Four Iowa National Guard helicopters are heading to Florida today to help with hurricane recovery. Guard spokesman Colonel Greg Hapgood says 19 soldiers will go with the four choppers. He says two of the helicopters are the CH-47F Chinook helicopters, which are used to lift heavy loads of supplies … [Read more...]
Ernst thankful Trump shifting more authority to military
On this, the 16th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, Senator Joni Ernst said she is "thankful" for a new direction in the "overall War on Terror." "We finally do have a president that is very focused on really destroying ISIS, destroying al Qaeda, putting the Taliban back in its place … [Read more...]
Sioux City Air Guard tankers getting new technology
Sioux City's 185th Air Refueling Wing has gotten back the first tanker aircraft that has been upgraded with the latest digital cockpit instruments. Lieutenant Colonel Shawn Streck, 185th Maintenance Commander, says the instrument panel replacement program known as the "block 45" replaces most of … [Read more...]
Iowa National Guard Chinooks and crews headed to Houston
Eleven Iowa National Guard soldiers and two helicopters are heading to Houston today to aide in hurricane recovery efforts. The two Iowa National Guard helicopters and the crews to run them are being deployed to move supplies, equipment and people around the hurricane zone. The massive Chinook … [Read more...]
Waterloo National Guard unit preparing to deploy
A community sendoff was held today for members of a Waterloo-based Iowa Army National Guard helicopter unit that will be mobilized tomorrow. National Guard spokesperson Colonel Greg Hapgood says the soldiers will provide aerial medical evacuations and transportation of patients to combat … [Read more...]
Traveling ‘Spirit of Iowa Tribute Bell’ unveiled at State Fair
There was a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair this morning to unveil a newly-formed 255-pound bell created to honor Iowa veterans and those currently serving in the military. The "Spirit of Iowa Tribute Bell" was made this weekend by a mobile foundry on the fairgrounds. Iowa Department of Veterans … [Read more...]
Sioux City Air Guard refueling unit gets call to deploy
Nearly 300 members of Sioux City's Iowa Air National Guard 185th Air Refueling Wing will be deployed overseas beginning in October. Colonel Larry Christensen, the base commander, says it's one of the largest deployments in recent history of the unit and involves two separate entities. He says they … [Read more...]
Top general in the Iowa National Guard is retiring
A top leader in the Iowa National Guard is going to retire in September. Guard spokesman, Colonel Greg Hapgood, says Deputy Adjutant General Steven Altman is retiring. "General Altman grew up in Crescent, Iowa and he got his commission as an officer from Creighton University Reserve Officer … [Read more...]
Protesters target Iowa Air Guard’s drone program
Four protesters blocking a road near the Des Moines airport were arrested today. They were protesting of the Iowa Air National Guard’s drone program. Each of the protesters who was arrested have been charged with interference with official acts and disorderly conduct. Those are misdemeanors. Alex … [Read more...]
Des Moines is Iowa’s 66th Home Base Community
Iowa's largest city has just been designated as a "Home Base Iowa Community." Des Moines is now the 66th community in the state to establish the required framework to entice veterans to move to Iowa. According to Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, his city is highlighting life-outside-of-work … [Read more...]