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IDVA Strengthens Support Network for Iowa’s Heroes

As the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) moves into the second quarter of 2026, the agency is reporting significant strides in its mission to serve the state’s nearly 177,000 veterans. From landmark clinical achievements to a surge in community volunteerism, the IDVA is reinforcing its role as the primary advocate for those who served.

Empowering Our Frontline: 

IDVA CVSO Spring School

From April 14–16, the IDVA hosted the 2026 CVSO Spring School at the Stoney Creek Hotel in Johnston, gathering County Veteran Service Officers from across Iowa’s 99 counties for three days of intensive professional development. This year’s curriculum focused on a "back-to-basics" approach, featuring a new partnership with the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) to provide expert training on disability compensation and the Appeals Modernization Act. By equipping our "boots on the ground" with advanced claims strategies the IDVA is ensuring that every Iowa veteran has access to top-tier representation that maximizes the federal benefits they have rightfully earned.

Statewide Leadership & Clinical Excellence

The IDVA’s commitment to "gold standard" care was validated again this month by a perfect performance at our flagship long-term care facility. The Iowa Veterans Home (IVH) underwent an exhaustive, unannounced survey by the Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL).

The result was a deficiency-free survey across all clinical and support areas—a rare feat achieved by less than 10% of such facilities.

"This achievement reflects the high operational standards we set across the entire Department," noted Commandant Todd Jacobus. "Whether it is medication administration or resident rights, the IDVA is committed to top-tier quality that honors the service of our residents."

A Surge in Volunteerism and Community Engagement

The Department’s reach is expanding, thanks to a massive increase in community support. The IVH now oversees a force of 868 registered volunteers, an increase of nearly 200 over last year.

• Iowa Veterans Cemetery: Nineteen dedicated volunteers contributed over 900 hours to maintain our hallowed grounds in Van Meter, preparing for the upcoming Memorial Day observances.
• Economic Impact: The combined lifetime service of award-winning volunteers represents a staggering $4.7 million in savings to the State of Iowa, allowing  IDVA to redirect resources directly into veteran programs.

Special recognition was given to Deloris Clayton, who was recently inducted into the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame for over 30 years of service to Iowa’s veterans.

Honoring Our Heroes: 

Iowa Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day & Wall Restoration Reveal

This year holds special significance as we gather for the Iowa Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day on Thursday, May 14, 2026, because visitors will get to see the Iowa Vietnam War Memorial Wall revealed for it's first public event after it's first restoration in 42 years! While the national observance is held in March, Iowa remains a leader in honoring this generation, having established our state-specific recognition day in 2007—a full decade before the national act was signed.

• The Ceremony: Join the IDVA and the Central Iowa VA Health Care System at 11:00 a.m. at the Iowa Vietnam War Memorial (South State Capitol Grounds, Des Moines).
• A "First Look" Reveal: Attendees will be the first to see the results of the monument’s first full restoration since its installation in 1984. This project ensures the names of our fallen heroes remain preserved for future generations.
• Honoring the "In Memory" Inductees: This year, we honor 38 new Iowans added to the "In Memory" program—recognizing those who returned home but later passed away due to service-related illnesses. Iowa currently maintains one of the highest per-capita induction rates in the nation, with 218 total honorees.
• Keynote Address: We are honored to welcome Vietnam Veteran and Flight Surgeon Dr. Craig R. Saunders of Manilla, who will share his reflections on service and the enduring bond of the Vietnam veteran community.

Many of our Vietnam veterans were denied the welcome they deserved decades ago," said organizer Dan Gannon. "This day is our way of ensuring that every veteran who hears 'Welcome Home' knows that their state recognizes their sacrifice and their place in our history.

Following the ceremony, Des Moines AMVETS Post 2 will host a luncheon for all attendees at 2818 5th Ave. We hope to see a strong showing of support as we honor those who answered the call.

With the "The Wall That Heals" (a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial) touring Iowa this summer, the IDVA is placing a special emphasis on Vietnam-era veterans. A recent message from a veteran writers' group at the Marshalltown campus captured the department's heart: "It is hard to find the words to express the gratitude we feel to the people of this place for giving us the warm welcome we did not get 60 some years ago."

Upcoming Events & Department Milestones

The IDVA invites the public and stakeholders to engage with the following upcoming events:

• National Nurses Week: The Heart of Veteran Care As we celebrate National Nurses Week (May 6–12), we extend our deepest gratitude to the nursing professionals across the IDVA and IVH whose clinical expertise and "The Power of Nurses" theme are the driving force behind our recent deficiency-free status and the high-quality care our veterans receive every day.
• Mental Health Conference (May 7-8): The 25th annual event focusing on mental health issues in long-term care.
• Memorial Day: A Sacred Vow of Remembrance On Monday, May 25, we invite all Iowans to join us at the Iowa Memorial Day Program at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, where keynote speaker Colonel Eric Soults will lead us in honoring the selfless sacrifice of those who gave their "last full measure of devotion" in defense of our nation. 

Soults, Marti

Iowa Army National Guard Photo	Iowa Army National Guard Photo

• A Day of Remembrance at the Iowa Veterans Home.In addition to the state ceremony in Van Meter, the Iowa Veterans Home will host its own Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m. at the Malloy Leisure Resource Center. Our Keynote speaker at IVH will be Lieutenant Colonel Jodi Marti, Battalion Commander, 334th Brigade Support Battalion, Iowa Army National Guard - recently re-deployed from mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. This Marshalltown tradition provides a meaningful space for residents, staff, and the local community to gather and honor the fallen, ensuring that the legacy of those who once called these 158 acres "home" is never forgotten.
• Commission Meeting (July 1): The next quarterly meeting of the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs.
• Summer Outreach: Look for IDVA representation at the Iowa Women Veterans Conference (June 12) and the Iowa State Fair Veterans Parade (August 17).

As new Commissioners Randy Johnson, Lt. Col. Joel Sage, and Dave Wilkins begin their terms this May, the IDVA continues to evolve, ensuring that Iowa remains one of the most veteran-friendly states in the nation.