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...]
Ceremonies planned to welcome back soldiers in Boone, Davenport, Waterloo, Muscatine
Events are planned at the end of the week in four cities to welcome back Iowa National Guard soldiers from their overseas deployment. Guard spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Wunn says about 350 members of the 248th Aviation Support Battalion will be recognized. He says they have been gone for … [Read more...]
Medic becomes first African-American Sergeant Major in Iowa Army National Guard
A 37-year veteran of the Iowa Army National has become the first African-American promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major in the organization. Sergeant Major is the highest enlisted rank you can reach without becoming an officer. Sergeant Jeffrey Lewis of Johnston has been in the Iowa Guard for 37 … [Read more...]
Iowa soldier dies in swimming accident in Cuba
The Iowa National Guard reports a soldier has died in a swimming accident. Guard spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Mike Wunn says 19-year-old Private First Class Mathew Cox of Leon was swimming with four other soldiers at a beach at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB) Tuesday. Wunn says Cox was … [Read more...]
Sioux City war hero Bud Day posthumously promoted to general
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...]