From Your Commission Chair ...

2026 Vets Day on the Hill Group

These and a total of about 300 Iowa veterans gathered at the Capitol Wednesday Jan. 21st for the annual Veterans Day on the Hill program to hear speakers and discuss issues important to the veteran community with their legislators. 
Image credit:
Office of the Governor of Iowa

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Newsletter
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A Message from the Commission Chair

On April 1, 2026, the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs gathered at the historic Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. This meeting was a somber yet productive one, as we balance the celebration of our veterans' achievements with a deep respect for those recently lost in service.

We are at a turning point for Iowa veterans. From legislative efforts to modernize how we file claims to new programs focusing on women veterans and oral health, our mission remains clear: ensuring every Iowan who wore the uniform receives the benefits they earned.

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Honoring Our Fallen

Commandant Todd Jacobus led the Commission in a moment of silence to honor the ultimate sacrifice of several Iowans. We remember:

  • 1st Squadron 113th Cavalry (IANG): SSG Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and SSG William “Nate” Howard.
  • 103rd Sustainment Command (USAR): SGT Declan Coady and MAJ Jeffrey O’Brien (along with four fellow soldiers from the 103rd).

These heroes remind us why our work matters. They wrote a "blank check" to the American people, and we owe their families our eternal gratitude.

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Regional & State Updates: By the Numbers

The VA Regional Office and the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) report significant momentum in claims processing and veteran engagement.

Claims and Backlog Reduction

The Des Moines Regional Office has completed 17,792 claims through March 2026—a notable increase over last year. Nationally, the claims backlog has been reduced by 64% in just twelve months.

  • Current Iowans receiving awards: 61,289 (up from 58,288 in 2025).
  • Total Monthly Compensation (Feb 2026): $118,970,197.

Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)

Iowa’s VR&E team is leading the district with a 98.5% active caseload rate. This ensures that the 1,320 veterans currently in the program are staying engaged and moving toward successful employment.

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Health & Wellness Updates

Dental Health Reform

Iowa Women Veterans Advocates Event Flyer

Dr. Hayley Harvey of the Veteran Oral Health Coalition presented a proposal to remove the "two-quote" requirement for dental care through the Trust Fund. Currently, requiring veterans to get two separate quotes in rural areas creates a barrier to care. The Coalition is offering a registry of volunteer dentists to review treatment plans to prevent fraud while speeding up service.

Iowa City & Central Iowa VA Systems

  • Renal Transplant Milestone: On April 10, the Iowa City VA will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its transplant program, having performed over 513 kidney transplants.
  • Homelessness Initiatives: VA Central Iowa has already housed 114 homeless veterans this fiscal year, on track to exceed their goal of 172.
  • Facility Upgrades: New telemetry rooms at Central Iowa (Ribbon cutting April 14) and a new Women’s Clinic in Iowa City (opening Fall 2026).
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Community Programs & Outreach

Women Veterans Program

Commissioner Joella Perry highlighted the growth of the Women Veterans Program. With 16,000 women veterans in Iowa and only 4,500 utilizing VA healthcare, outreach is critical.

  • Save the Date: Women Veterans Meet & Greet on June 12, 2026 (4-8 PM) at the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine in Altoona.

"Still Serving Iowa Veterans" Podcast

Launched in January 2026, this weekly podcast has already garnered over 17,000 views. It shares veteran stories, honors WWII heroes, and warns against "Claim Sharks" who charge veterans for free services.

America 250

As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, veterans are encouraged to lead community celebrations.

  • July 4, 2026: Parade and Community Celebration at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.
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Commission Transitions

We bid a heartfelt farewell to two long-serving members:

  • Elizabeth Ledvina (American Legion, served since 2015)
  • LtCol George Mosby (Iowa National Guard, served since 2021)

We welcome our newest commissioners: LtCol Joel Sage, David Wilkins, and Randy Johnson.

Next Meeting: July 1, 2026, at 10:00 am | Joint Forces Headquarters, Johnston, IA.

For more information on benefits or to find your local CVSO, visit dva.iowa.gov.

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