News for Iowa Vets

From Social Security to national parks: Here's how a shutdown could affect Iowans; The Gazette

The Department of Veterans Affairs says veterans’ health care and benefits would not be interrupted if the government shuts down. VA hospitals, outpatient clinics and Vet Centers would remain open, and compensation, pension, education and housing benefits would still be processed. Burials at national cemeteries would continue, along with decisions by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

The Right Stuff - Messenger News

Susan and Ralph Storm were honored recently when he was inducted into the Iowa Aviation Hall of Fame. Storm, a veteran local flyer and fixed base ...

Suicide awareness walk highlights compassion, community; The Hawk Eye - Burlington, Iowa

Veterans in Iowa in 2021, there were 68 veteran suicides. Veterans are estimated to have a 72% higher suicide risk versus civilians in our ...

Pete Hegseth's military meeting triggers fears, head scratching and praise - The Hill

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who served as an officer in the Army National Guard, was supportive of his remarks. “I think what he was espousing, especially when it comes to standards within combat arms, is something that we as Republicans have been promoting for a very long time,” she told reporters on Capitol Hill. 

West Side Transport to host annual Warrior Wagon donation ceremony honoring veterans; Corridor Business Journal

Cedar Rapids trucking company West Side Transport will hold its annual Warrior Wagon Donation Ceremony on Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. at the company’s headquarters, 11801 6th St. SW. The ceremony will honor U.S. military veterans and include a donation presentation to a veterans nonprofit organization. The company has not yet announced which organization will receive this year’s donation.

'Incredible milestone' | WWII veteran celebrates 106th birthday; weareiowa.com

This undated photo shows Joseph Williams, a World War II veteran, during his military service. ... Download the Des Moines News - We Are Iowa App.

Clausen Companies receives Iowa ESGR Patriot Award - Quad Cities Business Journal; Quad Cities Business Journal

Welcome Home Podcast Now Live!; GWOT Memorial Foundation

​​​Through deeply personal conversations with those touched by the GWOT – veterans, Gold Star families, military leaders, and advocates – Welcome Home gives voice to the people behind America’s longest conflict and the Memorial being built in their honor.

What to Do in a Government Shutdown: Don't Panic! Be Proactive; Military.com 

A U.S. government shutdown began Wednesday after after lawmakers deadlocked and missed the deadline for funding the government. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers face furloughs and many offices will close.

‘After Action’ Gives Veterans a Platform to Discuss Their Unique Experiences; Military.com

As the cameras rolled, Stacy Pearsall sat facing three former POWs as they disclosed intimate details about their ordeals ... That has been Pearsall’s mission since she developed the concept and began hosting the PBS show “After Action” – which involves candid conversations with veterans about their experiences before, during and after their military service.

Kim Reynolds taps Mark Campbell to lead Administrative Services agency; DMR

Gov. Kim Reynolds tapped Mark Campbell to be Iowa Department of Administrative Services director after its former leader resigned to run for governor

Des Moines divided on plan to pay for more space in homeless shelter; DMR

An agreement to expand capacity at the homeless shelter got initial approval amid concern that it also would change part of the city's camping ban.

Shutdown: Iowans raise concerns about effects on education, food and ag programs; Iowa Capital Dispatch

As a shutdown of the federal government sends shockwaves through the states, Iowa’s colleges and universities are starting to brace for an impact that may not hit right away. 

New study on vets: Powerful correlation between brain injuries, suicide; Stars & Stripes/Defense Opinion

Brain injuries among U.S. veterans who joined the armed forces after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks correlate significantly with higher suicide rates, a new study found that examined data going back to 2006.

Danish PM warns that Russia is waging hybrid war on Europe; Al-Jazeera

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that Europe must arm itself to respond to Russia’s hybrid warfare

‘Enough is enough’: Many Palestinians say Hamas must accept ceasefire plan; New York Times

Palestinians in Gaza have spent almost two years longing for an end to the war that has destroyed their communities and killed tens of thousands of their neighbors. Many say their best hope yet is the latest cease-fire plan proposed by the United States — if only Hamas would accept it.

‘So deeply un-American’: House veterans condemn Trump proposal to use US cities as training grounds; Stars & Stripes

More than a dozen veterans in the House have accused President Donald Trump of undermining the apolitical nature of the military by telling senior officers that American cities should be used as “training grounds” to combat an “invasion from within.

Ships announced to participate in Navy and Marine Corps 250th birthday celebration; Seapower Magazine

The cities of Philadelphia and Camden will host the Navy Marine Corps 250 celebration October 9-16, 2025, with four U.S. Navy ships, two Coast Guard cutters, and four U.S. Navy Academy Yard Patrol boats (YPs) and sailboats. These vessels will participate in the Parade of Ships on Thursday, Oct 9.

How the government shutdown is affecting troops, families; Military Times

The government shutdown has already affected some services on military installations, but the impact varies, according to Military Times’ review of several installation Facebook pages

Navy hits historic recruiting numbers with more ads, tattoo approvals; Military Times

Just two years after missing its active-duty recruiting goal, the U.S. Navy is celebrating the largest group of new accessions in nearly a quarter-century

VMM-266 change of command ceremony; DVIDS

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. John P. Skogman, from Iowa, oncoming commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, speaks during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station, New River, North Carolina, Sept. 26, 2025. The ceremony represented a transfer of accountability, responsibility, and authority from Lt. Col. Jeffrey Pullinger to Skogman. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt Nava)

What Veterans and Active Duty Military Should Expect From the Government Shutdown; SOFREP

When Washington runs out of spending authority, the military keeps working, but the paycheck pipeline can clog. Veterans Affairs keeps core services going thanks to advance appropriations, but some support functions slow or pause. The longer a shutdown lasts, the more those stopgaps fray.

Trump Signs Order to Defend Qatar, US Begins Troop Drawdown in Iraq, Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla; SOFREP

Trump backs Qatar, US cuts Iraq troops, gov shuts down, Israel stops Gaza flotilla.

Lost in 1944, WWII Flyer Will Be Laid to Rest in Glenwood, Iowa
; Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS)

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The remains of U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Blaine B. Wilcox, 26, killed during World War II, will be interred Oct. 7, in Glenwood Cemetery, Glenwood, Iowa. Peterson Mortuary will coordinate graveside services preceding the interment.

Trump, Hegseth, Caine Speak to Top War Department Leaders; Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS)

President and Commander in Chief Donald J. Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speak to top War Department leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Sept. 30, 2025.

A Weakened and Isolated Hamas Faces Pressure to Accept Trump's Peace Plan for Gaza;  AP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have finally outmaneuvered Hamas. After facing months of genocide accusations, pariah status and global pressure to halt the war in Gaza, Netanyahu has agreed on a ceasefire plan with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Why are Obamacare subsidies at the heart of the government shutdown?; DMR

An Obamacare subsidy is at the heart of congressional lawmakers' gridlock that's caused a government shutdown. Here's how it could affect Iowans.

When will the government shutdown? What Iowans should know about Social Security and more; DMR

The U.S. government is less than 12 hours away from running out of funding, and the stakes of a government shutdown arehigher for federal workers because the White House is considering layoffs rather than temporary furloughs. 

Update on Medicare Operations: Telehealth, Claims Processing, and Medicare Administrative Contractors Status During the Shutdown; CMS MLS Connects

When certain legislative payment provisions (“extenders”) are scheduled to expire, CMS directs all Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to implement a temporary claims hold. This standard practice is typically up to 10 business days and ensures that Medicare payments are accurate and consistent with statutory requirements

Iowa's congressional lawmakers react to government shutdown; DMR

Iowa's Republican congressional delegation scolds Democrats for not backing their "clean" short-term funding extension to avert government shutdown.

Grassley hopes for a solution for farmers following loss of Chinese market; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said Tuesday he is hopeful the Trump administration will come up with a plan to “improve morale among farmers” in response to the apparent loss of the Chinese soybean export market.

About 750,000 federal workers will be furloughed in shutdown, nonpartisan CBO projects; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

A government shutdown could have significant economic consequences, though an analysis released Tuesday by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said it’s difficult to pinpoint ramifications without knowing the length of a funding lapse or how exactly the Trump administration will try to reshape the federal workforce. 

Here are some financial resources for troops if shutdown stops pay; Military Times

If the government does shut down tonight, affecting paychecks of service members, federal civilian workers and contractors, there are resources to help those experiencing financial distress.

Here’s how a government shutdown would affect VA services; Military Times

In the event of a government shutdown, veterans’ health care won’t be affected, the Department of Veterans Affairs confirmed in an announcement Tuesday.

READ: Hegseth’s speech to generals and admirals; Air & Space Magazine

On Sept. 30, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered an address at Marine Corps Base Quantico to an unprecedented gathering of hundreds of admirals, generals, and senior leaders. A full transcript and video is available below

‘No more beardos’: Hegseth gives military branches 60 days to end shaving waivers for almost all US troops; Stars & Stripes

The Pentagon will cease granting permanent medical shaving exemptions and end most religious exemptions that have allowed some U.S. military troops to wear beards in uniform in recent years, according to a Tuesday memorandum from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Wounded Knee medals decision sparks outrage in Native communities; AP

Native American communities that had long wanted the removal of military honors for the soldiers involved in the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre had their hopes dashed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in his effort to root out what he calls a “woke culture” in the armed forces.

As government spirals toward a shutdown, Trump promises mass layoffs; Defense One

The federal government is headed toward a shutdown Wednesday morning: Congress failed to pass any funding to kick off fiscal 2026, which will cause hundreds of thousands of federal employees to be furloughed and the rest of the civil service to continue working without immediate pay

Government headed to a shutdown after last-ditch vote fails in Senate; AP

Senate Democrats have voted down a Republican bill to keep funding the government, putting it on a near certain path to a shutdown after midnight Wednesday for the first time in nearly seven years.

Why does the government shut down? Here's what to know; DMR

The U.S. government could shutdown starting Oct. 1 when funding runs out. With a potential shutdown on the horizon, here's what you need to know.

Opinion The Bolduc Brief: Analyzing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth – The Consequences of Choosing Loyalty Over Experience; SOFREP

When loyalty and television polish outrank operational competence, we get a Secretary of Defense who mistakes bluster for strategy and puts American troops and national security at risk.

Hegseth’s Warrior Ethos Speech Marks The Rebirth of the Hard Charging American WarfighterSOFREP

Hegseth walked into Quantico, kicked the stool out from under the Pentagon’s therapy culture, and told the brass we’re done preening and back to making warfighters who can carry the ruck, drive on and win the fight.

Military leaders voice concern over Hegseth’s new Pentagon strategy; The Washington Post

The critiques from multiple top officers, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, come as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reorders U.S. military priorities.

Trump, Netanyahu promise to ‘finish’ Hamas if it rejects peace deal; The Hill

President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised Monday that Israel will “finish” the job against Hamas if the militant group doesn’t accept a peace deal.

Hegseth declares war on ‘fat’ generals, troops; The Hill

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the U.S. military’s senior-most officers Tuesday that he no longer wants to see “fat generals and admirals” or overweight troops. Addressing a crowded auditorium in Quantico, Va., Hegseth emphasized the need to stick to strict fitness standards, declaring every service member at every rank is required to take a physical fitness test, and meet height and weight requirements twice a year.

Trump calls for using US cities as ‘training ground’ for armed forces in unusual speech to generals; AP/Multiple Sources

President Donald Trump on Tuesday proposed using American cities as training grounds for the armed forces, with U.S. military might being deployed against what he described as the “invasion from within.”

Louisiana's Governor Asks for National Guard Deployment to New Orleans and Other Cities; AP

Louisiana's Republican governor asked for National Guard deployments to New Orleans and other cities, saying Monday that his state needs help fighting crime and praising President Donald Trump's decision to send troops to Washington and Memphis.

Governors call for Congress to avert federal shutdown but differ on how; Iowa Capital Dispatch

State officials from both parties urged Congress to avoid a government shutdown Monday, though Republicans were pushing harder for an extension of current funding

Hundreds of thousands of federal employees face furloughs under Trump shutdown plans; Iowa Capital Dispatch

The Trump administration began posting plans over the weekend that detail how hundreds of thousands of federal workers will be furloughed during a government shutdown, while others will keep working without being paid. 

‘We’re headed to a shutdown’: White House meeting ends with no deal as deadline nears; Iowa Capital Dispatch

Democratic and Republican lawmakers remained far apart Monday with just over 24 hours until a federal government shutdown begins, after a White House meeting with President Donald Trump and congressional leaders meant to spur negotiations

As Lebanese military prepares to disarm Hezbollah, France supports Saudi conference; Breaking Defense 

French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to back a “conference that our Saudi friends will hold” in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces, as the LAF prepares for the contentious mission to disarm Hezbollah. 

Here’s the full text of Trump’s 20-point plan to end Israel’s war on Gaza; Al-Jazeera

The White House has unveiled a 20-point proposal it says could bring an immediate halt to Israel’s war on Gaza, which has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians and left the Palestinian enclave in ruins.

Marines say they hit recruiting goals and point to ‘unapologetic’ standards; AP

The Army, Navy and Air Force, with encouragement from the Trump administration, all announced this summer that they had met their recruiting goals months ahead of schedule

Service records released on two Marine veterans involved in weekend violence; Task & Purpose

The Marine Corps has released the service records for two veterans — one a former reconnaissance Marine, the other a mechanic — who are accused of carrying out separate mass shootings in North Carolina and Michigan over the weekend, ending in a total of at least eight dead

CENTCOM to help speed repatriation of ISIS prisoners, detainees in Syria; Stars & Stripes

U.S. Central Command is stepping in to help reduce the population of large detention camps in northeast Syria that officials say have become incubators for ISIS radicalization.

Government shutdown: Guidance for the Air Force and Space Force; Air & Space Forces Magazine

With a government shutdown looming Oct. 1, the Pentagon released guidance for what defense organizations need to do if Congress fails to pass a spending bill.

Stephen Miller takes leading role in strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats; The Guardian

Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, has played a leading role in directing US strikes against suspected Venezuelan drug boats, according to three people familiar with the situation. At times, his role has superseded that of Marco Rubio, the secretary of state and national security adviser.

Pentagon names US-Mexico border mission as top priority to continue under shutdown; Stars & Stripes

The Defense Department will prioritize missions to secure the U.S.-Mexico border as well as Middle East operations and Golden Dome missile defense programs if the federal government shuts down this week due to a funding lapse.

The military needs to better tackle gambling issues among troops, watchdog says; Task & Purpose

The military could do a better job at helping service members with gambling addictions, according to a government watchdog report released last week, as a growing body of research suggests that troops and veterans may be more susceptible to the disorder.

Pentagon readies contingency plans for government shutdown; Breaking Defense

With less than two days left before the US government potentially shuts down, the Department of Defense has issued contingency guidance to the force outlining six priorities and contracting plans

Illinois governor says troops could be deployed to Chicago as immigration agents patrol downtown;  AP

The sight of armed, camouflaged and masked Border Patrol agents making arrests near famous downtown Chicago landmarks has amplified concerns about the Trump administration’s growing federal intervention across U.S. cities.

Pentagon calling up 200 Guard troops to deploy to Oregon; Military Times

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered 200 Oregon National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, under federal authority, an order the state is challenging in court

DFAS September 2025 Retiree Newsletter

• Director’s Message
  Gray Area Spotlight: Check Your Contact Information
• End of Checks To and From DFAS
• Another Tax Season is Right Around the Corner: Are you Prepared?
• askDFAS: Rockin’ and Rollin’ in 2025
• How to have your SBP premiums deducted from your VA Payment
• Retiree Appreciation Days: Stay Informed and Connected 

Judge sets Friday hearing on blocking National Guard deployment to Portland; News From the States

The Oregon Department of Justice is asking a federal judge to temporarily block President Donald Trump from federalizing and deploying Oregon National Guard troops to protect federal buildings in Portland.

“He Looked Death in the Face” Remembering Navy SEAL Michael A. Monsoor; SOFREP

On Saint Michael’s Day in Ramadi, Mike Monsoor chose the blast so his brothers could breathe, proof that character is built in quiet reps long before history calls your name.

Evening Brief: Trump and Netanyahu Announce Gaza Peace Plan, Russia Warns US on Tomahawk Missiles, Afghanistan Faces Internet Blackout; SOFREP

Trump and Netanyahu push Gaza peace plan, Russia warns on arms, Moldova backs EU path.

Federal law enforcement looking to lease office space in Des Moines; The Gazette

Another federal building, in Iowa City, was reportedly being considered for sale. The building, which houses a veterans affairs clinic, a military ...

VA doctors warn that cutbacks, policy changes threaten veterans' care; KCRG

(CNN) - Hundreds of current and former Veterans Affairs doctors, nurses and other caregivers have issued a warning to the Department of Veterans ...

Iron Tap hosts outreach event for service dog nonprofit; hometownsource.com

Retrieving Freedom, Inc., a national nonprofit located in Waverly, Iowa, that trains and places service dogs with veterans and children with ...

Iowa community comes together to help Vietnam veteran who lost home in fire; WOWT

A Vietnam War veteran in a small Iowa town lost everything when a fire destroyed his home during last week's snowstorm.

Iowa Central hosts Veterans Day ceremony; Iowa Central Community College

Iowa Central hosts Veterans Day ceremony ... FORT DODGE - Iowa Central Community College held its annual Veterans Day ceremony this Friday in the ...

Veterans Mobile Food Distribution Event for October; Ottumwa Radio

Emergency Management Location – 2417 Emma St. All Wapello County and surrounding county Veterans, as well as surviving spouses/widows, are encouraged ...

Oskaloosa's Darrin Alderson Elected Iowa American Legion Commander; Oskaloosa News

Darrin Alderson, a longtime member of the local post and former Oskaloosa commander, has been elected to lead the Legion at the state level. “This is ...

Iowa returns to the 1840's in Ft. Atkinson Rendezvous; WHO13.com

Veteran Stand Down serves nearly 700 Veterans Saturday; Globe Gazette

Veteran charged with fatally opening fire on Wilmington area bar to appear in court; The Mount Airy News

A man charged with firing an assault rifle from a boat at patrons of a North Carolina waterfront bar, killing three people and wounding five others, was a decorated Marine combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient whose last assignment was with a Wounded Warrior battalion.

Death toll from attack at Michigan church stays at 4 after police sweep charred ruins; KWQC

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — In the chaotic moments after a former Marine smashed his pickup truck into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Michigan and began shooting, church members pulled others to safety while smoke filled the building, officials said Monday.

Veterans taking care of veterans; Newton Daily News

Post 111 members shared stories of their own deployments, recalling how care packages — sometimes with no return address due to security — meant ...

VA staffer accused of blindly approving over 85,000 disability claims; Military Times

Veterans’ disability benefits claims were blindly rubber-stamped by a senior veterans service representative (VSR) at the Philadelphia VA Regional Benefit Office for years, resulting in an estimated $2.2 million in improper payments, a government watchdog report has found.

Veterans Who Lack Citizenship Fear Being Swept Up in Trump's Deportations; AP/Military.com

After serving with the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq, Julio Torres has the American flag and Marine Corps insignia tattooed on his arms to show his pride in serving a country he calls home.

When You Die, VA Will Provide a Free Grave Marker; Military.com

Veterans who served our country deserve lasting recognition, and the Department of Veterans Affairs offers just that. The VA provides, at no cost, government-issued headstones, markers or medallions to honor eligible veterans. 

Retirement Pay + Disability Pay at the Same Time: How it Can Work; Military.com

Can a military retiree get Department of Veterans Affairs disability pay while also drawing military retirement pay? With concurrent retirement and disability pay (CRDP), the answer for many veterans is yes.

Netanyahu agrees to Trump peace deal. If Hamas refuses, Trump offers Israel full support to keep fighting.; The Washington Post

The plan, which is subject to approval by Hamas, would require an immediate ceasefire as well as the release of all remaining Israeli hostages within 72 hours of both sides agreeing to the deal

VFW Action Corps Weekly

• VFW National Commander Makes Her Mark at Influencer Conference
• VFW Joins DPAA and Others for Artifacts Handover
• VFW Accredited Representatives Receive Intensive Training
• Legislative Director Shares Priorities with Service Officer Corps
• Report on DOD Relocation Program Oversight
• MIA Update

Five Things to Know; The American Legion

• How looming government shutdown impacts U.S. military
• Taliban frees U.S. citizen from Afghan prison
• Netanyahu to meet with Trump amid pressure to end war
• U.S. considers selling missiles to Ukraine
• North Korea & China agree to strengthen bilateral ties

Homeless shelter in Des Moines could expand capacity under agreement; DMR

Des Moines could also remove a provision from its camping ban that prevents fining individuals found sleeping outside if shelters are full.

Boat Strikes, Warships and Venezuela Rhetoric Raise Questions About Trump's Goals; AP/ Military.com

President Donald Trump has dispatched a fleet of American warships into the waters off Venezuela, bragged about fatal strikes on alleged drug boats and claimed Venezuela will pay an “incalculable” price if it won't accept more people deported from the U.S.The unusual naval buildup off South America has stoked fears of invasion in Venezuela and speculation that Trump could try to topple its authoritarian president, Nicolás Maduro, who has lost support in his own country and faces charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S.

Which Iowa universities rank the best in 2026? UI drops from top 100; DMR

No university in Iowa ranked in the top 100 schools for U.S. News' Best Colleges list in 2026 after the University of Iowa dropped four spots.

Half the states don’t have enough money to cover all their bills, report finds; Iowa Capital Dispatch

Half of American states do not have enough funds to pay their bills, according to a new analysis, Stateline reports.

A federal government shutdown is nearing. Here’s a guide for what to expect.; Iowa Capital Dispatch

Congress’ failure to pass a short-term government funding bill before midnight Tuesday will lead to the first shutdown in nearly seven years and give President Donald Trump broad authority to determine what federal operations keep running — which will have a huge impact on the government, its employees, states and Americans.

Feds bust scammers known as ‘Wildboy,’ ‘Low Ball’ and others for targeting military members; Task & Purpose

“Wildboy,” “Fatty,” “Jizzle” and several other scammers with colorful noms de guerre are in hot water with the feds after allegedly duping hundreds of Navy Federal Credit Union customers out of up to $2 million.

Trump will speak at a hastily-called meeting of top military leaders, AP source says; AP

President Donald Trump will speak at a hastily called meeting of top military leaders on Tuesday, according to a White House official.

Trump says he will send troops to Portland; AP/Military Times

President Donald Trump said Saturday that he will send troops to Portland, “authorizing Full Force, if necessary” to handle “domestic terrorists” as he expands his deployments to more American cities.

Election in Moldova, Adams Drops NYC Mayoral Bid, Shooting at Michigan Mormon Church; SOFREP

On a single volatile Sunday, Moldova votes under disinformation crossfire with fraud claims ricocheting across Telegram, New York’s mayoral race snaps into a Mamdani–Cuomo knife fight after Eric Adams bows out, and a Michigan LDS congregation endures gunfire and flames in its sanctuary.

Omaha nonprofit connects veterans, first responders with music; WOWT

This weekend local veterans, first responders and service members are sharing their stories and original music onstage.

Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs Fall Quarterly Meeting, Iowa Veterans Home ; YouTube

Event Date & Time Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 10:00 am Event Location Iowa Veterans Home 1301 Summit St. Marshalltown, IA 50158 Visit the event ...

Author to host book signing in Oskaloosa | Local News

Oskaloosa Herald

OSKALOOSA — Terri Krupp, an Air Force veteran and educator turned author, will hold a book signing Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at ...

Casey's partners with K9s For Warriors; Mass Market Retailers

Mass Market Retailers

Veteran Stand Down event to provide support for struggling veterans - ABC 6 News - KAAL

KAAL

For many veterans, the struggle doesn't end when they come home. A one-day event in North Iowa on Saturday is helping them face those challenges ...

Marchers walk 18K to raise money to prevent veteran suicide; KWQC

KWQC

Community members in backpacks and camouflage marched Saturday around the streets of Monona and Madison to raise money and awareness for local veterans’ programs.

Social media erupts after ICE arrest of superintendent in Iowa: 'Crazy story'; Yahoo

The U.S. military has conducted three strikes on suspected drug smugglers and what Trump claims are members of the Venezuelan criminal organization, ...

Iowa WWII veteran known as 'The Drummer' shares gift of music this holiday season; MSN

Music is magic for the soul, whether it's listening to it, dancing to it or making it. A WWII veteran living at the Iowa Veterans Home lives for ...

Asian shrine to be built in Des Moines to honor 50 years of refugees; DMR

The project honors the Southeast Asian families who, through the late Gov. Robert D. Ray's efforts, began resettling in the state 50 years ago.

Administration's 21-point proposal leaves door open for a Palestinian state; The Washington Post

The Trump administration's 21-point plan, which was obtained by The Washington Post, outlines an agreement for Hamas disarmament, an international security force and a “Trump development plan” to rebuild the shattered enclave. But Israel might balk at some proposals.

Opinion: The Bolduc Brief: The Importance of Free Speech and Freedom of the Press and the Danger of Revisiting History; SOFREP

Free speech isn’t a partisan luxury—it’s the guardrail that keeps America from skidding back into the ditch we saw with the Sedition Act...

Evening Brief: Trump’s 21 Point Gaza Plan, West African Nations Withdraw from International Criminal Court; SOFREP

As Trump pushes a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal with an Arab-backed stabilization force, Sahel juntas walk out on the ICC in the name of “sovereignty,” and Kim races to crack ICBM re-entry—hard power is edging out referees. It's Saturday, September 27th, 2025. 

New details emerge on Hegseth’s unusual mass gathering of top brass; The Washington Post

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has summoned hundreds of generals for what is expected to be a short lecture on the “warrior ethos.” But top brass is bracing for possible firings or demotions.

This blue state governor sent the National Guard to her biggest city; The Washington Post

4 vaccines linked to a lower risk of dementia; The Washington Post

Vaccines don’t just protect us from infectious diseases or lessen their effects. Some are also associated with a reduced risk for dementia, research shows.

USDA to require SNAP retailers to provide more ‘staple’ ‘healthy’ and ‘whole’ foods; Iowa Capital Dispatch

The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to require more “healthy” food on the shelves of retailers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 

Evening Brief: Netanyahu Defends Gaza War at UN, UN Rejects Bid to Delay Sanctions on Iran, Europe to Build ‘Drone Wall’; SOFREP

• CTE confirmed in NYC shooter
• UN rejects Iran delay
• EU plans anti-drone wall

Opinion: The Bolduc Brief: The Warrior Ethos, Deterrence, and Rebuilding the Military – Navigating Challenges in National Defense; SOFREP

The concept of the warrior ethos is central to the effectiveness and integrity of the United States military. Rooted in principles of honor, courage, and commitment, this ethos is essential for fostering a culture of resilience and accountability among servicemembers. However, the ongoing influence of political parties and their respective policies poses significant challenges to the development and maintenance of this ethos, impacting the military’s ability to effectively prepare for and engage in warfare, back up deterrence strategies, and ensure future readiness and relevance.

Opinion: This polarization is poisonous. But there are partial victories; The Washington Post

This is a nation of 340 million people who have differing views on many, many things. We have to find a way to accept partial victories, half measures and brokered compromises. No one in Washington dare say this, for fear that they will be lambasted by their base and by the vigilantes on social media, but perhaps it is a mark of some small progress that, day by day, in state after state, in small ways, we are actually doing it.

Chance of government shutdown rises as US Senate fails to advance spending bill; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

The U.S. Senate deadlocked Friday over how to fund the government past a deadline at the end of September, escalating the odds of a shutdown and heightening tensions on Capitol Hill.

BattleGround to Breaking Ground Complete First Farm Business Plan Competition; Farmer-Veteran Coalition

BattleGround to Breaking Ground has completed their first ever Business Planning Competition, with $2,000 being awarded to support BGBG graduates to grow their business.

DMPS superintendent arrested by ICE, district says; DMR

"We have no confirmed information as to why Dr. Roberts is being detained or the next potential steps," the district's release states.

The Power of Prevention: Using the TRICARE Dental Program Benefit To Save You Money; Tricare

When it comes to your oral health, a little prevention goes a long way. That’s why the TRICARE Dental Program covers two routine dental cleanings and examinations each year.

Man Who Fired on ICE Facility Hated US Government, Sought to Kill Federal Agents, Officials Say; AP/Military.com

The gunman who opened fire on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas hated the U.S. government and wanted to incite terror by killing federal agents, officials said Thursday, a day after the attack that killed a detainee and critically wounded two others.

'No Veteran's Record Is Safe': Feds Release New Jersey Gubernatorial Candidate's Military Docs; NJ.com

New Jersey’s already heated governor’s race was thrown into chaos Thursday after a branch of the National Archives admitted to releasing Democrat Mikie Sherrill‘s military files with personal information to an ally of her Republican challenger.

New Census estimates show: 'We are a suburban state'; DMR

“I like to say that Iowa isn’t a rural state anymore, but we’re not an urban state either,” said Dave Peters, a sociologist who researches rural policy at Iowa State University. “We’re a suburban state.”

Marine Corps Heritage Foundation Recognizes Linn County VSO; Facebook

Iowa Goldstar Military Museum celebrates 250 years of Army, Navy, and Marines with birthday bash; WHO13.com

The Vicksburg National Military Park: An American Shrine; Vicksburg Post

The veterans were spurred into action by John F. Merry, a Union veteran from Iowa. Following the war, Merry became captain of the Governor’s Greys, a ceremonial militia unit. In 1894, while returning from a parade in New Orleans, the Greys stopped in Vicksburg. Although a goodwill visit, Merry’s principle objective was to sound out Southern veterans and the people of the “Hill City” as to their views on the establishment of a national military park at Vicksburg. Thus, Merry is credited as “the father of the Vicksburg park idea.”

Bill to provide tax relief to disabled veterans moves forward in the House; News From the States

North Carolina - A bill to increase the state’s disabled veteran property tax homestead exclusion amount received a favorable hearing Tuesday in the House Finance Committee. Under House Bill 118, the first $61,000 of appraised value of a disabled veterans residence would be excluded from taxation. Currently, the first $45,000 is excluded. Surviving spouses may continue to use the benefit under HB 118 unless they remarry.

Iowa National Guard breaks ground on vehicle maintenance shop; Army.mil

VA Awards Nearly $6 Million In Grants To Fight Veteran Homelessness In Iowa; VA.gov

Midwest Honor Flight Mission 27: Near-death experience gives Iowa veteran a new perspective; Dakota News Now

Central Iowa nonprofit plans to give 13 more unclaimed veterans their Final Salute in early October; KCCI

Early next month, a local nonprofit will lay 13 more unclaimed central Iowa veterans to rest, including two who served in World War I. The Final Salute will hold its eighth service on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Lutheran Church of Hope in Waukee, with a burial to follow at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Salute to Service: Nominate a Veteran to Win a Titan Flagpole; KCHA NEWS

Honoring those who’ve worn the uniform matters. 95.9 KCHA, with Cedar Valley Sales & Storage (Veteran owned), is giving one local Veteran a Titan Telescoping Flagpole with professional installation. Nominate a deserving Veteran below. We’ll announce the winner live on the morning show, Tuesday, November 11.

Supervisors appoint new VA commissioner, vote to keep accidental tax abatement in place; Times Republican

“That's always been my dream after I decide to retire from the Iowa Army National Guard here in six months is to help the veteran community. I've ...

Remembering those who have fallen in the never ending war against terrorism; Solon Economist

“With 99 Iowans on the Wall ... COL (RET) Todd Jacobus, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs Commandant ...

Father and son receive quilts of valor on dad's birthday; Daily Gate City

And to make the day even more special, his son, Paul Booth Jr. of Winterset, Iowa, also a veteran – was presented a quilt of valor, both presentations ..

Homecoming events for Iowan who's VFW national commander; Radio Iowa

A majority of US children rely on Medicaid or CHIP, new study finds; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

A majority of children in the United States rely on Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program at some point by their 18th birthday, and many experience periods of coverage loss, according to a study published in the journal JAMA, Stateline reports.

Agriculture secretary announces major crops purchase, antitrust efforts at Kansas City conference; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Thursday plans to boost American farmers by purchasing millions of bushels of crops.

USDA to require SNAP retailers to provide more ‘staple’ ‘healthy’ and ‘whole’ foods; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to require more “healthy” food on the shelves of retailers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. According to a news release from the department, this decision fits with the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. In Iowa, it could make it more difficult for small, nontraditional stores to participate in the program and therefore lower SNAP accessibility.

Woodbury County sued as ICE detainees remain jailed despite judges’ orders; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

A western Iowa county is being sued over the federal government’s refusal to release jailed immigration detainees, even in cases where judges have ordered their release on bond.

Hegseth says Wounded Knee soldiers can keep their Medals of Honor; Stars & Stripes

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said 20 soldiers who received the Medal of Honor for their actions in 1890 during the Battle of Wounded Knee will keep their awards, in a video Thursday night.

Trump says he ‘will not allow’ Israel to annex occupied West Bank; Al-Jazeera

United States President Donald Trump has said that Israel cannot annex the occupied West Bank, a statement that puts him firmly at odds with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his ultranationalist government who have been pressing for annexation of the Palestinian territory. 

Billboards aimed at troops ask ‘is this what you signed up for?’; Task & Purpose

“Did you go to Airborne just to pull security for ICE?” a billboard asks in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The billboard is one of two put up last week in North Carolina outside of two of the largest military bases, the Army’s Fort Bragg and the Marine Corps’ Camp Lejeune.

Longest-serving active duty Marine to retire after 42 years; Task & Purpose

When Lt. Col. Rhonda C. Martin was 19 years old, she unintentionally walked into a Marine recruiting office on her way to join the Peace Corps.

New Pentagon strategy to focus on homeland, Western Hemisphere; Military Times

The Pentagon’s top national security focus will mirror that of President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda, with multiple U.S. officials telling Military Times that the department will prioritize protecting the homeland and the Western Hemisphere...

Pentagon Eases Flu Shot Mandate, Trump to Host Erdogan at White House, North Korea Running Uranium Enrichment Sites; SOFREP

Pentagon eases flu shot rule, NORAD intercepts Russian jets, Ladakh unrest grows.

Defense Secretary Convenes Top Brass, Abbas Rejects Hamas Role in Postwar Gaza, Iran Suspected of Fresh Missile Launch; SOFREP

Hegseth calls rare military meeting, Dallas ICE attack probed, Iran test suspected. Here’s what’s making headlines this Thursday evening.

Government Accountability Office Confirms the Obvious: US Transportation Command Leadership Failed Military Families; SOFREP

The GAO’s report confirms what military families already lived through firsthand—that TRANSCOM gambled billions on an untested contractor, covered up its failures, and left service members holding the bill while senior leaders escaped accountability.

Hegseth orders rare, urgent meeting of hundreds of generals, admirals; Washington Post

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered hundreds of the U.S. military’s generals and admirals to gather on short notice — and without a stated reason — at a Marine Corps base in Virginia next week, sowing confusion and alarm after the Trump administration’s firing of numerous senior leaders this year.

National Guard or Reserve? Learn What To Do if You Need Line of Duty Care; Tricare

NORAD tracks Russian bombers, fighters in Alaska air defense zone; The American Legion

North American Aerospace Defense Command intercepted four Russian aircraft Wednesday in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone, the command announced the following day. 

These 10 Iowa cities have seen the steepest post-pandemic population drops; DMR

While Iowa’s population has grown overall since 2020, many of its cities have lost residents, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates. 

VA doctor from Ottumwa agrees to indefinite license suspension; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

A Veterans Administration physician from Ottumwa has agreed to an indefinite suspension of his license.

Sen. Mike Klimesh elected Iowa Senate majority leader; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

Sen. Mike Klimesh, R-Spillville, was elected Wednesday to serve as Iowa Senate majority leader, taking over the role from Sen. Jack Whitver.

What to know about the shooting at a Dallas immigration facility; AP/Military.com

A gunman fired upon a Dallas immigration field office from a nearby roof Wednesday morning, killing one detainee and critically wounding two others before taking his own life in what authorities called an indiscriminate attack on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement...

White House budget office tells agencies to draft mass firing plans ahead of potential shutdown; AP/Military.com

The White House is telling agencies to prepare large-scale firings of federal workers if the government shuts down next week.

Here’s how looming government shutdown could affect troops, families; Military Times

A possible partial government shutdown next week could delay military paychecks and affect other programs and services for troops and families.

Maryland loses last A-10s, becomes the only Air Guard without planes; Military Times

The long-planned divestment of Maryland’s A-10C Thunderbolt II warplanes this week left the state’s Air National Guard as the only one in the U.S. without a flying mission.

After an Attack on an ICE Facility, Its Boss Hopes to Turn Down the Temperature; The Free Press

The agency’s acting director, Todd Lyons, says that hostility from activists and elected officials is encouraging violence against immigration agents.

VA awards $84M in grants to fight Veteran homelessness; VA.gov

The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced $84 million in grants to 176 organizations across the country to help Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

County public health director: No definitive identification of Legionella source through testing thus far; Marshalltown T-R

Near the beginning of Wednesday morning’s Board of Supervisors meeting, Marshall County Public Health Director Sydney Grewell provided another update on the Legionellosis outbreak and the ongoing search for the source of the bacteria, which...

Switch from DS Logon to Login.gov or ID.me by September 30 ; VA.gov

After Sept. 30, 2025, Veterans will have two secure options to sign in to VA.gov and VA mobile apps―a Login.gov account or ID.me account. Most Veterans have already made the switch. If you’re still using a DS Logon username and password, we want to make sure you’re prepared when this option is discontinued by the end of September.  

'A state to pay attention to': Iowa politics gets yet another shakeup going into 2026; The Des Moines Register

Victoria Sharp | VA Iowa City Health Care | Veterans Affairs

How to reintegrate over a million veterans? Groups in Ukraine are working on it | Iowa Public Radio

Hunting Applications | Department of Natural Resources - Iowa DNR

Veteran honored with lost medals, another awarded Quilt of Honor in Adair County - WHOTV  Facebook

Larry Larson of the Iowa Veterans Home (IVH) had been collecting “honor” coins ... ; Marshalltown T-R Facebook

Veterans Get Free Tickets Thanks to Vet Tix; Military.com

Military life is hard work. So when the work day is done, it’s a nice break for the members of our military community -- whether currently serving or veterans -- to head out on the town with family or friends to see a concert or catch a ball game. Events like this are a great way to spend much-needed time with family or re-integrate after a deployment.

Veterans Who Lac;k Citizenship Fear Being Swept Up in Trump's Deportations; AP/Military.com

After serving with the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq, Julio Torres has the American flag and Marine Corps insignia tattooed on his arms to show his pride in serving a country he calls home.

‘Your countries are going to hell’: Trump lashes out at world leaders at UN; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

President Donald Trump harshly criticized fellow world leaders Tuesday at the United Nations General Assembly days after key allies of the United States recognized a Palestinian state, and as NATO vows to defend Europe amid recent Russian air incursions.

Hegseth terminates women’s advisory group, slams ‘divisive agenda’; Military Times 

The Pentagon has announced plans to terminate a 75-year-old advisory committee serving female service members, citing a “divisive” and harmful agenda — days after a previous memo established plans for reactivating it.

[Opinion] COMMON GROUND: “THE OFF-RAMP”-GOVERNOR SPENCER COX; Christie Vilsack

The governor’s words left me feeling hopeful about the future of our democracy and about our ability as individuals to make progress, however slow or unmeasurable, towards a time when we can once again be civil, especially when we disagree with one another. I am hopeful that there are other leaders out there who think before they speak and speak to all of us, not just those who voted for them.

Des Moines set goals to remove barriers to services for homeless people. Did it meet them?; DMR

• Des Moines has made progress on initiatives to help its homeless population, including providing pet shelter and storage for belongings.
• While some goals have been met, others, like establishing non-group shelters and temporary campsites, are still in development.

The Bolduc Brief: The Pros and Cons of a Two-State Solution Between Israel and Palestine; SOFREP

A two-state solution may hold the promise of peace and self-determination, but the hard truths of history, security fears, and fractured leadership continue to stand in its way.

Learn How TRICARE Can Help You Manage Chronic Health Conditions; Tricare-West

Living with a chronic health condition can feel hard. But you don’t have to do it alone. TRICARE offers programs and coverage to help you live better with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, and depression.

Eastern Iowa Honor Flight wants supporters to join welcome home event; cbs2iowa.com

An Eastern Iowa veteran reflects at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. during the 55th Eastern Iowa Honor Flight on Wednesday, ...

Merck, AABP award $90,000 in vet student scholarships - Beef Magazine

Widow claims funeral home kept husband's ashes for 27 years without telling her - KCRG

Operation Golden Hawk holding Stand Down event for veterans - ABC 6 News - kaaltv.com

H.R. 2623, the Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act; DAV

We support H.R. 2623, the Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act, in accordance with DAV Resolution No. 640, which calls for legislation directing the VA to research and make available effective psychedelic compounds for treating mental health conditions and traumatic brain injury.

West Point Is Violating the First Amendment with a Crackdown on Professors, Lawsuit Says;  AP/Military.com

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is banning opinions by professors in the classroom and some books and courses in a crackdown that violates the First Amendment, a law professor at the military school said in a lawsuit Monday seeking class action status.

New Mexico's Health Care Crisis Is Forcing Military Personnel to Decline Assignments; Alamogordo Daily News, N.M./Military.com

At New Mexico's three Air Force bases — Kirtland in Albuquerque, Cannon near Clovis and Holloman outside of Alamogordo — the lack of specialty medical care is a major deterrent to service members who are assigned there, U.S. Air Force officials said.

What Americans really think about political violence; YouGov

The shooting death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk this week has sparked a national debate about political violence — and YouGov has been polling regularly to find out what Americans are thinking. News is still coming in about alleged shooter Tyler Robinson, but here are some of the takeaways from YouGov's polling so far...

Feds look for law enforcement office in Des Moines, reports say for ICE; DMR

Des Moines is among a dozen cities where the federal government is looking for law enforcement administrative offices

Hawkeye Community College sees senior program funding return; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

After federal funding shifts forced an Iowa community college to close a decades-old program for its community’s older adult residents, Hawkeye Community College announced Monday it has received grant funding to relaunch and continue the initiative.

Navy issues instructions for reporting improper social media use; Military Times

The Chief of Naval Operations released a Sept. 15 memo that provides guidance on how to report unprofessional social media use.

Hegseth’s purge of service members cheering Kirk killing comes under heavy scrutiny; The Hill

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s campaign to oust service members celebrating or mocking the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk online has already seen at least eight people suspended or placed under investigation, with legal experts warning of a chilling effect on free speech.

American Soldiers Don’t Wear American Combat Boots; The Free Press

America has a combat boot problem. We have the world’s mightiest military force, yet most of the boots soldiers wear aren’t made in America. How to solve that problem is a raging battle.

Joni Ernst talks pressure from Trump, decision not to seek reelection; DMR

"The president didn’t speak to me for about a week after that," Ernst said. "But he called last Thursday. He’s OK. We’re good again.

Kelly Garcia resigns from Iowa HHS, Kim Reynolds appoints new director; DMR

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Director Kelly Garcia has resigned and will leave the agency in October. The DIAL head will succeed her.

Second death linked to Legionnaires’ outbreak in Marshall County; Marshalltown T-R

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting a second death associated with the Legionella outbreak in Marshalltown. The individual, an elderly adult with multiple underlying health conditions, passed away on Thursday, ...

Hegseth Speaks at POW/MIA Ceremony; DVIDS

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks at the National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony at the Pentagon, Sept. 19, 2025.

VFW Action Corps Weekly; VFW

• House Passes NDAA Including VFW-Backed TAP Promotion Act
• House Passes 14 Veteran Bills
• VFW Supports 3rd Annual TAPS Gold Star Families Advocacy Week
• VA Dedicates New National Cemetery
• MIA Update

Five Things to Know, Sept. 22, 2025; Amierican Legion

Opinioin: Veterans’ Private Residential Treatment Must Match VA’s Quality and Cost; Military.com

Last April, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) secured a $19.75 million fraud settlement with Seabrook, a major addiction treatment center in New Jersey. Between 2022 and 2024, Seabrook allegedly misrepresented its offerings, falsified its records and provided services by staff who were unqualified to treat patients with these disorders.

The Taliban Reject Trump’s Bid to Retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan; Military.com/AP

The Taliban government on Sunday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s bid to retake Bagram Air Base, four years after America’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan left the sprawling military facility in the Taliban's hands.

Iowa politics gets yet another shakeup going into 2026: What it means; DMR

Just as Iowa's political landscape was starting to settle, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst has again upended the playing field. Can Democrats capitalize?

Meet the Vietnam vet who's worked at the VA hospital more than 50 years; DMR

The always smiling 76-year-old has worked at the Des Moines VA Medical Center for 53 years after a tour in Vietnam as a teenager.

State lawmakers ask Trump administration to end its review of state regs; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

Earlier this week, the National Conference of State Legislatures wrote to federal leaders, citing bipartisan concern about recent federal actions that, in its view, attempt to undermine the authority of state governments.

CDC panel opts against requiring COVID shot prescription, but wants greater emphasis on its risks;  Iowa Capitol Dispatch

The top vaccine advisory committee at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted Friday to change long-standing recommendations around COVID-19 vaccine access for children and adults, though a proposal to require prescriptions for all individuals seeking the shot narrowly failed, Georgia Recorder reports.

Senate confirms Mahoney as Joint Chiefs vice chairman; Stars & Stripes

The Senate on Friday confirmed Marine Corps Gen. Christopher Mahoney to serve as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the military’s second-highest ranking officer...

Senate rejects competing funding bills, increasing shutdown risk; AP

The Senate rejected competing measures on Friday to fund federal agencies for a few weeks when the new budget year begins on Oct. 1, increasing prospects for a partial government shutdown on that date.

Pentagon takes step toward potentially privatizing commissaries; Military Times

Commissary officials have taken the first step toward the potential privatization of the military grocery stores, seeking input from the commercial grocery industry on whether they could take over the operation of 178 commissaries across the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

US forces kill ISIS commander in charge of international attacks; Task & Purpose

American and Iraqi forces killed the head of the Islamic State group’s international operations in an early morning raid in Syria...

Pentagon unveils new media restrictions in effort to quash leaks; The Hill 

The Pentagon unveiled new restrictions on reporters covering the Defense Department (DOD) on Friday, asking them to pledge not to publish information that has not been authorized by the administration or risk losing access to the building. 

U.K., Canada, Australia recognize Palestinian state, reversing decades-long positions in breaking with the U.S.; Washington Post

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government would formally recognize a state of Palestine, making good on a pledge to do so if Israel refused to implement a ceasefire in Gaza and commit to work toward a two-state solution. Canada and Australia also announced recognition of Palestine in statements issued Sunday.

Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation Invites Iowans to nominate veteran heroes (copy); Mississippi Valley Publishing

WEST DES MOINES — The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation is proud to unveil its latest initiative honoring veterans — the ‘My Veteran Hero’ hat.

Feenstra backs bill ensuring permanent telehealth prescription access for Iowa veterans; Sioux City Times

Vietnam veteran aboard Honor Flight shares his story; KWQC

Vietnam veteran aboard the 63rd Honor Flight of the Quad Cities shares his story ... Iowa News · National · TV6 Investigates · Inside Iowa Politics · We ...

Locally based trucking firm honors military veterans with specially designed truck | Tri-state News; Telegraph Herald

EAST DUBUQUE, Ill. — Ivan Elieff said he is ready for the extra attention when he takes his newly decorated truck on the road.

Veterans head to D.C. for 63rd Honor Flight of the Quad Cities; KWQC

A-7D Corsair Jet brings back memories for 1 Vietnam veteran; SiouxlandProud

Veteran honored with lost medals, another awarded Quilt of Honor in Adair County; WHO13.com

GREENFIELD, Iowa– The Adair County Veterans Affairs Office staged another Veterans Fair last week at the Adair County Fairgrounds.

Event bridges gap between veterans, support services; Kirkwood Communiqué

The 19th annual Five Seasons Stand Down was held on Sept. 4 at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids. 

Saluting Branches returns to Iowa Veterans Home;  - Marshallltown Times Republican

Saluting Branches, a nonprofit organization of arborists and volunteers dedicated to “honoring and assisting veterans by providing tree care ...

Nathan Sage stumps in Burlington; The Hawk Eye; Mississippi Valley Publishing

Correctionville American Legion highlights veterans with new tribute memory wall; KTIV

Poker run to help veterans connect and heal; KELOLAND.com

There’s a poker run this weekend that is going to help create outdoor opportunities for veterans. While it’s quiet now, the Sports Center in Larchwood, Iowa, will be home base for the 3rd Annual Hero Haven All Vehicle Poker Run this Saturday.

A Brotherhood on Wheels: How Veterans are Riding to Heal; KTIV

For many veterans, the return to civilian life is a battlefield of a different kind. The invisible wounds of service—depression, loneliness, and a sense of purposelessness—can lead to a dark and isolating road.

A day they'll never forget: Quad-Cities veterans take Honor Flight to DC; KWQC

WASHINGTON (KWQC) - Seeing the memorials built in their honor was more emotional than expected. “It’s unreal how it is,” Ike Lind, a Vietnam veteran, said. “It’s crazy. It’s just almost tear-jerking, just being around the people, you know, it’s a bunch of brothers enjoying one another.”

Oskaloosa's Kim Dixon Installed as President of American Legion Auxiliary of Iowa; Oskaloosa News

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Leadership in Iowa's veterans community has taken on a distinctly local flavor this year. On July 20, Oskaloosa's own Kim Dixon ...

GOP bill to fund veterans housing program gets hearing, but not in time to stop closures; News From The States

Korean War Veterans Association, American Legion recognize POW/MIA Day; Washington Co. Daily News

Larchwood poker run works to help veterans connect and heal - KCAU

What the Fed rate cut means for your home, car and credit card loans; Washington Post

The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday that it will cut interest rates for the first time this year — but the quarter-point reduction probably won’t mean the mortgage rate or car loan you’ve been eyeing will suddenly drop.

Chance of government shutdown rises as US Senate fails to advance spending bill; News from the States

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate deadlocked Friday over how to fund the government past a deadline at the end of September, escalating the odds of a shutdown and heightening tensions on Capitol Hill. 

Iowa AG leads letter warning colleges against high security fees for conservative voices; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is leading a group of states in advocating for free speech on college campuses and calling on university leadership to not give into the “Assassin’s Veto,” according to a letter released Thursday. The letter cautions college officials against stifling free speech and debate in the name of protecting it through unfair or disproportionate security measures and costs.

Ernst to Host Service Academy Open House; Office of Sen. Joni Ernst

RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) will host a service academy open house on Saturday, September 20, 2025, in Johnston, Iowa for students interested in applying to one of our nation’s military academies. As a U.S. Army veteran, Ernst is honored to have the opportunity every year to nominate up to 15 eligible Iowa students for each U.S. service academy.

Inside the Space Force as it prepares for a new kind of war; Washington Post

t looked more like a satellite television dish than a weapon. But the antenna could fire enough electromagnetic energy to fry the satellite 22,000 miles away. That was not the plan for tonight’s attack, however...

My weekly column: Supporting our veterans and honoring their service; Rep. Randy Feenstra

Meeting with Iowa veterans and ensuring that, as a grateful state and nation, we support these heroes through the best healthcare and services that we have to offer is a top priority for me. Earlier this September, I had the pleasure of sitting down with fellow Iowan and new National Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Carol Whitmore, who is the first Iowan elected to the position. We discussed the challenges our veterans face and effective solutions to barriers like access to healthcare...

Garwin Legion working to replace flags at Garwin Union Cemetery; Marshalltown T-R

The Garwin Legion Post #71 has to replace 50 of the 90 flags at the Garwin Cemetery used primarily on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The cost of the flags will be $1,250.00. Pat Smith has made 250 Worry Worms at a cost of $5 each, and the ...

Des Moines resident Carol Whitmore elected national commander of VFW; DMR

Des Moines resident Carol Whitmore has become the first woman and the first Iowan to lead the Veterans of Foreign Wars as Commander-in-Chief.

Lawmakers Question Resiliency of US Army Corps of Engineers After Cuts; MassLive.com/Military.com

Describing the organization as “critical to public safety,” a group of Massachusetts lawmakers asked leaders of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers whether staff reductions have eroded its ability to prepare for the next big storm.

US Again Vetoes Security Council Resolution Demanding Immediate Gaza Ceasefire, Hostage Release; AP/Military.com

UNITED NATIONS — The United States again vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution Thursday that had demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages after saying that the effort did not go far enough in condemning Hamas.

Muhammad Ali's Unsigned Military Draft Card, a Piece of Vietnam-Era History, Will Be Auctioned; AP/Military.com

Muhammad Ali's refusal to sign his Vietnam-era military draft card upended the boxing champ's life and added a powerful voice to the anti-war movement. Now that piece of history is coming up for sale.

Gun Advocates Petition Massachusetts' Highest Court to Free Veteran Facing Gun Possession Charges; Boston Herald/Military.com

A coalition of local gun advocates is pushing the state’s highest court to order the release of a decorated Air Force veteran from jail while he awaits trial on gun possession charges, arguing that two judges incorrectly found the man dangerous and made him a “political prisoner.”

Restaurant Fined $25K for Kicking Out Disabled Veteran, Service Dog; Military.com 

A Lexington, Kentucky, restaurant has been fined $25,000 by the Lexington Human Rights Commission for discriminating against a patron over her service dog.

Trump Suggests US Troops Could Return to Base in Afghanistan, Citing Its Proximity to Rival China; AP/Military.com

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Thursday suggested that he is working to reestablish a U.S. presence at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, four years after America’s chaotic withdrawal from the country left the base in the Taliban’s hands.

Unlock Your Health: Learn When To Get Different Types of Care; Tricare West

When a health issue comes up, knowing where to go for care can make a big difference. Whether it’s an accident or an illness, TRICARE covers a range of health care services—but the type of care you need determines where you should go.

US rolls toward a 'terrible' government shutdown, no exit ramp in sight; News From the States

WASHINGTON — Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill have entered a stalemate over whether to fund the government for seven weeks or begin a shutdown that could last considerably longer, amid high partisan tensions.

Op-EdThe Manufactured Fights That Hollowed Out America; ; SOFREP

I came home from Ukraine, where the lines of division were drawn in blood and artillery. When I left, America’s politics were already fractured; when I returned, they felt unrecognizable. The assassination of Charlie Kirk—whatever one thinks of his ideas—didn’t emerge in a vacuum. It was the culmination of years of manufactured battles, exaggerated crises, and partisan trench warfare that made violence seem inevitable.

What the law says as Trump tries to designate ‘antifa’ a terrorist group; Washington Post

President Donald Trump said late Wednesday in a Truth Social post that he is designating “antifa,” a decentralized, leftist ideology adhered to by various individuals and groups, as a terrorist organization, days after raising the prospect in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting.

Trump says he is working to get Afghan air base from Taliban; Washington Post

Such an outcome would signify a remarkable rapprochement after the U.S. fought a 20-year war against the militant group.

Unlock Your Health: How TRICARE Can Support Your Child’s Mental Health; Tricare West

Childhood and teen years can be full of ups and downs. It’s normal for kids to be sad or irritable or to have trouble paying attention or interacting with others at times. But sometimes, these feelings and behaviors are signs that your child could need mental health care.

House advances 10 American Legion-endorsed bills; American Legion

This week, the House of Representatives passed 14 pieces of veteran-related legislation. These bills represent a wide array of American Legion priorities, including improving access to care, investing in education opportunities for veterans transitioning out of military life, and properly honoring our fallen servicemembers. 

Veteran Charged with Ramming Car into FBI Gate in Pittsburgh Later Used Latin Phrase About Tyrants; AP

 PITTSBURGH — A man who rammed a car into an FBI security gate in Pittsburgh and covered it in an American flag Wednesday later said he did it to “make a statement," the FBI said.

Military Veteran Says Having His Security Clearance Revoked Gave Added Incentive for Senate Run; AP

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Joel Willett, a military veteran and former CIA officer, launched his Democratic campaign for the U.S. Senate from Kentucky on Wednesday, saying the recent fallout from having his security clearance revoked by the Trump administration gave him added incentive to run.

Deaths prompt state lawmakers to consider new hyperbaric oxygen therapy rules; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

A death in Michigan and another fatality less than six months later at a wellness clinic in Arizona have thrown a spotlight on the largely unregulated world of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Stateline reports.

Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig calls for U.S. to pursue new markets amid trade war, tariff concerns; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said Wednesday the U.S. needs to explore new global markets amid ongoing trade wars, referencing the recent Iowa delegation trip to India as an area where Iowa farmers could see expanded business.

At least 8 troops punished for social media comments about Charlie Kirk’s death; Task & Purpose 

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death, at least eight service members have been suspended from their jobs or investigated over comments made on social media about his killing, service officials confirmed to Task & Purpose. Read More

Why Truman changed the ‘War Department’ to the ‘Department of Defense’; Military Times 

During a White House press event on Aug. 25, President Donald Trump remarked that the Department of Defense name “didn’t sound good” to him. Read More

Experts debunk DOD claim about autism therapy, demand its availability; Stars & Stripe) 

(Military Times) Defense Health Agency officials should formally authorize Applied Behavior Analysis, a widely recognized intervention to help children with autism, as a basic Tricare benefit, according to a report on the findings of a congressionally mandated independent study. Read More

Lawmakers seek to guarantee troop pay in case of a government shutdown; Stars & Stripes 

Lawmakers are scrambling to ensure troops, including members of the Coast Guard, continue to receive paychecks if congressional gridlock leads to a government shutdown on Oct. 1. Read More

Senators seek to make it easier for VA to exhume ‘disgraced’ veterans; Military Times

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators wants to make it easier to exhume and remove the remains of veterans convicted of serious crimes from national cemeteries. Read More

Wartime service helped influence civil rights advancements for Black Iowans; IPR - River to River

The service and sacrifice of Black Americans in defense of the United States is believed to be a driving force in the progress of civil rights over generations.

Bryan Exteriors holds annual roof giveaway to honor veterans; We Are Iowa Local 5

The company said it believes it is its way of giving back and leaving a lasting impression on those who deserve it.

From Army service to serving veterans, Ron Bosch has been at VA hospital over 50 years; DMR

Ron Bosch was a teen-aged soldier from Iowa serving a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1970 as a medic. Now the always smiling 76-year-old is still serving in the distribution center of the Des Moines VA Medical Center, 53 years after first starting there and 55 years after his service.

Perry Elks Lodge Collaborates with Iowa Select Farms to Award $2,500 to Veterans Casting Away Disabilities; Raccoon Valley Radio

According to Public Relations Chairperson Lisa Widick, the Elks Lodge partnered with the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation and Iowa Select Farms to give $2,500 to Veterans Casting Away Disabilities. She outlines that there are a few Elks members who are with the Veterans Casting Away Disabilities program, which is a week-long fishing event for individuals with life-changing disabilities.

Press Release: Randy Feenstra Supports Legislation to Ensure Telehealth Access for Iowa Veterans; Office of Rep. Feenstra

On September 15, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the "Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act," backed by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra. This legislation aims to allow Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare providers to prescribe medications for veterans via telehealth services permanently.

I've battled homelessness in Los Angeles and Des Moines. We need action in Iowa. | Opinion; DMR

Homelessness in Des Moines is accelerating at an alarming pace. The time for bold action is now. According to the latest Point-in-Time (PIT) count from Homeward, Polk County’s homeless services organization, 779 individuals were homeless on a single night in January 2025 — an 9% increase over the prior year count of 715 and a 35% increase over the 2022.

A 7,943% Markup on a Soap Dispenser? Warren, Ernst Bill Targets ‘Greedy’ Military Contractors; Military.com

The legislation, dubbed the “Transparency in Contract Pricing Act of 2025,” would require contractors to provide a reason if the cost of spare parts in so-called “sustainment contracts” jumps by more than 25% ... Warren, D-Mass, was joined on the legislation by fellow Democratic U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, and Iowa Republican U.S. Sens. Charles Grassley and Joni Ernst.

National Guard Plan Stirs Up Mixed Feelings from Memphis Residents; Military.com/AP

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — President Donald Trump's plan to send the National Guard into Memphis for a crime-fighting push has some residents worried that it won't help people who are struggling and could scare off visitors. Others disagree with that sentiment so much that they're offering free barbecue for the troops before they even arrive.

Senate Democrats Raise Concerns over Pentagon Plan to Use Military Lawyers as Immigration Judges; Military.com

WASHINGTON — Some Democratic senators say they are deeply concerned that a Pentagon plan to allow military lawyers to work as temporary immigration judges will violate a ban on using service members for law enforcement and affect the military justice system.

Government shutdown looms Oct. 1 as Congress struggles with stopgap spending plan; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

U.S. House Republican leaders released a seven-week stopgap government funding bill Tuesday that’s intended to avoid a shutdown when the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1

US Senate Dems push GOP for extension of expiring health care subsidies; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

A trio of Senate Democrats urged Republican lawmakers at a Tuesday press conference to extend and make permanent the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire at the end of 2025.

Federal research funding canceled in Iowa includes medical, student-driven studies; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

National Institutes of Health grant terminations hit the University of Iowa hardest out of the dozens of universities housed in the state this summer, according to a national project working to compile grant dollars that have been frozen or canceled entirely as President Donald Trump and his administration seek to end federal funding for certain research.

Disabled US Army Veteran in ‘Limbo’ at Tacoma ICE Detention Center Military.com

TACOMA — A U.S. Army veteran's immigration case remains uncertain after he was recently denied bond by a judge, family members say. As community members and elected officials continue to advocate for Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry's release from the Northwest ICE Processing Center, federal officials have taken new legal actions in recent days to deport Chaudhry, who has been living in the United States since 2000.

Polk County sets another record for number of unhoused people; DMR

Overall, the number of people experiencing homelessness increased 5% to 768, also breaking last summer's record of 729, according to data collected July 30. Most people, 423, were staying in emergency shelters, 122 were in temporary housing and 13 were in Safe Haven, a specific temporary housing project for veterans.

Iowa farmland values inch lower amid ag downturn, trade uncertainty; DMR

Iowa farmland values fall 2.2% over past year, with low corn, soybean prices depressing farm income. Still, market remains resilient despite headwinds.

What's a cooling tower? Equipment could be source of Legionnaires'; DMR

A Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Marshalltown, Iowa, could be tied to cooling towers in the city.

Beyond The Virtual Visit: The Growing Reach of VA Telehealth in 2025; Military.com

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) faces the unique challenge of providing comprehensive care to a community that is geographically dispersed, often rural, and dealing with diverse health needs often much more extensive than checkups. Telehealth initially began as a practical solution to access problems, but in 2025 it has evolved into a much broader system. Today, VA telehealth is not just about scheduling a video appointment with a doctor. It is also about building whole-person  health services reaching veterans in their homes and giving them tools to improve daily life.

Most Military Retirees Saw Medicare Costs Increase in 2025; Military.com

For 2025, most Medicare enrollees saw their premiums increase by an average of 5.9%. That means the average Medicare user will pay $185.00 monthly, a $10.30 increase from the 2024 monthly premium of $174.70.

Memphis Mayor Says He Got Confirmation National Guard Would be Deployed From Trump's TV Comments; AP

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis' mayor said Saturday that President Donald Trump's TV announcement the day before was the first hard confirmation he received that the National Guard would be sent to the city an anti-crime mission.

ICE Agents Fatally Shoot Man After Traffic Stop Near Chicago;  Chicago Tribune

A federal immigration agent fatally shot a man in northwest suburban Franklin Park, Illinois, on Friday morning after the agency says the man tried to flee a traffic stop and struck the officer with his vehicle.

Where they stand: GOP governor candidates weigh in on pipeline project; DMR

Eminent domain and property rights are emerging as a defining issue of Iowa's GOP gubernatorial primary. Here’s a look at where the candidates stand.

Hundreds of Iowans gather in vigil to mourn activist Charlie Kirk; DMR

"We will continue to carry the light of Charlie Kirk," one speaker said.

Here's what we know about Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Charlie Kirk's murder; DMR

Authorities announced they had arrested Tyler Robinson in St. George, Utah, and accused him of the murder of Charlie Kirk.

U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Democrats call for end to political violence after Charlie Kirk’s death; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland, and Iowa congressional candidates took time Saturday at the Polk County Democrats’ Steak Fry to condemn political violence in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing in Utah.

Congress tries yet again to limit president’s war powers; Task & Purpose

(Task & Purpose) Once again, lawmakers are trying to claw back their responsibility under the Constitution to declare war. On Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would repeal two authorizations for use of military force from 1991 and 2002 passed prior to the Persian Gulf and Iraq wars. Read More

Quad Cities volunteers honor patriots on Arsenal cemetery: 'My dad would do this for me'

Vet Fest returns to the Quad-Cities this weekend, adds 9.33-mile 'Ruck to Remember'

Muscatine community honors 9/11, veterans and armed forces - KWQC

Explore Available Counseling and Mental Health Services; Tricare

Black Vietnam Veteran’s Story Reveals War’s Harsh Realities 50 Years Later; NJ.com

It was May 1970, deep in the jungles of Vietnam, and 19-year-old infantryman John Smith stepped to the edge of a hill to admire the view. Then came the snap of a wire. “They must’ve thought, ‘This is a beautiful view. Someone’s going to come over here to look at it,’” said Smith, 76, of Newark. “And they were right. I tripped the wire.”

Indictment Charges Church Leaders with Swindling Millions in Military Benefits; AP

 SAVANNAH, Ga. — Leaders of a Georgia-based church with congregations in five states have been charged by federal prosecutors with swindling millions of dollars in veterans benefits from parishioners serving in the military.

Americans Mark the 24th Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks with Emotional Ceremonies; AP

America marked the 24th anniversary of the deadly attacks with solemn ceremonies in New York, at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Faith and a memory sustain widow of only Iowa resident to be killed on 9/11; DMR

Jim Cleere of Newton left his wife a message as the World Trade Center burned above his hotel on September 11, 2001. READ MORE 

Poverty dropped in most states last year, but trend could reverse as cuts loom; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

Poverty dropped last year nationwide and in 38 states, according to census estimates released Thursday.  Iowa saw no percentage change from 2023 to 2024, but has seen an increase in people signing up for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Stateline reports.

US marks 9/11 attacks amid drumbeat of political violence;  Military Times 

The United States marked 24 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks on Thursday with somber ceremonies at the Pentagon, New York and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Read More

Church leaders charged with swindling millions in military benefits; AP

(The Associated Press) Leaders of a Georgia-based church with congregations in five states have been charged by federal prosecutors with swindling millions of dollars in veterans benefits from parishioners serving in the military. Read More

Pick to lead VA benefits work faces criticism over reform proposals; Military Times

President Donald Trump’s pick to oversee veterans benefits delivery promised on Wednesday to conduct a full review of current benefits rules and processes, to potentially include controversial revisions factoring in veterans’ personal finances in their eligibility for disability awards. Read More

9/11 remembrance ceremony held Thursday morning; Marshalltown T-R

Thursday marked the 24th anniversary of one of the darkest moments in American history, the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 that claimed nearly 3,000 innocent lives in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania. At the Police/Fire ...

Ernst's 9/11 message: America spirit tested but stronger than ever | News - KIMT

Honor those who served Americans on Sept. 11 and ever since | Letters ;DMR

Reminder: GWOT Wall of Remembrance and Ruck-22 walk next week - Solon Economist

VFW Reflects on 9/11; VFW

The VFW calls on America this Sept. 11 to observe Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance and channel the resilience and unity we showed 24 years ago, honoring the memory of those who were lost. Read the VFW's full statement here.

Still Married to the Military: How Divorcing a Service Member Makes Custody a Minefield; Military.com

Life as a military spouse comes with countless unknowns and hardships. I anticipated some of those hardships when I married a man who was about to join the military -- the PCS moves, possible deployments and raising children in a transient environment. I had no idea that when marriages end in divorce, those challenges create an entirely new, unique one: custody in military life.

Disabled US Army Veteran in ‘Limbo’ at Tacoma ICE Detention Center; Seattle Times

TACOMA — A U.S. Army veteran's immigration case remains uncertain after he was recently denied bond by a judge, family members say. As community members and elected officials continue to advocate for Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry's release from the Northwest ICE Processing Center, federal officials have taken new legal actions in recent days to deport Chaudhry, who has been living in the United States since 2000.

Fear and Uncertainty Followed the Sept. 11 Attacks. What Was Real and What Was a Good Headline?; The War Horse

It sounded like gunfire. Unmoving and fully awake, I listened from my bed; our cat, Butler, burrowed into my side. It was definitely a machine gun. Our house sat half a mile inside the base’s main gate. My heart rate quickened and my mind raced. Were armed men running on foot toward us, my kids sleeping, blissfully unaware of the ongoing attack? I looked at the clock; it was after midnight. Tiptoeing to the kitchen window, I detected no foreign invaders, no neighbor executing defensive actions. It must be nothing, my brain looped, it must be nothing. I’d never been afraid to be alone, having lived much of my 13 years as a Marine Corps spouse that way.

Iowa schools shelter in place over nearby Homeland Security checks; DMR

A northern Iowa school district gave a shelter-in-place order following information about federal immigration enforcement activity. READ MORE

Iowa politicians offer prayers after Charlie Kirk fatally shot in Utah; DMR

Iowa political leaders are offering their prayers for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot while speaking at a college campus in Utah. READ MORE

Charlie Kirk killed at Utah Valley University, search for shooter continues; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has died after he was shot at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said in a news conference Wednesday afternoon that a person of interest was in custody, but that he could not elaborate. Soon after, at 6 p.m., FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X that the “subject in custody had been released after an interrogation by law enforcement.” 

Former generals say LA, DC deployments harm troop morale, apolitical reputation; Task & Purpose

(Task & Purpose) Eleven retired generals warned that recent and proposed National Guard deployments could “undermine” the military’s reputation as a trusted institution and harm troop morale. Read More

House passes $893B defense policy bill with war powers repeal; Military Times

House lawmakers on Wednesday approved plans for a $893 billion defense authorization bill despite strong objections from Democratic lawmakers about social issue fights and a lack of restrictions on presidential use of the National Guard. Read More

Lawmakers accuse Pentagon officials of ‘lack of transparency’ over UFO sightings by military personnel; Stars & Stripes

 Descriptions of mysterious aircraft that withstood a missile strike and hovered over a U.S. Air Force base highlighted veterans’ firsthand reports of UFO sightings at a dramatic hearing by a special House task force collecting evidence on “unidentified anomalous phenomena.” Read More

Air Force test pilot picked to command year-long Mars simulation mission; Task & Purpose

An Air Force test pilot will lead a four-person NASA crew living for a year inside a simulated Mars habitat as the space agency gears up for future long-term flights. Read More

State epidemiologist says source of Legionnaires’ outbreak is likely a cooling tower; Marshalltown T-R

With the number of local Legionnaires’ disease cases up to 34 as of Tuesday afternoon, State Epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Donahue and County Public Health Director Sydney Grewell appeared before the Marshall County Board of Supervisors on...

INTERVIEW: Fly Iowa free air show - YouTube; WHBF

Doug Collins visits Des Moines veterans - KCCI

Live in the West Region? Learn if You Need To Take Action on Your Referrals Before Oct. 1; Tricare-West

Takeaways from Trump's Federal Law Enforcement Surge in DC as His Emergency Order Is Set to Expire; AP

WASHINGTON — One month after President Donald Trump's law enforcement surge in the nation's capital, there may be less crime. There are fewer guns on the streets and fewer homeless encampments, according to official figures. But for some who work or live in Washington, D.C., the operation has sparked fear and prompted a change in how they see their place in the United States — and how they think the United States sees them.

Is Trump's Troop Buildup in US Cities a Declaration of War — or Something Else?; LA Times

LOS ANGELES -- Over the weekend, President Donald Trump shared a doctored AI image of himself as Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore, the crazed cavalry commander in the 1979 Vietnam War film, "Apocalypse Now," crouched in a black Stetson hat in front of a flaming Chicago skyline abuzz with black helicopters.

VA to Mark 9/11 Anniversary with Volunteer Opportunities at National Cemeteries; Military.com

This Thursday, 60 Veterans Affairs cemeteries will hold volunteer events as part of Patriot Day, welcoming all who want to honor the fallen from the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by helping restore and beautify the burial places of the nation’s veterans and loved ones.

RFK Jr. lists 100+ recommendations to ‘Make America Healthy Again’; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

The Trump administration released its strategy to Make America Healthy Again on Tuesday, which officials hope will reduce chronic diseases and align federal policy with their beliefs. 

States’ struggles to comply with new SNAP law will lead to benefit cuts, Dems predict; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

Democrats on a U.S. House subcommittee on food and nutrition policy warned Tuesday that big changes to the major federal nutrition assistance program in Republicans’ spending and tax cuts law this year will lead some states to cut benefits.

University of Northern Iowa to keep Army ROTC program as ‘extension unit’; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

The University of Northern Iowa Army ROTC program learned this week it will continue operations in a new capacity after it was identified for inactivation this summer.

He flipped his middle finger at a war memorial. Then he was shot dead.; (NBC News)

 Albert Sturgill Jr. was pacing alone at a memorial site for veterans, flipping his middle finger to the American flag and the monuments erected to honor generations of fallen soldiers. Read More

Advocates lobby for new approaches to preventing veteran suicides; Military Times 

A new coalition of veterans advocates wants Congress to consider new, unconventional mental health treatments to help stem the problem of veterans suicide. But first, they want to prove the treatments can work. Read More

Immigration Detentions of Military Family Members Spark Lawmaker Probe; Military.com

As stories of military family members being detained by immigration authorities pile up, dozens of Democrats are launching an investigation into how the military’s traditional protections against deportation for noncitizen service members and their families are crumbling under the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration.

100-year-old senior service agency calling for local funding - KWQC

Post 166 September Veteran of the Month | Content | communitynewspapergroup.com

Dept. of Veterans Affairs Secretary visits Des Moines, recognizes local staff for their work; KCCI

Q&A: TRICARE For Life Coverage of Weight Loss Medications; Tricare

Could National Guard Soldiers Be Deployed in Dallas to Combat Crime?; Military.com/Dallas Morning News

WASHINGTON – Texas Republicans laud President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops in D.C., saying the move has helped reduce violent crime in the nation’s capital and bolstered public safety. Trump has signaled he could do the same in other cities such as Chicago and New Orleans. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, said recently he had reason to believe Trump was preparing the Texas National Guard for deployment in his state.

Records Show the VA Failed to Treat a Father’s Common Infection. Now He’s Paying the Price.; Military.com

Anthony Walker always liked to think of himself as “the man.” He always liked to think of himself as “tough Tony.” That’s how he felt jumping out of planes while in the Army and stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. He felt it later, too, as a small-business owner, husband and a father to six children.

Governors split over mobilizing National Guard as Trump seeks more troops; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

Republican and Democratic governors, who command the National Guard in their states, are sharply divided over whether to deploy service members in furtherance of President Donald Trump’s agenda. Their decisions could shape how the nationwide military force, which counts some 430,000 members, is used for years to come.

Republicans in Congress are eager for Trump to expand his use of the military on US soil; AP

(The Associated Press) National Guard troops patrolling the streets of U.S. cities. Weapons of war deployed against international gangs suspected of drug trafficking. Military bases and resources redirected to mass immigration enforcement operations. Read More

House, Senate leaders look to speed up NDAA work this week; Military Times

(Military Times) Both chambers of Congress will work to advance the annual defense authorization bill this week, trying to navigate through hundreds of member amendment proposals and adopt final drafts to be used in upcoming conference negotiations. Read More

State Tax Information for Military Members and Retirees; Military.com

You may know that military allowances such as the Basic Allowance for Housing are tax-free. You may also know that most Department of Veterans Affairs benefits are also tax-free.

Did you know that many states do not charge income tax on active duty or retired military pay? Many others tax only a portion of these pays.

These Resorts and Hotels Are Just for Veterans and Military Members; Military.com

Exclusive resorts and hotels for veterans and military members prove it's not all work and no play with the military. Military bases worldwide are home to some truly memorable vacation spots, camping areas and affordable lodging. They provide spaces for service members and their families to relax and connect.

92-year-old Clive man shares motorcycle memories with veterans - KCCI

2025 Farmer Veteran Coalition Stakeholders Conference; Farmer Veteran Coalition

October 26-28, 2025 at the Waco Convention Center in Waco, TX. Emerging Trends in Food, Agriculture, and Health

Trump Gives DoD ‘Secondary’ Name as Department of War, Circumventing Congress; Military.com

President Donald Trump signed an executive order giving the Department of Defense the “secondary name” of the Department of War – a workaround for the fact that a formal name change requires an act of Congress.

They shall not grow old, nor be forgotten; Pat Kinney from View from the Cedar Valley

 WATERLOO — Those who come are grayer and fewer in number. But they still come — to honor their friends and loved ones who shall not grow old.Local Vietnam and Vietnam-era veterans and supporters concluded a 45=hour vigil at the Black Hawk County Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Paramount Park Sunday.

New commanders nominated to lead STRATCOM, NAVEUR; US Naval Institute News

(USNI News) The Pentagon has selected new leaders to take charge of U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, as well as tapped the next second-most senior Marine Corps officer, the Defense Department announced Friday. Read More

Trump order aims to rebrand Defense Department as Department of War;  AP

(The Associated Press) President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday aiming to rebrand the Department of Defense as the Department of War — a long-telegraphed move aimed at projecting American military toughness around the globe. Read More

Iowa HHS Announces Investigation of Legionnaires' Disease Cluster in Marshalltown

Post-9/11 Veteran Suicide Rate Started to Drop in 2020, Independent Study Finds; Military.com

A study of veterans who served after Sept. 11, 2001, shows that suicide rates have dropped significantly since 2020, a finding researchers say “gives some hope” that efforts to battle suicide among former service members are working.

According to the data, for vets with a history of traumatic brain injury, the rate declined by 12% each year from 2020 through 2022, and for vets with no diagnosis of a head injury, dipped by 7.5% each year.

Luther College research team surveys Iowa cemeteries for possible unmarked burials; Iowa Capitol Dispatch

Work completed ahead of the new school year by veteran and aspiring anthropologists at Luther College could help locate now-forgotten burial sites and survey archeological finds before putting shovel to dirt.

Report: Federal agencies have deployed nearly 33,000 employees to assist ICE; Defense One

(Defense One) Federal agencies have deployed nearly 33,000 employees to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement in its efforts to dramatically ramp up detention and deportation of undocumented individuals, according to a new report, significantly multiplying the number of employees working on enforcement efforts. Read More

DC sues Trump administration over National Guard deployment; Military Times

(Military Times) The attorney general for the District of Columbia says the nation’s capital is suing the Trump administration for deploying the National Guard within the city’s boundaries. Read More

Trump will seek ‘Department of War’ rebrand for Pentagon; AP

 President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order Friday to rebrand the Department of Defense as the Department of War, his latest effort to project an image of toughness for America’s military. Read More

Help Shape Clinical Practice Guidelines in Joint DOD, VA Patient Focus Groups: Hypertension on Sept. 26; Tricare

Chicago Prepares for an Influx of National Guard Troops and Immigration Agents; Military.com

CHICAGO — Chicago community leaders forged ahead Wednesday with preparations for the expected influx of National Guard troops and immigration agents to the city, advising residents about their rights and organizing protests with fresh urgency.

Despite shutdown deadline, little movement in Congress on spending deal;  Iowa Capitol Dispatch

Members of Congress began searching for compromise on a short-term government funding bill Wednesday, with just a few weeks left to broker a deal before a possible shutdown.

That’s not a real soldier: Campaign warns troops, families of AI scams; Military Times

(Military Times) Consumer advocates are enlisting military families in the war against AI-aided scams. Read More

Trump suggests National Guard could go into New Orleans; Military.com/AP

(The Associated Press) President Donald Trump suggested Wednesday that New Orleans could be his next target for deploying the National Guard to fight crime, potentially expanding the number of cities around the nation where he may send federal law enforcement. Read More

Illinois lieutenant gov: Trump ‘wants to manufacture a crisis’ in Chicago; The Hill

(The Hill) Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (D) accused President Trump of trying to “manufacture a crisis” to justify an anticrime takeover and anticipated immigration crackdown in Chicago, similar to what Trump has spearheaded in the nation’s capital in recent weeks. Read More

Veterans organization Anonymously Grateful hosting its annual banquet | wqad.com

QC Veterans Festival returns for a second year as Vet Fest 2025 - WQAD

Battleships named for Iowa, Missouri made history 80 years ago at end of WWII; Pat Kinney View from the Cedar Valley

WATERLOO — Eighty years ago, on Sept. 2, 1945, the last large heavy battleship commissioned into the U.S. Navy was the stage for the end of World War II.

While the battleship USS Missouri (hull number BB-63) was the location for the Allied powers and the Empire of Japan to sign the “instrument of surrender,” ending the war, its sister ship, the USS Iowa, played a supporting role.

‘Bad paper’ discharge upgrades are taking too long. Can that be fixed?; Military Times

(Military Times) It’s been more than a decade since Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel issued a 2014 memo calling for “liberal consideration” of discharge upgrade requests from veterans with symptoms of post-traumatic stress. But today, vets with discharges below honorable are still remaining in limbo for months or years, without access to full benefits of service and facing potential barriers to employment. Read More

Why You Should Get a Veterans Designation on Your Driver's License; Military.com

Most states offer a free veteran's designation on their driver's licenses, and if you want to get your full benefits as a veteran, you will want to make sure you get yours.Having your driver's license updated with your veteran status ensures you easily can get special veterans-only discounts and other benefits offered by private businesses as well as state and local governments.

'We Need to Terminate Treatment': VA Mental Health Providers Say They Are Under Pressure to Limit Care; Military.com

It was a Friday last November when Robert H. got the news: He would no longer be able to see his VA therapist. After nearly two decades as a Marine and military contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan, he had been working through PTSD with the same VA psychologist for 10 years after a suicide attempt.

All Services Now Issue Form DD214-1 to Departing Reservists; Military.com

The military's reserve components now issue departing reservists a new standard service record that summarizes their periods of active and inactive service as well as their "points" earned toward retirement: Form DD214-1, the Certificate of Uniformed Service, Reserve Component Addendum.

Trump’s push for more troops in US cities at odds with crime stats; Military.com/AP

(The Associated Press) President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, New York, Seattle, Baltimore, San Francisco and Portland, Oregon, to fight what he says is runaway crime. Yet data shows most violent crime in those places and around the country has declined in recent years. Read More

Iraq War Veteran Sen. Joni Ernst Expected to Announce Next that She Won't Run for Reelection; Military.com

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iraq War combat veteran and Iowa’s first woman elected to Congress, is expected to announce next month she will not seek reelection, leaving another vacancy in an Iowa seat that could have ripple effects down the ballot as Democrats look to the state for pickup opportunities.

Why No One Understands National Guard Families; Military.com

Despite making headlines for helping after the catastrophic flooding in Texas or being politicized as President Donald Trump deploys it to police U.S. cities, the National Guard remains a mystery to both civilians and the active-duty force. However, as our nation increasingly calls upon the Guard, we need to better understand our “always ready” force, or it may not be ready when we need it.

The National Guard Has Been Activated to Chicago 18 Times from 1877-2021. Here’s a Breakdown.; Military.com

If President Donald Trump follows through on his threat to send National Guard troops to Chicago — over the objections of Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson — then it would be unprecedented.

Jan. 6 Rioter Fatally Shot by Police Approved for Military Funeral Honors by Air Force; Military.com

An Air Force veteran who was fatally shot by U.S. Capitol Police while trying to break into the House chamber during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot has been granted military funeral honors by the Trump administration.

Trump freezes most training for non-ICE federal law enforcement; Defense One

(Defense One) The Trump administration is pausing training at the federal government's primary law enforcement academies for anyone not related to immigration enforcement, saying the change is necessary to meet the president’s “immediate priorities.” Read More

Another federal shutdown threat looms as Congress heads back to DC; Military Times

(Military Times) Democratic congressional leaders on Thursday warned that federal agencies are headed towards a partial government shutdown at the end of September unless the White House and Republican leadership provide clear answers on a budgetary solution soon. Read More

Scammers present ‘persistent threat’ to troops, veterans, expert warns; Military Times

(Military Times) When it comes to financial matters, retired Navy Rear Adm. Brian E. Luther is more savvy than many people. Read More

Groups join forces for new Boone Veteran's Center - Yahoo

Veteran Stole $244K in Disability, Then Faked Drowning Death in Maine, Feds Say; Military.com

A Maine man accused of stealing more than $244,000 in disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs faked his drowning death after authorities confronted him about the fraud, according to federal officials and court filings. Gregory P. Heimann Jr., 51, told the VA in 2023 that he had used a wheelchair since 2004 and could not walk or stand, federal prosecutors said.

Trump Wants a Department of War. A House GOP Amendment Would Give Him One.; Military.com

Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., has filed an amendment to the annual defense policy bill that would formally change the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War.

Genetic discovery in study of Special Forces soldiers shows potential for aiding their mental health; Stars & Stripes

A breakthrough gene study by Army researchers could lead to better stress management and faster recovery from psychological trauma for Special Forces soldiers. Read More

All services now issue form DD214-1 to departing reservists; Military.com

The military's reserve components now issue departing reservists a new standard service record that summarizes their periods of active and inactive service as well as their "points" earned toward retirement: Form DD214-1, the Certificate of Uniformed Service, Reserve Component Addendum. Read More

Handling crime in big cities a strength for Trump, poll shows; The Associated Press

As armed National Guard troops patrol the nation’s capital as part of an unprecedented federal takeover of Washington’s police department, handling crime is now a relative strength for President Donald Trump, according to the latest AP-NORC poll. Read More

Tricare to end coverage of weight-loss meds for some military retirees

(Military Times) Just a few days before coverage for weight-loss drugs is set to end for Tricare for Life beneficiaries, advocates are calling on the Defense Health Agency and lawmakers to halt those plans. Read More

Veterans Affairs can help with pensions; Bellevue Herald-Leader

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers many programs to help veterans. One program that is often overlooked is the Veterans Pension. Many veterans don’t learn about this benefit until they’re facing big life changes such as moving into a nursing home or applying for Medicaid. But this program is worth knowing about. It’s designed to help low-income veterans who served during wartime by providing monthly payments to ease financial stress. If you or a loved one is a veteran with limited income, this benefit could help bridge the gap.

'We Need to Terminate Treatment': VA Mental Health Providers Say They Are Under Pressure to Limit Care; Military.com

It was a Friday last November when Robert H. got the news: He would no longer be able to see his VA therapist.After nearly two decades as a Marine and military contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan, he had been working through PTSD with the same VA psychologist for 10 years after a suicide attempt.

Trump Honors Fallen US Service Members and Criticizes Biden to Mark Afghanistan Bombing Anniversary; Military.com

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday marked the fourth anniversary of the suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members during the chaotic withdrawal at the end of the Afghanistan War by signing a proclamation honoring the fallen.

Air Guard Transfers to Space Force Appear Likely as Senators Backtrack on Effort to Stop It; Military.com

New amendments added to Congress' must-pass annual defense policy bill would allow the Space Force to take over certain state-controlled Air National Guard space units -- despite protests from every governor in the country

National Guard push used by Trump and Vance to attack 2028 rivals; Bloomberg

President Donald Trump said that his federal crime crackdown will sully the records of contenders for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, drawing an explicit link between his deployment of National Guard troops and boosting the Republican Party’s political prospects. Read More

Can Congress pass a FY26 defense budget this year? Here are 12 key issues for lawmakers.;  Breaking Defense

Congressional defense hawks in the Senate are once again pushing to boost the topline of the defense budget in fiscal 2026, but as lawmakers return to Capitol Hill in September, they will have to face an even more pressing question: Will they be able to pass a full-year spending bill at all? Read More

VA mental health providers say they are under pressure to limit care;  The War Horse 

It was a Friday last November when Robert H. got the news: He would no longer be able to see his VA therapist. Read More

North Tama alumna Carol Whitmore elected VFW’s new national commander as first woman, Iowan to lead 125-year-old organization; Marshalltown T-R

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Carol Whitmore of Des Moines and formerly of Traer was elected on Wednesday, Aug. 13 as the new national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a congressionally chartered veterans service organization comprised of

Unlock Your Health by Understanding the TRICARE Prime Referral Process; Tricare

Trump, Hegseth float renaming Defense Department to Department of War

(Military Times) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said plans to rename his agency as the Department of War are “coming soon,” but it remains unclear whether the executive branch can make such a move without congressional permission. Read More

Trump order deepens National Guard’s role in US law enforcement; Military.com 

The National Guard’s role in law enforcement throughout the country could expand under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Monday. Read More

Trump Expands Cities Targeted for Possible Military Deployment to Baltimore in a Spat With Governor; Military.com

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Sunday threatened to expand his military deployments to more Democratic-led cities, responding to an offer by Maryland's governor to join him in a tour of Baltimore by saying he might instead “send in the ‘troops.’”

Trump orders Hegseth to form National Guard unit in each state to combat crime, protests;Stars & Stripes

President Donald Trump on Monday ordered the National Guard in each state to create a quick-response force to quell protests and deter crime after using troops to assist with security during immigration protests in Los Angeles and patrol in Washington, D.C., as part of a crackdown on crime. Read More

VA Processes Record-Breaking Number of Disability Claims This Year, with 62% Approval Rate; Military.com

The Department of Veterans Affairs says it has processed more disability claims this fiscal year than last, exceeding 2024's record-breaking amount by nearly 6,600.

TRICARE Authorizes Temporary Prescription Refill Waivers for 3 Iowa Counties due to Severe Weather; DVIDS

The Defense Health Agency announced that TRICARE beneficiaries in three Iowa counties may receive emergency prescription refills now through Aug. 31, due to severe weather

Protecting troops’ benefits in an evolving government | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 8.23.25; Military Times

The president of the Military Officers Association of America talks about the state of efforts to ensure troops’ and vets’ benefits in a new administration. Read More

Hollywood Grit’ and a veteran’s mission to bring the military community into the movie business; Task & Purpose

 Growing up, Ryan Curtis loved to make “terrible movies” (his words, not mine) with his friends. He didn’t know it then, but he was already directing. A few decades and deployments later and he’s finally releasing his first feature film in theaters nationwide. Read More

Tricare wants your feedback on its website experience; Military Times 

Got an opinion on Tricare.mil, the Defense Department’s military health care benefits website? Want to help improve it? Now’s your chance to provide feedback on the usability of the site and suggestions for improving it. Read More

Pritzker accuses Trump of ‘abusing his power’ amid reported plan to send troops to Chicago; The Hill 

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) accused President Trump of “abusing his power” in the wake of a reported plan to send National Guard troops to Chicago, a move that would follow similar action in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Read More

Pentagon releases design for Mexican Border Defense Medal; Task & Purpose 

Four days after confirming that it was creating a new medal for troops deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border, the Department of Defense released the first look for the award. Read More

Hegseth signs memo authorizing arming of Guard in DC; Military Times

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed a memo authorizing National Guard troops deployed in Washington, D.C., to carry weapons if their mission requires it. Read More

Trump suggests Guard troops will be deployed to Chicago next; Military Times

 Amid controversy over his decision to deploy National Guard troops around Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump on Friday signaled he is already looking at sending American military forces to other U.S. cities to help deal with crime issues. Read More

World War II’s last American ace dies at 103; Military Times

 Amid the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end comes the death of what is believed to be America’s last surviving ace, Don McPherson. He was 103. Read More

100-Year-Old Veteran Kept Jewish Prayer Book over His Heart as He Confronted the Holocaust; The War Horse

In 1943, I was drafted into the military at age 18, having never before been away from Brooklyn, New York. When asked which branch of service I preferred to join, I chose the Army; I wasn't a swimmer, and I figured the Navy or Marines would surely mean drowning.

Tricare Premiums vs. Enrollment Fees: Here's Why the Difference Matters; Military.com

One quirk of Tricare is its two different names for the annual, quarterly or monthly fees that beneficiaries may pay. In the civilian world, anything you pay regularly just to have health-care coverage is typically called a premium. But Tricare is different. Depending on your status and plan, you may pay either enrollment fees or premiums

VA Processes Record-Breaking Number of Disability Claims This Year, with 62% Approval Rate; Military.com

The Department of Veterans Affairs says it has processed more disability claims this fiscal year than last, exceeding 2024's record-breaking amount by nearly 6,600.

Iowa Gold Star Military Museum Invites Public to Armed Forces 250th Birthday Celebration

Ottumwa Radio Group

On behalf of the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge, the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is pleased to invite the public to ...

DNR talks new deer tag for disabled veterans in Iowa - KCAU

KCAU

Applicants must also submit various documentation, including a copy of a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that indicates they are ...

Warren County Veterans Office sees surge in services after investment | News; Indianola Independent Advocate

Since moving its offices from the American Legion Hall to the Warren County administration building and adding a full-time director, the county’s veterans affairs office has increased the number of veterans it serves, said Supervisor Crystal McIntyre during her supervisor report Tuesday, helping veterans with 744 services, from phone calls to walk-ins between July 12 and Aug. 15.

Cycling with Gabe: IVOE Veterans Bike Ride supports and connects veterans; Solon Economist

In 2021, Gabe Heefner’s life was changed. While driving along Highway 6 in Iowa City, a .22 caliber pellet fired from an air rifle at a squirrel by Iowa City resident Phillip Olson struck Gabe in the head. The Marine Lance Cpl. was just 20 years old at the time. The injury left him with a traumatic brain injury, memory loss, and limited mobility. But through therapy, community, and sheer grit, he’s fought to regain what was taken.

GOP lawmakers push for passage of the ACCESS Act to strengthen private health care coverage for veterans; Stars & Stripes 

The Republican chairmen of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs committees said they will push for passage of legislation to expand veterans’ access to private medical care outside the Department of Veterans Affairs when Congress reconvenes next month. Read More

The New York Times: Trump’s Get-Tough Approach On Homelessness May Sweep Up Veterans ; KFF Health News

Though veterans are not mentioned in the executive order, they are at the heart of the nation’s homelessness crisis. Roughly one in every 11 homeless people is a veteran, according to the government’s annual census ... 

Radio Iowa: Governor Says Iowa Medicaid Work Requirements Will Go Into Effect Jan. 1; KFF Health News

New federal rules that are to go into effect in 2027 will require some Americans enrolled in an expansion of the Medicaid program to prove they’re working at least 80 hours per month, however the law lets states implement the changes earlier. Governor Kim Reynolds said the change will take effect in Iowa on January 1, 2026. 

CMS Plans To Remove Noncitizens From Medicaid And CHIP - KFF Health News

The Trump administration announced a new initiative Tuesday aimed at getting noncitizens disenrolled from the Medicaid program and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Army invests $635M in cutting-edge artillery ammunition production facility;  Army.mil

... Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. This contract is being executed as a sole ... Veteran's Crisis Line.

New deer tag option available for disabled veterans - Ottumwa Radio Group

... Iowa hunting and fishing licenses. This disabled veteran tag has different requirements and application than that of the established severely ...

New Disabled Veterans Deer Tag Available Through Iowa DNR - KSIB Radio - KSIB Radio

Midwest Veterans of America seeking to honor area Veterans September 13 - Waukon Standard;

Waukon Standard

To nominate a Veteran, call 563-568-5275 by the end of the month of August. News Center newsletter · Waukon, Iowa, ...

Record corn crop forecast for Iowa, even with heavy rain, derecho; DMR

Iowa farmers expect to harvest a record corn crop, despite heavy rainfall, derecho, giving them a chance to 'bushel their way out' of low prices. READ MORE

New work rules could deny food stamps to thousands of veterans; Stateline.org

After a year in the U.S. Navy, Loceny Kamara said he was discharged in 2023, because while on base he had developed mental health issues, including severe anxiety and nightmares, and had fallen into alcoholism. Read More

VA’s tool for reducing veteran suicides: financial tips website; Stars & Stripes 

The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a tool for reducing veteran suicides — a financial tips website for helping former service members pay off debts, avoid scams and better manage their money. Read More

Workshop for LGBTQ+ service members and veterans aims to provide resources, support amid Trump’s transgender troops ban; The San Diego Union-Tribune

Ever since Valerie Swift opted to voluntarily leave the Navy under the Trump administration's ban on transgender service members, she's encountered several roadblocks. Read More

Effort to revive Afghan relocations to US garners bipartisan support;  Military.com 

A program to relocate vulnerable Afghans, including allies who helped the U.S. during the war and families of American service members, that was dismantled by the Trump administration would be reestablished under a bipartisan bill introduced Tuesday. Read More

DOD to offer new medal for personnel deployed to Southern Border; Military Times

 The Pentagon announced a new military decoration that will recognize service members stationed at the U.S.-Mexico border as part of the Trump administration’s effort to bolster border security. Read More

Pentagon drops coverage of GLP-1 weight loss meds for medicare-eligible retirees; Military.com

Military retirees and family members on Tricare for Life, and civilians with access to military hospitals and clinics, will lose coverage for weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound starting Aug. 31, according to the Defense Health Agency. Read More

Veterans’ voices shape report on the Afghanistan War’s lessons, impact; The Associated Press 

U.S. veterans of the war in Afghanistan are telling a commission reviewing decisions on the 20-year conflict that their experience was not only hell, but also confounding, demoralizing and at times humiliating. Read More 

VA needs more oversight of health care options to prevent waste: Study; Military Times

Veterans Affairs leaders are working with Medicare officials to cut down on duplicative billing for veterans medical services, but outside experts say fully fixing the problem will require better record-keeping and patient monitoring by both agencies.

Stars coming out in Waterloo on Vets Day; View From the Cedar Valley, Pat Kinney

Two native sons who made the rank of general in the United States Army and Reserves will each have permanent tributes to their accomplishments at memorial sites downtown [Waterloo].

Iowa veteran reflects on Appalachian Trail journey - YouTube; WHO TV

Iowa veteran Joedy VanVelzen completed the Appalachian Trail last week, hiking nearly 2200 miles across 14 states in just five months.

“This Is Where He Belongs”: Veteran Directed Care Honors Veterans' Wishes About Their Caregiving

VA.gov

This program is a unique partnership between VA and Aging Disability Network Agencies. VA Nebraska-Western Iowa partners with the Center for People ...

WWII prisoner of war laid to rest more than 80 years after his death - KCRG

KCRG

A World War II United States Army veteran who was a prisoner of war was finally laid to rest on Saturday, Aug ... The Iowa State Fair has ...

40 Years of Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Reunions. Now, a Final 'Taps'; Kearney Hub/Military.com

Monday afternoon, in a pesky drizzle, a handful of people set out 400 small American flags on the empty lot at Second Avenue and 15th Street in memory of the 400 Nebraska men who died in the Vietnam War.

Virginia Sues Trump's VA over Education Benefits; Military.com/Richmond Times-Tribune

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares on Thursday sued President Donald Trump's Department of Veterans Affairs, asking a federal appeals court to force the VA to comply with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that guarantees veterans full education benefits.

Navy Is Retiring the Last of its Storied Cruisers. To Veterans, They Were ‘the Pinnacle of Naval Power’; Military.com

As the Navy nears its 250th anniversary in October, there's a lot of reminiscing going on about the fleet. Much of it involves cruisers -- renowned for shielding aircraft carriers, attacking distant enemies, flushing submarines from the deep and roaming the seas as lone wolves.

Here Are the 2025-2026 Post-9/11 GI Bill Rates; Military.com

The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the Post-9/11 GI Bill rates for the 2025-2026 school year. New rates take effect Aug. 1 of each year. By law, the Post-9/11 GI Bill rate is tied to the average cost of undergraduate tuition in the U.S. For the 2025-20256 school year, the rate went up 3.4%.

Cancer in Military Pilots and Aircrews Will Be Studied Under Newly Signed Law; Military.com

An independent panel will study the rates of cancer and deaths from cancer among military fixed-wing pilots and aircrews under a law signed last week by President Donald Trump.

How to Find Deals on Military Flights and Baggage Discounts; Military.com

Military families are always on the go. That's why they're always on the lookout for deals on airline flights to make travel easier on their bank accounts. One cheap way to fly is Space Available, or Space A. However, these flights frequently change and seats aren't always available, so your schedule has to be very flexible. Visit Air Mobility Command for more information on Space A flights.

Your 2025 State Veteran Benefits; Military.com

We have compiled a handy summary of the benefits each state and territory offers. Each summary page also has a link directly to the specific State Department of Veterans Affairs, so be sure to check it out. There may be a benefit available to you or your family that you didn't know about!

Iowa State Veteran Benefits; Military.com

An estimated 160,437 veterans live in Iowa, making up 6.5% of the state's adult population or the 31st-highest per capita of the 56 U.S. states, inhabited territories and District of Columbia.

Congress Looks to Ease Restrictions on Veterans’ Use of Non-VA Clinics and Hospitals; Military.com

WATERLOO, Iowa — John-Paul Sager appreciates the care he has received at Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics, but he thinks it should be easier for veterans like him to use their benefits elsewhere.

Watchdog Finds 50% Increase in VA Medical Center Jobs with 'Severe' Shortages; Military.com

This year, Veterans Health Administration facilities reported 4,434 severe occupational staffing shortages in jobs ranging from physicians to nurses to security guards to electricians, the VA's inspector general said in the report. That's compared to 2,959 total jobs with shortages last year -- or about a 50% increase.

Caregivers Sue VA over Denial of Benefits; Military.com

Two survivors of veterans who died from military-related illnesses are challenging the Department of Veterans Affairs' practice of dropping family caregiver application appeals once a veteran passes away.

3.8% Raise for Service Members Endorsed by House and Senate Defense Bills; Military.com

Service members are on track to get a 3.8% pay raise next year under versions of the annual defense policy bill moving through the House and Senate this month.

Trump's Aggressive Push to Take Over DC Policing May Be a Template for an Approach in Other Cities; AP/Military.com

WASHINGTON (AP) — The left sees President Donald Trump's attempted takeover of Washington law enforcement as part of a multifront march to autocracy ... To the right, it's a bold move to fracture the crust of Democratic urban bureaucracy and make D.C. a better place to live. Where that debate settles — if it ever does — may determine whether Washington ... becomes a model...

Long Waits, PTSD and Fatal Gaps: Panel Examines Veteran Health Care Military.com

Mental health challenges are prominent among veterans, with approximately one-third of all VA users having at least one mental health visit in a given year. But the situation for Louisiana's 262,000 veterans is especially dire, witnesses said.

Iowa soldiers receive heartfelt farewell ahead of year-long deployment - Yahoo

The ceremony was attended by military families and state representatives, including Governor Reynolds, all showing support for the soldiers. Soldiers ...

Independent federal study to probe cancer among military aviators under new law; Air & Space Forces Magazine

 An independent federal study will assess whether military aviators are at higher risk of cancer than the general public under a new law enacted this week. 

Another Iowa soldier deployment looms, mothers gather cards for soldiers - WHO13.com

Blue Star Mothers is a non-profit established during World War II that supports mothers with children deployed in the U.S. Military. The organization ...

Prepare to be stunned by this veteran's memoir | Oelwein Daily Register

Community Newspaper Group

There were a handful of Black recruits and personnel who held Queen up when she felt sad and they gave her hope. She learned in Navy Boot Camp that ...

Veterans games coming to metro for first time - Daily Nonpareil

This year, about 34 veterans from western Iowa and Nebraska are participating, she said. ... The event encourages veterans to be physically active and ...

Everyday Iowa - World War II Remembered at Seminole Valley Farm! -KCRG

Brave Veteran Recalls The Most Horrific Thing He Saw During WW2 | Remember WWII With Rishi Sharma. Remember WWII with Rishi Sharma•787K views · 25:47

WWII veteran reunited with tank he drove in Iwo Jima - WHO13.com

WHO13.com

An emotional reunion between a WWII veteran and the tank he drove on Iwo Jima ... Iowa State Fair debuts first-ever lineman rodeo · Man charged with ...

Democratic Iowa U.S. Senate candidates make their pitches during annual party fundraiser

The Gazette

The string of Democratic campaign announcements started in April when Iowa Army and Marine Corps veteran Nathan Sage, former executive director of the ...

State leaders brace for 'heavy lift' from Medicaid, food stamp changes

Iowa Capital Dispatch

But she added that even with low unemployment and a high average income, the federal legislation forces ... That's why Iowa Capital Dispatch, a ...

Tri-Cities veteran going to Hawaii to commemorate 80th anniversary of World War II ending

WJHL

Boothroy is also an Army veteran as he transferred from the Navy Reserves to the Army Reserves while in college at Iowa State during the Korean War.

VFW Elects Carol Whitmore as New National Commander

VFW

Carol Whitmore of Des Moines, Iowa, was elected today as the new national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a congressionally ...

Iowa veteran nearing finish line on Appalachian Trail - KCAU

KCAU

Iowa veteran Joedy VanVelzen will summit Mount Katahdin in Maine today and complete his journey of hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Iowa veteran Joedy VanVelzen will summit Mount Katahdin in Maine today and complete his ... - Facebook

Iowa veteran nearing finish line on Appalachian Trail - MSN - MSN

Calyn Thompson on X: "HE DID IT! Iowa veteran Joedy VanVelzen conquered the ... - X

Full Coverage

Veteran helps other veterans find employment at Quad Cities Success Fair - OurQuadCities

OurQuadCities

... Iowa Career Planner James Stout. Stout, a veteran, markets job opportunities for fellow and former military members across the United States. He ...

All for the Veterans - Enterprise Media - Decorah Leader

Decorah Leader

Wilson Jr. said he would love to return to Iowa to help with Hunting with Heroes in the future. Marine Corps Corporal Michael Higuchi of Wisconsin ...

Home Base Iowa designation comes to Dickinson County - Enterprise Media

Spencer Reporter

In May of 2014, the Iowa Legislature passed the Home Base Iowa Act designed to help military veterans seek and obtain employment in the state after ...

Woodbury County veterans air concerns over possible VA office changes - KTIV

KTIV

Grassley discusses tariffs & the war in Ukraine while in Northwest Iowa. Updated: 1 hour ago. Home · News · Weather · Sports. KTIV; 2929 Signal Hill ...

VA hospitals are finding it harder to fill jobs, watchdog says - Des Moines, Iowa | weareiowa.com

Des Moines, Iowa | weareiowa.com

Government-run medical centers serving the nation's veterans have reported an increase in severe staffing shortages, with many hospitals having ...

Bettendorf brewery launches lager-only festival to help local veterans | wqad.com

WQAD

BETTENDORF, Iowa — Twin Span Brewing is launching a new beer festival dedicated entirely to lagers, with proceeds supporting a local nonprofit ...

Iowa veteran nearing finish line on Appalachian Trail - WHO13.com

WHO13.com

WHO 13 NEWS – Iowa veteran Joedy VanVelzen will summit Mount Katahdin in Maine today and complete his journey of hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Iowa State Fair celebrates Vietnam veterans with parade - KCCI

The Iowa State Fair honored Vietnam War veterans with a parade and concerts, marking 50 years since the conflict ended.

Iowa State Fair celebrates Vietnam veterans with parade - MSN - MSN

Full Coverage

Iowa veteran nearing finish line on Appalachian Trail - YouTube

YouTube

Joedy VanVelzen is planning to summit Mount Katahdin in Maine today and complete his journey of hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Iowa State Fair parade honors Vietnam veterans 50 years later - The Des Moines Register

The Des Moines Register

The level of appreciation veterans received Monday at the Iowa State Fair was nowhere to be found when they returned to the U.S. from the Vietnam ...

New work rules could deny food stamps to thousands of veterans - Iowa Capital Dispatch

Iowa Capital Dispatch

Veterans depend on SNAP. Nationally, around 1.2 million veterans with lower incomes, or about 8% of the total veteran population of 16.2 million ...

Iowa State Fair celebrates Vietnam veterans with parade - YouTube

YouTube

Iowa State Fair celebrates Vietnam veterans with parade Subscribe to KCCI on YouTube now for more: http://bit.ly/QY3wuM Get more Des Moines news: ...

Gov. Reynolds taps Iowa National Guard to assist ICE in immigration efforts - WHO13.com

WHO13.com

Transit agency seeks donations for free rides for veterans | Southeast Iowa Union

Southeast Iowa Union

The transportation program serving Southeast Iowa known as 10-15 Transit has launched a new nonprofit to support local veterans.

Transit agency seeks donations for free rides for veterans | Southeast Iowa Union

Southeast Iowa Union

The transportation program serving Southeast Iowa known as 10-15 Transit has launched a new nonprofit to support local veterans.

See all the sights from Monday at the Iowa State Fair 2025

The Des Moines Register

Monday is Veterans Day at the Iowa State Fair plus so much more. What's happening at the fairgrounds:

Minneapolis VA unions being locked out under Trump order - Star Tribune

Star Tribune

Federal workers were changing the locks to a union office at the Minneapolis Veterans Medical Center on Tuesday amid the Trump administration's ...

Back from Iowa, Sen. Ruben Gallego focuses on health care, meets with Arizona veterans

AZCentral

a fellow veteran asked the freshman lawmaker at an Aug.11 veterans-themed town hall at the Apache Junction library. It drew laughter and a joking ...

IowaWORKS' Quad Cities Success Fair returns Aug. 13 in Davenport | wqad.com

WQAD

... Iowa coordinator and veteran, said in a press release. “We want to help ... “Veterans, military personnel and family members will have the ...

Senator Gallego Brings a Message of Hope for Democrats to Iowa - The New York Times

The New York Times

... Iowa, where members of his party have lost considerable ground. A Marine veteran who spent 10 years in the House before winning his Senate race, Mr.

Your guide to Monday, Aug. 11 at the Iowa State Fair: Veterans Day events, weather and more

Yahoo

5 must-see events for Monday, Aug. 11 at the 2025 Iowa State Fair · Veteran's Day parade: 11 a.m. at the Grand Concourse. · Black Hawk helicopter ...

[Iowa Farm Boy}WWII veteran, 109, among close to 50 at nation's largest 'Spirit of '45' event, in SD

Times of San Diego

About 21 veterans there were older than 100. Wendt, who enlisted in 1937, was raised on an Iowa farm, joined the Civilian Conservation Corps ...

Close Up: Breaking down Iowa DOGE task force's recommendations - KCCI

KCCI

VETERAN NATHAN SAGE, STATE REPRESENTATIVE JD SCHOLTEN, STATE SENATOR ZACH WAHLS AND DES MOINES SCHOOL BOARD CHAIR JACKIE NORRIS. ON THE REPUBLICAN ...

Ruben Gallego Fires Up Iowa Crowd With Attack on Trump's Tax Bill - Newsweek

Newsweek

Speaking at a town-hall meeting in Davenport, eastern Iowa, Gallego, a Marine veteran and Arizona's first Latino U.S. senator, said the bill ...

'He's my hero': Veteran credits service dog with saving his life – literally - KCRG

KCRG

One person was killed in an accident involving farm equipment in Black Hawk County on Friday. One killed in northeastern Iowa farm equipment accident.

[Iowa native] Charley Pritchett is WWII veteran and oldest UWF student - Pensacola News Journal

Pensacola News Journal

"I was just an Iowa farm boy,'' he said. "But no, I think I did everything I ever wanted to. I can't think of anything else. There's been a lot of ...

Travelling Vietnam War Memorial - YouTube

YouTube

Full Story: A central Iowa city is the temporary host of a replica of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It's part of a cross country that brings people ...

PAYING TRIBUTE: Lakes Area veterans trying to find owner of lost war medals

Dickinson County News

Some Vietnam War veterans from the Iowa Great Lakes Area are one last mission -- a mission of brotherhood. Merle Dodds of Milford purchased a ...

Veteran Affairs plans to remove abortion services from its medical coverage - KWQC

KWQC

The Department of Veterans Affairs said it plans on removing abortion and related healthcare services from its coverage.

Veterans Group Slams Ariz. Sen. Gallego in Ad Blitz - WPRO

WPRO

... veterans as he prepares for a high-profile visit to Iowa, Breitbart reported. Veteran Action, a grassroots organization that promotes “America ...

Veterans Group Slams Ariz. Sen. Gallego in Ad Blitz - KTUC-AM - KTUC-AM

Congress looks to ease restrictions on veterans' use of non-VA clinics and hospitals

The Lund Report

WATERLOO, Iowa — John-Paul Sager appreciates the care he has received at Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics, but he thinks it should ...

Wellman hopes to break ground on Veterans, First Responders Memorial late 2025

thenews-ia.com

Emily Marner is a part time reporter/photographer and is a student at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa City. © Copyright 2025 The News | Privacy ...

Great River Health partners with Home-Base Iowa - Mississippi Valley Publishing

Mississippi Valley Publishing

This award is presented to employers that have shown a commitment to supporting the veteran community in Iowa through programs, incentives, and ...

IowaWORKS to host ninth Quad-Cities Success Fair

Quad Cities Business Journal

... Iowa coordinator and a military veteran. “We want to help those people ... veteran career planner for IowaWORKS. “The community is also ...

'It made me proud': Army veteran connects with child who saluted on his doorbell camera

KCRG

'It made me proud': Army veteran connects with child who saluted on his doorbell camera ... Eastern Iowa woman arrested after driving with missing car ...

VFW Comes Home for its 126th National Convention

VFW

The nation's largest and most established combat veteran service organization returns to the city where it all began ... Iowa, the first woman to ...

Hospice Veteran Volunteers Needed | Content | communitynewspapergroup.com

Community Newspaper Group

VINTON — Compassus, a veteran volunteer organization, is seeking Hospice Veteran ... Iowa; Atlantic News Telegraph · Audubon Advocate-Journal · Barr's ...

USDA canceled a support program for small businesses. This Midwest grower may lose her farm

Iowa Public Radio

Iowa Public Radio News. Talk of Iowa. Next Up: 8:00 PM River to River. 0:00 ... So Bottary, a disabled veteran, applied for a grant through the ...

Why Arizona's Sen. Ruben Gallego is 2028 presidential longshot as he heads to Iowa

AZCentral

Gallego, at 45, is relatively young, Latino and a military veteran from a presidential battleground. It's the kind of background that could be ...

Congress looks to ease veterans' use of health care outside the VA - NPR

NPR

WATERLOO, Iowa — John-Paul Sager appreciates the care he has received at Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics, but he thinks it ...

Meet The 2025 VA Student Trainee Experience Program (VA-STEP) Graduates - VA.gov

VA.gov

Megan Hollis. According to Robert Laws, Nurse Educator and program coordinator at the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System (NWIHCS), The VA- ...

Iowa veterans share perspectives on Hiroshima's impact | Top Stories | kwwl.com

KWWL

WATERLOO, Iowa — A solemn reflection on history took place in Japan as a memorial ceremony marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of ...

Operation Front Porch: Atlantic Veteran Rallies Support for Deployed Soldiers with Yellow Ribbons

Ksom

... (Atlantic) An Atlantic man and Navy Vietnam Veteran is asking residents to show support for the brave men and . ... (Underwood, IA) -- The Western Iowa ...

VA terminates most of its union contracts, appearing to disregard OPM guidance

Government Executive

Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, speaks during a hearing on March 6. Workforce ... veteran health care is more expensive and results in worse outcomes for ...

Linn County Veterans Services outlines budget and outreach efforts for veterans support

Citizen Portal AI

Thanks to Scribe from Workplace AI , all articles about Iowa are free for you to enjoy throughout 2025! ... Veteran Affairs, highlighting budgetary ...

Willis Dady receives $50K Lowe's Hometowns grant to make veteran housing ADA accessible

The Gazette

“Now we won't have to turn anyone away that is in a wheelchair,” Willis Dady Veteran Program Manager Shannon Fay said in the release. ... Iowa DOGE Task ...

VA drops contracts, says unions aren't helping veterans | National | thecentersquare.com

The Center Square

Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan ... veteran policies of this administration," AFGE National President ...

Commissioners send Veteran Services local option levy to voters | | thenewsguard.com

The News Guard (Oregon)

The Lincoln County Veteran Services Office is available to support approximately 5,200 military veterans ... Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine ...

Congress Looks To Ease Restrictions on Veterans' Use of Non-VA Clinics and Hospitals

KFF Health News

WATERLOO, Iowa — John-Paul Sager appreciates the care he has received at Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics, but he thinks it ...

Marshalltown veterans Jeff Heiden, Joe Latham share history of F-4 Phantom fighter jet ...

Times Republican

Originally, it was suggested to place it on the Iowa Veterans Home campus, but Heiden envisioned a more public location. “I drive by the airplane ...

Traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial makes its way into city of Nevada - KCCI

KCCI

NEVADA, Iowa —. The Wall that Heals, a cross-country traveling replica of ...

Hill sworn in; Run for Veterans to return | North Scott Press

North Scott Press

“You come out and celebrate all that the veterans have done for the community and the county and everything else in Eastern Iowa. I think it's ...

Founding father of Iowa Lakes Community College passes away - Kossuth County Advance

Kossuth County Advance

The 95-year-old farmer and lifetime resident of Dickinson County was a veteran of World War II. His three years of military service included time with ...

Trump administration wants to end abortion coverage through Veterans Affairs - Ottumwa Courier

Ottumwa Courier

The Department of Veterans Affairs posted the proposed rule change ... Iowa Area Crime Commission, Eddyville Water Department. View salaries ...

Iowa veteran surpasses 2000-mile mark on Appalachian Trail - WHO13.com

WHO13.com

WHO 13 NEWS – Iowa veteran Joedy VanVelzen is making his way through Maine at the Kennebec River Crossing in Caratunk. It's the final state of the ...

Iowa World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday in Perry - YouTube

YouTube

Iowa World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday in Perry For more Local News from KCRG: https://www.kcrg.com/ For more YouTube Content: ...

Iowa World War II veteran celebrates his 100th birthday in Perry - X - X

Iowa World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday in Perry - NewsBreak - NewsBreak

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Eastern Iowa residents rediscover family while honoring veteran of War of 1812 

The Gazette

Keyes was born in New York, and lived in several locations — including bounty land in Indiana — following his military service. He relocated to Iowa ...

Eastern Iowa residents rediscover family while honoring veteran of War of 1812 - X - X

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Rep. Bobby Kaufmann elected as Iowa House majority leader

Iowa Capital Dispatch

But Windschitl is stepping down from legislative leadership role as the Missouri Valley veteran seeks election to the U.S. House. ... Jennifer Konfrst, ...

New law seeks to help veterans struggling with homeownership | ABA Banking Journal

ABA Banking Journal - American Bankers Association

... veteran obligated on the loan execute documents to ensure the VA ... Iowa targets crypto ATMs for role in alleged scams · FinCEN issues list ...

Vet Together to be hosted by IowaWORKS, partners - Enterprise Media - Spencer Reporter

Spencer Reporter

An idea spurred by Heather Warren, veteran career planner for Iowa Workforce Development, and a planning committee of regional veteran's services ...

Calgary man home after cycling more than 500 kilometres across Iowa for veterans

CTV News (Calgary, Canada)

A Calgarian has returned home after an ambitious journey -- raising money for veterans. Last month, CTV News reported about veteran Geoff Low ...

Clay County Pheasants Forever hosts first-ever Heroes Hunt - Spencer Reporter

Spencer Reporter

Chapter board member B.J. Sikora, a six-year Iowa Army National Guard veteran, organized the event. ... military veterans. “It really is a way ...

Council Bluffs museum looking to attract new generation to aid in preserving local history

WOWT

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (WOWT) - Inside a Council Bluffs airplane hangar is decades of military artifacts. Many of the items come from directly from ...

Pate Encourages Iowans to Participate in 10th Annual Iowa State Fair Straw Poll

Vinton Today

... veteran groups. The Iowa League of Heroes will also be in attendance, taking photos and promoting voter registration from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday ...

New Prescription Option Puts Veterans In Control Of Refills | VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care

VA.gov

Ask your provider if Park a Prescription is right for you. 

LaFOY HONORED AS VETERAN CENTENARIAN - Enterprise Media - Dickinson County News

Dickinson County News

World War II Army veteran Aubrey LaFoy got a ... A traditional summer event in the Iowa Great Lakes Region continues to grow and flourish.

Giving back to a veteran - Storm Lake Times Pilot

Storm Lake Times

Giving back to a veteran. Wells: 'I never thought anything like this would ... Des Moines water woes highlight Iowa's chronic nitrate problem.

96-year-old IVH resident Richard Huff, son Dave travel to D.C. for Cedar Valley Honor Flight

Times Republican

For Richard, who resides at the Iowa Veterans Home and served from 1948 ... Richard, who was the oldest veteran on the flight, said he was ...

Camp Algona open house honors Dwaine Lighter, Veteran of the Year - Messenger News

Messenger News

Copyright © 2025 Ogden Newspapers of Iowa, LLC | https://www.messengernews.net | 713 Central Ave., Fort Dodge, IA 50501 | 515-573-2141. Notifications.

Vos: Sheldon's last Civil War veterans | Mail-sun - nwestiowa.com

nwestiowa.com

Shaffer died from a stroke on May 27, 1936, at the age of 93, making him Sheldon's last surviving veteran from the Civil War. ... Iowa Information, Inc.

House Republicans Issue Joint Statement on Trump Administration Ending Abortion Services at VA

House Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Today, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas) ...

Trump administration revokes Biden era abortion rule for veterans - The Hill

The Hill

Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Iowa), Morgan Luttrell (Texas), Derrick Van Orden (Wis.) ... Veteran Affairs Veterans Affairs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar ...

When is 'The Wall That Heals' in Nevada? More on the Vietnam memorial - The Ames Tribune

The Ames Tribune

The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, will be in Nevada from Aug. ... Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs ...

“KIOW Cares” w/John Emswiler of Moving Veteran's Forward/Friday August 1st

Mix 107.3 KIOW

Forest City, IA ... KIOW-FM signed on the air November 8, 1978 and is north Iowa and southern Minnesota's Information Station. Facebook · X ...

Local Veterans Recognized for Military Service During Nordic Fest - Decorah News

Decorah News

Community members wishing to nominate a veteran for a Quilt of ... Iowa City Driver Crashes on Drake Hill Road. Next. Back. Loading... View ...

Vietnam War Veterans to be Recognized During 50th Anniversary Commemoration at Iowa ...

KCII Radio

Email. veterans-parade-state-fair. Photo courtesy of Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs. The theme of this year's Veterans Day at the Iowa State ...

Willis Dady receives $50,000 Lowe's grant for veteran housing renovations - KGAN

KGAN

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Willis Dady Homeless Services has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Lowe's Hometowns project to renovate Westminster ...

From Iowa & Back, The Vietnam Era - Emmetsburg Reporter Democrat

Emmetsburg Reporter Democrat

Sixteen Iowa Vietnam Veterans agreed to share their experiences and thoughts regarding the war. The film took the audience to when the young men ...

Upper Iowa University Earns 2025-2026 Military Friendly School Designation

River Cities' Reader

FAYETTE, IOWA (July 30, 2025) — Upper Iowa University announced that it has earned the 2025-2026 Military Friendly School designation.

Upper Iowa University Earns 2025-2026 Military Friendly School Designation - Upper Iowa University

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Trump Is Vetting Top General Nominees. It Could Be Seen as a Loyalty Test. | Military.com

Military.com

... Iowa, July 3, 2025, at the 132d Wing in Des Moines, Iowa. (Master Sgt. Michael J. Kelly/U.S. Air National Guard photo). Military.com | By Thomas ...

American Legion is ready to cruise - Messenger News

Messenger News

Army veteran Todd McCubbin said the Legion post asks its members to ... Copyright © 2025 Ogden Newspapers of Iowa, LLC | https://www ...