Morning sunshine illuminated the stars and stripes early today as a group of citizen-soldiers from northwest Iowa prepared to head overseas. Sheldon fire and ambulance crews were set up on top of the Country Club Road overpass above Highway 60 Monday morning to display their appreciation for a Le … [Read more...]
Iowa Army and Air Guard units team up for western Iowa Task Force
Iowa National Guard soldiers and airmen stationed in northwest Iowa are joining forces to be ready to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Soldiers from the Army National Guard's 2nd Brigade 34th Infantry Combat Team are joining airmen from the 185th Air Refueling Wing to establish Joint Task … [Read more...]
Le Mars, Johnston National Guard soldiers called to active duty
A second group of Iowa National Guard soldiers is now preparing for federal duty. The Iowa National Guard says Troop C, 1st Squadron of the 113th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division has received deployment orders for Operation Enduring Freedom in the U.S. Africa … [Read more...]
Osceola native takes top post with 185th Air Guard in Sioux City
An Osceola native is taking over as the new Mission Support Group Commander of Sioux 185th Air National Guard Refueling Wing. Colonel Sonya Finch was sworn in Saturday to lead the largest of four groups that comprise the 185th. Colonel Finch has spent her entire military career in the Iowa … [Read more...]
Iowa National Guard’s famed Ironman Battalion called to federal duty
The first group of what is anticipated to be more than 2,000 Iowa National Guard soldiers activated for federal duty have been notified. Iowa National Guard spokesman, Colonel Mike Wunn, says this group has a long history of service. "The 133 Ironman Battalion as we refer to it -- it has a very … [Read more...]
Iowa Guard seeks $5.5 million in state spending for new armory
Iowa National Guard officials are asking legislators to set aside $5.5 million over the next three years for a new armory in central Iowa. "It would be one of our traditional armories where we have a large drill floor, classroom facilities," says Colonel John J. Perkins, the construction and … [Read more...]
Iowa National Guard to review facilities, closings possible
The new leader of the Iowa National Guard says his plan for the future includes taking a tough look at how they will spend their funds on facilities. Major General Ben Corell spoke about the issue in his address to the Iowa Legislature Thursday. "Just as critical to having the right force … [Read more...]
Thousands of Iowa National Guard troops to be deployed later this year
The leader of the Iowa National Guard, Major General Ben Corell, says a major deployment of Iowa soldiers is coming this year. "Over the past years the number of federal mobilizations have been relatively light. This will change in the next couple of months -- as a number of Iowa Army National … [Read more...]
Heightened security contributed to false ‘active shooter’ alert at Camp Dodge
The Iowa National Guard has revealed the series of events that led to a false alarm about an active shooter at Camp Dodge in Johnston Wednesday. Iowa National Guard spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Mike Wunn says there was a command directive to increase security measures at the base after recent … [Read more...]
Man who commanded 185th Guard Wing in Sioux City promoted to general
The former Wing Commander of the 185th Air National Guard Refueling Wing has been promoted to Brigadier General and given new duties. Former Colonel Larry Christensen received his star in ceremonies at the 185th Sunday afternoon. "This wasn't just about me. This was about my team and the people I … [Read more...]