The Iowa National Guard's adjutant general is retiring on March 1st. Major General Benjamin Corell has been in the National Guard for 37 years. "My wife has sacrificed much for my career. We've got seven grandkids," Corell told reporters at the statehouse. "My grandparents influenced me growing … [Read more...]
Iowa Guard leader says recruiting is a challenge
Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Benjamin Corell says it's "increasingly difficult" to recruit new soldiers and airmen and less than 30% of young Americans meet the physical and medical requirements for membership. "We open the door and want lots of young men and women from Iowa to join our … [Read more...]
Senator Ernst secures backing to get rid of Black Sea mines
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says a provision in a bill the senate passed last night authorizes the U.S. military to train Ukrainian soldiers how to remove the explosives Russia's military has dumped in the Black Sea. "Reclaiming the Black Sea would be a major step forward for Ukraine's sovereignty," … [Read more...]
Iowa’s governor urging congress to repeal military’s COVID vaccine mandate
Governor Kim Reynolds is among 21 Republican governors who're asking congress to repeal the COVID vaccine mandate for America's soldiers. Governor Reynolds, in a written statement, said the Biden Administration's vaccine mandate for the military "creates a national security risk." Reynolds said … [Read more...]
Iowa Air Guard tankers return to Sioux City
The Iowa Air National Guard's K-C 135 aircraft from the 185th air refueling wing have returned to their home base in Sioux City. The giant flying fuel stations operated at bases in Topeka, Kansas, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota after runway construction got underway at the airport in April. … [Read more...]
Sendoff set Sunday for National Guard 1133rd Transportation Company
A sendoff ceremony is set for Sunday for around 160 soldiers from the 1133rd Transportation Company. The soldiers from Mason City and Iowa City will eventually deploy to Poland in support of Operation European Assure, Deter and Reinforce. Staff Sergeant Duane Parizek of Clutier has been in the … [Read more...]
Sioux City military aviation pioneer dies at 97
A World War Two veteran who was a charter member of the Iowa Air National Guard and former commander of the 185th Air Wing has died at age 97. Colonel Warren "Bud" Nelson served in the military for almost 40 years. Brigadier General Larry Christensen, a recent commander of the 185th, says Nelson … [Read more...]
U.S. House GOP leader and Iowa candidate Nunn say Biden needs plan to end war in Ukraine
U.S. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy was on the Iowa campaign trail yesterday with Zach Nunn, the GOP candidate in Iowa's third congressional district. "I encouraged him to run two years ago. At the time, it wasn't right for him, but now is the right time," McCarthy said. "...When I look … [Read more...]
Fighter jet gets a lift to Sioux City for new paint job
An historic F-80 fighter jet made a flight to Sioux City for repainting with an assist from a Davenport-based Iowa Army National Guard Chinook helicopter. The 1950s era jet has been on display at Camp Dodge in Johnston and has the markings of the 174th Fighter Interceptor Squadron which was the … [Read more...]
Iowa National Guard leader says recruiting continues to be a concern
The Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard says their current numbers are strong -- but they are facing the challenges that every other organization is facing when it comes to filling their needs. Major General Ben Corell says they will fall a little short of the recruiting mark he set. "We … [Read more...]