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December 15, 2025 - January 15, 2026
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As many of you are aware, Governor Kim Reynolds held her last Condition of the State Address Tuesday Jan. 13th. Improving services to Iowa veterans was a top priority and she has proposed a bill to take action in this regard. This background statement that provides details.
There are many county veterans service officers currently doing outstanding work throughout the state. This legislation will help them do their jobs better and more efficiently while also incentivising counties based on performance in receipt of federal benefits. In addition to being a priority of the Governor, County Veterans Service Officer Excellence is a top priority of the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs for 2026.
On county by county basis, only six Iowa counties rank above the national average in per capita VA veterans compensation, with the top county at just under $11,000 veteran per year and the lowest at just under $4,400. That is a spread of $6,500 across all 99 counties. Counties of all sizes are represented across the list, and county population is not a factor. National and by county rankings according to federal VA reports.
Our mission is also expanding as we prepare for 2026. Gov. Reynolds has appointed me to Iowa's America 250 Task Force to coordinate our state's "Semiquincentennial" celebration, recognizing Iowa's integral role in our Nation's 250-year history. This national effort will have a role in almost every veteran event this year. And for certain, it will be the theme of this year's Veterans Day at the Iowa State Fair parade in August. Look for applications to open in February!
America 250: Celebrating Iowa and the Founding of America
Gov. Reynolds signed Executive Order 16, establishing the Iowa America 250 Task Force to celebrate American Independence and the role Iowa has played.
Find Iowa Events, Get Involved, Learn More!
Beyond legislative goals, our success is measured by the personal impact we have on those in our care. Recently, I met a family whose father and uncle both lived at the Iowa Veterans Home; they shared that our team didn't just provide extraordinary care, but did so with genuine love. This reputation for excellence is why we continue to thrive, maintaining a 5-Star CMS rating that dates back to 2016. Whether it is our dietary team hand-decorating cookies for every resident or our activities staff connecting community generosity to "wish lists," these "extra mile" efforts are what make us a true home.
Our commitment to residents is matched by our dedication to honoring every era of service. This past quarter, we were privileged to host a reunion for the Vietnam Veterans of Company C, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment. This unit suffered 95 Soldiers killed in action during five years of deployment. We also supported "The Final Salute," an honorable endeavor that ensured 13 Veterans—whose remains had sat on funeral home shelves for decades—finally received the dignified interment they deserved at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
Whether we are saving lives through emergency response in our halls—as Randall Goodwin did recently—or honoring the ultimate sacrifice of fallen heroes like SSG Nate Howard and SSG Edgar Torres-Tovar, our work is a sacred duty. It is our obligation as a Nation to ensure these young men are never forgotten. Looking toward 2026, we will continue to adapt to evolving healthcare needs, embrace technological advancements, and strive for operational excellence. It is truly an honor to lead this department and serve alongside you.
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Spotlight: Legislative Session & Veterans Day on the Hill
The 2026 Iowa Legislative session officially kicked off on January 12. Governor Reynolds delivered the Condition of the State Address on January 13 at 6:00 pm.
This second year of the 91st General Assembly is scheduled to last 100 days. Our Legislative Liaison, Mike Olson, will be at the Capitol every Monday through Thursday to represent the IDVA throughout the session.
Veterans Day on the Hill
ICVA Priorities
Join us at the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, January 21, 9 a.m. - noon for our annual Veterans Day on the Hill. The day begins at 9:00 am with displays in the rotunda, followed by a meeting with Governor Reynolds and Lieutenant Governor Cournoyer for Commissioners and senior leaders at 10:15 am. A formal event will take place in the rotunda at 11:00 am.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: Media is invited to attend and cover the speakers and the robust networking between veterans, service organizations, and legislators in the Capitol Rotunda. The full ceremony will also be broadcast state-wide and live-streamed on the IDVA Facebook page at facebook.com/IowaDepartmentofVeteransAffairs.
Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs established several top priorities for the 2026 session:
Iowa Commission on Veterans Affairs 2026 Legislative Priorities
- Property Tax Relief: Supporting legislation for veterans with disability ratings between 10% and 90% to have property taxes offset by their specific rating.
- Protecting VA Benefits: Opposing modifications to Iowa Code that would allow predatory "claim sharks" to operate within the state.
- Increasing : Supporting legislation that helps our CVSOs and Veteran Service Organizations perform their missions.
- Trust Fund Modernization: Supporting efforts to raise the terminal balance of the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund to $75 million.
The Commission also approved several on-going Awareness Issues to highlight this term including continued support for legislation to improve menthal health, suicide prevention efforts, veteran homelessness and others.
Month in Review (Dec. 15, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026)
- Wreaths Across America: On Dec. 13, despite sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow, more than 400 vehicles arrived at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery (IVC) to honor our interred veterans.
- Holiday Spirit: The REAL Committee organized an outstanding catered employee luncheon on Dec. 16. At the Iowa Veterans Home (IVH), the Food Service Team hand-decorated every cookie served during the Christmas lunch.
- Community Generosity: Thanks to the incredible work of our social workers and activities team, every resident received gifts this holiday season through community donations totaling over $16,500 in December.
- Honoring the Fallen: We mourn the loss of Iowa Army National Guard Soldiers Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, who were killed during an attack in Palmyra, Syria, on Dec. 13. Staff Sgt. We are honored Staff Sgt. Torres-Tovar was laid to rest at Iowa Veterans Cemetery Dec. 29th.
- Iowa Commission on Veterans Affairs: Winter Quarterly Meeting, Jan. 7th.
- From Iowa and Back - The Vietnam Era screening and discussion at IVH: Iowa filmaker Jeremy Glazier hosted a showing of his film project and a Q&A session with the public at IVH Jan. 9th.
- Condition of the State Address: Jan. 13th
- Condition of the Guard Address: Jan. 15th
- Veterans Day on the Hill: Jan. 21st
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Upcoming Events
Visit our full events page at dva.iowa.gov/events.
Veterans For Voting Needs YOU!
Iowa's veterans represent an exemplary cohort of individuals who have dedicated themselves to safeguarding the liberties and freedoms enjoyed by our nation's citizens.
Learn how YOU can keep serving through our Secretary of State's
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Iowa Commission on Veterans Affairs
ICVA 2026 Legislative Initiatives
The Commission held its Winter Quarterly Meeting on January 7th, at the Iowa National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters.
Meeting Agenda Highlights:
Federal Partners: Briefings were provided by the VA Regional Office and representatives from the VA Medical Centers in Iowa City and Central Iowa.
Special Presentations: The Commission heard from the Patriot Ranch, the American Red Cross, and Survivor Outreach Services.
Advocacy in Action: Updates were shared by the Student Veterans Organization, the Women Veterans Program Manager, and the Iowa State Fair Military Tribute.
Departmental Reports: Comprehensive sessions covered legislative priorities, benefits, cemetery operations, and the latest from the Iowa National Guard.
Next Meeting: The Commission will next convene on April 1, 2026, at the Iowa Veterans Home.
Iowa Veterans Benefits Bureau & Cemetery Update
The Honor Guard Reimbursement Process
While we look toward whatever the future of veteran services in Iowa holds, we remain deeply committed to the traditions that define us today. One of the most sacred duties we share is ensuring our veterans are laid to rest with the dignity and military honors they earned through their service.
Across Iowa, local veterans' organizations—our Legions, VFWs, and others—step up daily to provide these honors. We want to ensure these groups have the resources they need to keep these traditions strong. We offer a reimbursement program designed to help offset the costs for these volunteer honor guards.
How the Support Works: We’ve streamlined our reimbursement process to reflect the reality of the work you do on the ground. Whether your organization provides "Basic" or "Full" honors, funding is available:
- Basic Honors: A single organization can receive $50.
- Full Honors: A single organization providing full honors can receive $100.
- Collaborative Efforts: If two or more organizations team up to provide full honors with a firing detail, both can request $50 each to recognize their shared contribution.
Our goal is to ensure no organization is left out of pocket for their service. While federal funding must be utilized first, the State of Iowa is here to step in if federal funds aren't available or if your team handles multiple services in a single day. Each organization can receive up to $2,000 in assistance within a 12-month period.
Looking Ahead As we prepare for the nation’s America 250 celebration in 2026 and look toward potential state-level improvements in 2027, programs like this remain the backbone of our mission. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get this support. You can submit one simple application per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) along with your receipts.
Applications are available on our website at dva.iowa.gov. If you have questions about how to file or how to track your organization's eligibility, please reach out to us at (515) 727-3443.
We are honored to support those who honor our heroes. Thank you for everything you do at the local level to ensure Iowa’s veterans are never forgotten.
IVC Expansion: On a broader scale, we are planning for the future of the Iowa Veterans Cemetery (IVC). Bureau Chiefs have been meeting with VA personnel regarding the IVC expansion. We expect the project to be under contract by September 2026, with construction likely kicking off in Spring 2027.
We’re Hiring: Help Us Find Great Teammates!
The Iowa Veterans Home continues to recruit for key clinical positions. If you know a nurse, CNA/CMA, someone considering a career change, or just has a passion for veterans please refer them to our team! Nearly 25% of our nursing roles remain open—this is a great opportunity for compassionate professionals to make a meaningful impact.
Explore current openings:
👉Work at the Iowa Veterans Home
Click on “Check our CURRENT OPENINGS to see where YOU fit” to learn more.
Iowa Veterans Home Update
Happy 2026 from the staff and residents at IVH! We hope you enjoyed meaningful time with your families as we wrapped up a busy and joyful December. Between festive celebrations and essential facility upgrades, our team has been working hard to ensure the Iowa Veterans Home (IVH) remains a place of honor and comfort for our residents.
Celebrating Our Mission and Our People
December is always a highlight of the year, kicked off by our Family Christmas Day on December 6th. This wonderful event was a massive success thanks to our incredible recreation department and the many staff members who volunteered their time.
Beyond the festivities, our team is focused on the core of why we are here. Candice Cobb was instrumental in organizing our FY2025 Annual Legislative Report, which reaffirms our commitment to Iowa’s veterans through our core values: Service, Honor, Integrity, and Passion.
- Our Mission: To fulfill the promise made to Iowa’s Veterans who took the oath to defend the Constitution of the United States.
- Our Vision: To provide a continuum of services to enhance our residents' quality of life.
- Core Functions: Focusing on Health, Education, Veterans, and Regulation/Compliance.
Facility Improvements & Resident Care
We are constantly evolving to provide a "homelike" rather than an institutional experience. One major milestone is the completion of our homelike dining project, where residents can now enjoy meals with condiments on the table and food served off trays whenever possible.
We are also embracing new technology and safety standards:
- Health Innovation: Starting in the new year, we are rolling out Dexcom continuous glucose monitoring. This is a life-changer for our residents, moving from four finger-pokes a day to one sensor change every 10 days.
- Safety First: Our maintenance team recently completed OSHA confined space training, and all staff have been trained on wheelchair pedal safety. Remember, residents must never be pushed in a wheelchair without pedals!
- Medication Management: We are transitioning back to bubble packs for medication, with a goal of being fully transitioned across all buildings by March 1, 2026.
Looking Ahead: Construction and Growth
The campus is buzzing with progress. The flooring replacement in the Fox and Ulery buildings is ahead of schedule, with luxury vinyl planking slated for completion in the Fox building by early January. We are also beginning the design phase for roof replacements on the Dack and Malloy buildings, with construction expected to start in April.
Upcoming January Events
We have an exciting month ahead! Please join us in welcoming our newest Social Workers, Sonya Perez and Amanda Kerber, and celebrating National Activity Professional Week from January 26–30, 2026.
Mark your calendars for these January activities:
- Jan 10: Dance Konnection performance (MLRC, 2:00 PM).
- Jan 17: Iowa Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association visit (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM).
- Jan 21: Residents visit the Iowa State Capitol for Veterans Day on the Hill.
- Jan 24: ISU Women’s Basketball game outing.
- Jan 26: IVH Foodie Club (Kopper Kettle, 10:00 AM).
Finally, a huge congratulations to Andrea Quastad, our December Champion Award winner, for her exceptional work with resident medical trip schedules. We also want to recognize our Laundry Department, which processes a staggering 1.2 million pounds of laundry every year—the weight of three empty Boeing 747s!
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OSINT Report: News Summary, Analysis, Forecast and Takeways for Iowa's Veterans
Reporting Period: Dec. 15, 2025 – Jan. 14, 2026
BLUF: Bottom Line Up Front
The first month of 2026 has been marked by a transition from mourning to legislative action. Following the tragic loss of two Iowa National Guard soldiers in Syria on December 13th, the state has turned its focus toward honoring the fallen and implementing bold new reforms. Governor Reynolds’ 2026 Condition of the State address proposed a major modernization of Iowa’s veteran benefit system to address the state's 44th-place ranking in federal benefit utilization. In the first 24 hours of reporting, most outlets and subjects are viewing the modernization plan as a rare point of bipartisan agreement and cooperation. Nationally, the 2026 military pay raise and Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) increases took effect on January 1st.
Line of Sight: Detailed News Analysis
I. Iowa News & Events (Local Focus)
- Repatriation and Honors: Following the December 13th attack in Palmyra, Syria, that killed Sgt. William N. Howard and Sgt. Edgar Torres-Tovar, the state focused on repatriation efforts and providing support to their families and the three other wounded soldiers. Retaliatory strikes, titled Operation Hawkeye Strike, were launched by the U.S. in late December and early January in response to the attack.
- Modernizing Veteran Benefits: In her January 13th address, Governor Reynolds announced a plan to overhaul Iowa’s veteran benefit system. The proposal includes:
- Repurposing state funds into a performance-based grant program for counties.
- Incentivizing higher VA compensation per capita to ensure more benefits reach Iowa veterans.
- Addressing the "outdated system" by providing County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) with better tools and training.
- 2026 Legislative Initiatives: The Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs finalized priorities including progressive property tax relief for veterans with disability ratings between 10% and 90% and raising the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund terminal balance from $50 million to $75 million.
II. National News (U.S. Veteran Affairs & Legislation)
- 2026 Pay and Housing Increases: Effective January 1, 2026, service members received a 3.8% basic pay increase. Additionally, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates increased by an average of 4.2% across the country.
- Medical Bill Relief Progress: The VA continues to process the relief of over $272 million in backlogged medical bills for community care, a major administrative push to clear financial burdens for veterans.
- Streamlined Community Care: New year-long authorizations for 30 standardized types of community care (including cardiology and neurology) are now being implemented to reduce "red tape" and prevent interruptions in treatment.
III. International News (Global Impact on U.S. Military/Veterans)
- Syria Retaliation: The U.S. military, alongside partner forces, conducted significant strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike. These operations aimed to eliminate threats following the December ambush of Iowa National Guard personnel.
- Operational Tempo: Approximately 1,800 soldiers from Iowa’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, remain deployed in the Middle East supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
Over the Horizon: Media Forecast
- Iowa: Legislative Action: Watch for the filing of the Governor’s modernization bill, which will more detail how the new county performance-based grants and other measures will be implemented.
- National VA: AI Implementation: The VA will continue the nationwide rollout of ambient AI scribe technology to all medical centers throughout 2026, aimed at reducing physician burnout and improving face-to-face time with veterans during appointments.
- Cemetery Expansion: Expect updates on the Iowa Veterans Cemetery expansion, which must be under contract by September 2026 to stay on track for a Spring 2027 construction start.
Rumb Lines & Ranger Beads: Messages to Navigate By
- Honoring the Fallen: We continue to lift up the families of Sgt. Howard and Sgt. Torres-Tovar. The IDVA with Injured Veterans Grants, Iowa Veterans Cemetery assistance and other support services for those impacted by the December 13th tragedy.
- Unlocking Earned Benefits: With Iowa ranking 44th in VA compensation, it is vital for every veteran to check their eligibility. The goal of the 2026 legislative session is to put tools in the hands of CVSOs to move that needle.
- Staffing the Promise: Filling nursing and support roles at the Iowa Veterans Home remains a top priority. Current efforts focus on improving retention and filling vacancies to ensure our residents receive the highest standard of care.
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