A Sioux City war hero who was among the most decorated military men in American history has been posthumously promoted by the United States Air Force. Medal of Honor recipient George "Bud" Day was advanced from colonel to the rank of brigadier general during an event at the Air Force Memorial in … [Read more...]
Iowan National Guard members in Kosovo on training mission
Airmen and soldiers from the Iowa National Guard are in the nation of Kosovo this week as part of a two week exercise being conducted with the Kosovo Security Force. Major Brandon Cochran of the 132nd Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard in Des Moines says around fifty Iowa Guard members are working … [Read more...]
Prepping ‘stratotankers’ in Sioux City complicated by February’s weather
Snow and ice this February in Sioux City created extra duties for members of the 185th Air National Guard Refueling Wing. Crews must prepare the "Stratotankers" for flight in all weather conditions. "It's Iowa. It's winter. You're going to have this," says Chief Master Sergeant Mark Wankum, the … [Read more...]
Legislators asked to more than double property tax break for combat vets
Veterans rallied at the statehouse today, seeking legislative action on a variety of fronts, including an increase in the property tax exemption for combat veterans. Dan Gannon, a Marine veteran who served in combat in Vietnam, said it takes more than just saying, "Thank you," to honor Iowa's … [Read more...]
Iowa National Guard leader wants to expand recruiting effort
The leader of the Iowa National Guard is suggesting the organization to broaden its outreach, in an effort to attract more recruits from non-military families. Adjutant General Timothy Orr says the Iowa Guard has "maintained its position in personnel readiness," but recruiting "high-quality men … [Read more...]
Sioux City Air Guard Wing wins award
Sioux City's 185th Iowa Air National Guard Refueling Wing has received a special honor. Base Commander Colonel Larry Christensen announced at the 185th Headquarters that they'd won the "Outstanding Unit Award." He says the award is not only a reflection on the unit, but also the community and the … [Read more...]
Iowa soldiers home from hurricane duty in time for Thanksgiving
A group of Iowa National Guard soldiers will have plenty of stories to share with friends and families this Thanksgiving after returning from duty providing security in Puerto Rico following the island's devastation by Hurricane Maria. Master Sergeant Mathew Rietz was among the group of security … [Read more...]
Iowa National Guard members to help provide security in Puerto Rico
Some two dozen Iowa National Guard soldiers are leaving the state Tuesday for duty in Puerto Rico. Iowa National Guard spokesman, Colonel Greg Hapgood says they are flying out on KC-135 Stratotanker from the 185th Air Refueling Wing from Sioux City. He says the airmen are from 185th Refueling Wing … [Read more...]
Air Force cadets get a look at Iowa Guard operations in Sioux City, Des Moines
Forty cadets from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs flew to Sioux City and then Des Moines this past weekend aboard an Iowa Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker. The cadets toured the Air Guard Facilities as part of a partner program between the Air Force Academy and the … [Read more...]
Iowa National Guard sees largest call up of soldiers since 2010
Nearly 400 Iowa National Guard soldiers are being called up for deployment. The 390 soldiers from the 248th Aviation Support Battalion are aircraft maintainers, test pilots, and logistical support personnel who will be part of a federal call up of approximately 500 Army National Guard Soldiers … [Read more...]