Orr was appointed to the job by then Governor Chet Culver in March of 2009. "I've been serving for 40 years in the Iowa National Guard and 10 years as the Adjutant General. You reach a point where it … [Read more...]
New Iowa law helps military spouses transfer professional licenses
Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law today designed to help military families. "The first thing that it does is it expands the availability of the Injured Veterans Grant Program funding and services to families of military service members who are injured in the line of duty. It also … [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...]
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...]
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...]
About seven percent of Iowans are military veterans
Gatherings are being held throughout Iowa on this chilly Monday to honor America's military veterans. November 11th is the day designated as Veterans Day, to commemorate the end of World War I, but today is the officially recognized Veterans Day holiday. Governor Kim Reynolds spoke early … [Read more...]