IDVA Newsletter April 2025

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Senate Approves Iowa Veterans Trust Fund Increase!

Senate VA Committee Chair, Sen. Jeff Reichman, who managed the Senate bill; Sen. Kara Warme, who's district represents the Iowa Veterans Home; Commandant Todd Jacobus; & Legislative Liaison Mike Olson.  Thank you to all members for supporting this bill!

IDVA

The Iowa Senate unanimously passed SF 617 April 14th, increasing the balance goal of the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund to $75-million through continued transfers from our great friends at the Iowa Lottery!  This legislation will enhance the ability of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs (ICVA), County Veteran Services Officers (CVSOs) and our mission partners assist Iowa veterans in need by increasing the goal to keep pace with inflation and rising costs of assistance items and services provided by the fund. 

A companion House bill, HF 534, still needs to pass the second chamber to make this a reality, so everyone who wishes is encouraged to contact their local state representatives to express your support! If you don't know your representative, you can find how to contact them using the Legislature's official 'Find Your Legislator' search tool.    

The IVTF was established in 2007 with the goal of growing a trust fund for emergency veterans assistance to $50-million through $2.5-million annual deposits by the Iowa Lottery. Starting from scratch, each year $2-million would go into the fund, with $500,000 and interest accrued being available for immediate assistance to veterans. The 2007 concept assumed that when the fund made the $50-million goal it would be self-sustaining off interest. 

Recent years however, have seen significant inflation and market-driven cost increases in services and items the fund covers, especially since the COVID pandemic. It became clear to managers that when the $50-million target was reached, it would not have the same value it did when it was conceived about 20 years before. Re-setting the goal to $75-million means the relative value - or value adjusted for inflation - remains consistent in today's and near-future dollars. In other words, so the fund can still provide the same kind and amount of assistance as it was intended to when it first started. Correcting this challenge by passing SF 617 and the House companion bill HF 534 with your help, ensures the health of the fund and Iowa's ability to make a significant impact in emergency assistance for individual veterans for the foreseeable future.

From the Commandant: We're Hiring!

If anyone were to ask, “do you have any challenges at the Iowa Veterans Home where the community can help, then our answer would be, “yes, we need to encourage good workers to become licensed health care workers. There are some outstanding opportunities in these career fields and lots of upward progression.” Here is an overview of where we are in terms of authorized versus assigned.

1. Registered Nurses (RNs) Authorized 36 Assigned 28 23% of authorized positions vacant
2. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) Authorized: 52, Assigned 33, 37% of authorized positions vacant
3. Resident Treatment Workers (RTWs/CNAs) Authorized 276, Assigned 214, 23% of authorized positions vacant.

If you, or anyone you may know are interested in a healthcare career, we can offer one of the most rewarding callings a caregiver could hope for. Give our recruiting department a call at 641-753-4400 or 641-753-4543 and check out our current openings.

No Changes in Benefits, Services or Staffing Anticipated at IDVA

I attended a conference of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) during the first week of March. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary, Doug Collins, addressed the 200+ attendees for 1 ½ hours. Let me be very clear in my communication to all of you - - our operation of the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, and the Iowa Benefits Office on Camp Dodge have not been impacted by the changing of administrations and we do not anticipate changes. Full stop. There have been no services or support impacted by anything involving the federal government as of this time, and we are not projecting impacts on any of our three operations.

While we can expect stability at our state level, we are very aware our federal partners are experiencing a time of significant change.  And as veterans, most of us can attest change is hard from any angle. Simon Conway recently interviewed VA Sec. Doug Collins, who said he plans to visit Iowa sometime this summer. It's a good chance to hear the Secretary's logic straight from the source as you inform your own thoughts. These issues will be part of the public dialogue for some time to come.  

50th Anniversary of Vietnam & Darwin Judge Remembrance Day at IVH

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 10:00 am, the Iowa Veterans Home will host an event to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the United States leaving Vietnam. It was on this date in 1975 that the United States Embassy was evacuated as the People’s Republic of Vietnam and the Viet Cong began their final assault on Saigon. Also on this date two Marines, Darwin Judge of Marshalltown, IA, and Charles McMahon of Woburn, MA, were killed in action by rocket fire while defending the evacuation of the embassy. These two Marines were the last casualties in Vietnam. Darwin’s sister and brother-in-law, Lori and Greg DeSaulniers, will attend and contribute at the ceremony, as will Darwin’s high school friend and fellow Eagle Scout, Ken Locke, who now lives in Warsaw, Indiana. The keynote speaker for this event will be Ambassador Kenneth Quinn, Retired State Department leader and President Emeritus of The World Food Prize. This will be a nice event, and of course it is open to the public.

2025 Vets Day at the Iowa State Fair Parade Application Open!

The application to apply to be included in this year's Veterans Day at the Iowa State Fair Parade is now

 posted and we are taking entries until August 1st. 

This year's theme will be the 50th Anniversary of Vietnam Commemoration, which concludes nationally this year on Veterans Day, Nov. 11th. 

We've been growing this back every year since COVID and last year we surpassed our average amount of participants pre-pandemic! Get your group's application in soon!

Military Women's Memorial #StriveFor500Campaign!

Example of a story in the National Digital Repository

Here's a chance for some healthy competition! The National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs shared an update on the Military Women's Memorial #StriveFor500Camapaign. This is an effort for every state to help register  at least 500 military women in your State or Territory in 2025!! Every State has thousands of currently serving, veterans and retirees in their midst and together we can ensure their stories are housed in a National Digital Repository.

They report stories from the Revolutionary War to today, and from every zip code in the country ... 325,000 and growing every day! 

Collectively – the nation is answering the call, and they are on trend to set another record.

As of April 1, 2025 – two states (South Carolina and Virginia) have reached BRONZE level (300+), and Texas has achieved GOLD and surpassed their total 2024 registrations in just 3 months of 2025! 

Most states are ahead of the trendline to surpass 2024 numbers. Right now, Iowa reports only 33, so we have a long way to go!

 If you like to participate or get an ambassor to visit your area reach out to President Phyllis Wilson, 703-533-1155 ext. 100, 200 N. Glebe Rd. Ste 400, Arlington, VA 22203; or visit www.womensmemorial.org.

IVH Adds to Successful Survey Streak!

Six surveyors from the Iowa Department of Inspections Appeals & Licensing (I-DIAL) were present on the Iowa Veterans Home campus from Monday, March 24 at 10:00 am thru Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 2:30 pm for our annual Recertification Survey. I wish each of you could have been present in the room to hear the out-briefing. There were no deficiencies during this survey. Great job to the entire team!

Each of the surveyors shared their appreciation for the kindness shown to them throughout the week. They told us that they were heartened to know that Iowa Veterans receive this level of quality care from our staff here at the Iowa Veterans Home. Several of them have Veterans in their family, and indicated that they would be keeping IVH in mind in the future in the event that their family member needed nursing level of care. Thanks for representing our Iowa Veterans Home in such a professional way.

This Place (& Each of You) is Special! Someone shared a story about a resident who was anxious about their upcoming surgery, and as the staff member was providing quality time, she mentioned a picture of the staff. “I want a picture of me and all the staff so I can look at it and take it with me. It will help keep me calm” So…. if you are ever discouraged or having a difficult, perhaps challenging day, remind yourself of everything you are offering the residents. YOU are their support system, YOU are their family, YOU keep them calm when facing their biggest fears and YOU brighten their day. This truly is the best job anyone could ask for and if you keep your focus on them, nothing can steal that peace”. Thanks for sharing this great story.

Events

April 15-17 – Iowa Association of County Veteran Services Spring School, Stoney Creek Inn, Johnston 

April 15 4:00 pm Todd Jacobus presentation to 34th Division Association, Camp Dodge

April 16 10:30 am Quality Assessment Process Improvement (QAPI) Steering Committee Meeting, IVH

April 23 11:00 am IDVA Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon in Malloy LRC

April 24 11:30 Iowa Veterans Home Talent Show! in Malloy LRC

April 24 1:00 pm Iowa Veterans Home Volunteer Doris Lemker inducted into Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame in rotunda of State Capitol (40,644 hours of volunteering - - - How awesome is that!?)

April 28 1:00 pm U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa City Health Care Center’s Community Based Outpatient ClinicRibbon Cutting Ceremony, Decorah

NEW! April 29 The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting a program to honor Darwin Judge (and all Vietnam Veterans) on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 10:00 am at the Iowa Veterans Home and we would like you to attend and participate. If you and/or your organization would like to participate then please let Karl Lettow, Kellie Meyer, and I know. We'll put together a meeting during the first week of April with all who confirm with us.

April 29 Eastern Iowa Honor Flight #54 – 5 Iowa Veterans Home Residents Bobby Pringle, Richard Huff, Howard Holdefer, Gerry Klemzak, Bill McCollough participating

May 5 11:00 am Cinco de Mayo Theme Meal at IVH!

May 6 7:30 am Marshall County Coffee & Camaraderie at VFW Post 839, Marshalltown

May 9 8:30 am Coffee & Camaraderie at Iowa Veterans Home, Dack Leisure Resource Center (All Welcome!)

May 14 11:00 am Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day Program at Vietnam Memorial on Capitol Complex, Des Moines [Keynote Speaker Colonel Gerald “Gerry” Berry]

May 15 8:30 am Todd Jacobus speaking at Village Cooperative, Marshalltown

May 16 10:00 am Colonel Gerald “Gerry” Berry Speaking at Iowa Veterans Home, Malloy LRC (Then-Captain Gerry Berry piloted the Boeing CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter that evacuated U.S. Ambassador Graham Martin from the United States Embassy in Saigon to the USS Blue Ridge.

May 17 10:00 am-12:00 pm Poweshiek County Veterans Benefits Fair, Elks Lodge, 720 3rd Ave., Grinnell, Iowa 50112 (POC: Chris Nolte)

MEMORIAL DAY May 26 6:00 am Todd Jacobus on WHO Radio with Simon Conway at Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dodge May 26 8:00 am Memorial Day Program at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Van Meter, Keynote Speaker: Carol Whitmore) May 26 10:30 am Memorial Day Program at Iowa Veterans Home, Marshalltown, Keynote Speaker: Todd Eipperle 

June 3 7:30 am Marshall County Coffee & Camaraderie at VFW Post 839, Marshalltown

June 14 250 Year Birthday of United States Army, Commemoration Events TBD

June 16-20 Todd Jacobus Traveling to Kosovo with Iowa Delegation

June 25 10:00 am Quarterly Staff Town Hall Meeting, Whitehill Auditorium

June 27 3:00 pm Quarterly Resident Town Hall Meeting, Malloy Leisure Resource Center

July 9 10:00 am Quarterly Meeting of Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs, Iowa National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters, Johnston

October 1 10:00 am Quarterly Meeting of Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs, Iowa Veterans Home, Malloy Leisure Resource Center, Marshalltown

Update From the Hill

From the Legislative Liaison

Significant progress has been made on the two IDVA sponsored bills, with the Governor signing HF 250 on March 28 and HF 534 advancing through a House Appropriations subcommittee, while the companion bill SF 617 passed unanimously in the Senate. HF 250 expands the Commandant's ability to provide additional training opportunities for County Veteran Service Officers and HF534/SF617 would increase the principal balance of the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund from $50 to $75-million.

Two companion study bills (HSB 313 and SSB 1208) related to property taxes each passed subcommittees last week. Both of these bills have veterans’ provisions that would increase the current military property tax exemption (from the assessment) from $4,000 to $7,000 in annual increments of $1,000 through 2027. In addition, for a 100% disabled veteran who makes application for the 100% credit on or after July 1, 2025, the property would be limited to a half acre and exclude appurtenances.

With the second funnel behind us, it's crunch time for anything needing to get through this year.

Iowa Veteran News & Forecast

The commissioning of the USS IOWA (SSN 797) April 5th, brought Iowa to the national and international spotlight for that weekend. About 2,000 people attended the ceremony in Groton, CT, including about 600 making the trip from Iowa. The event generated significant local, national and even international coverage. Former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack is the boat's sponsor, and current Gov. Kim Reynolds served as the keynote speaker for the ceremony. The event also attracted the attendance and featured speeches by U.S. Rep. Marianette Miller-Meeks, new Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command Adm. Daryl Caudle, Commander of Naval Submarine Forces, Submarine Force Atlantic, and Allied Submarine CommandVice Adm. Robert Gaucher, representatives from General Dynamics Corp.'s Electric Boat shipyard, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, and other senior Navy officers associated with the development and building of IOWA and her future operations.  

“My dad…a naval aviator who escorted the U.S.S. Iowa battleship with the President of the United States aboard, he would be very proud that I am here today honoring the Navy and the State of Iowa,” - Christie Vilsack, former Iowa First Lady and Boat's Sponsor.

“As an Iowan, it’s powerful to stand here with this cutting edge Virginia class submarine behind me as it prepares to begin its decades of service bearing the iconic name U.S.S. Iowa … This vessel embodies American ingenuity, industrial might which have been so frequently been the means of winning wars, preserving peace, and defending freedom throughout the world.” - Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds

Other national news reporting this month continues to center on speculations about the effects of new administration policies and efforts while politically motivated influencers try to claim the high ground among veterans and supporters. Veterans are respected as a community more than most institutions, so veteran opinion has become its own borderless ‘battleground state’ of sorts. Multiple actors from multiple angles will make major efforts to frame independent veteran opinion as supportive their own favored political and social positions on any issue, attempting to enhance their credibility among the 94-percent of Americans who never served. Unfortunately, the effects could increase division among the veteran community and its supporting institutions as it's been doing in the general population over recent decades.  

Locally, Simon Conway recently interviewed VA Sec. Doug Collins on WHO Radio, providing a direct source in the national conversation to the Iowa level. The unanimous State Senate passage of SF 617 and hopeful passage in the House is a major step toward stability in veterans benefits in Iowa. While undereported, that kind of rare unanimity is an indicator national sentiment is widely supportive of veteran causes. National Vietnam Veterans Day observances were popular as we near the culmination of the 50th Anniversary of the conflict on Veterans Day. Marshall County used the recognition day to unveil the new Memorial on the courthouse lawn. Iowa' official state Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day will be May 14th, and the theme for this year's Veterans Day at the Iowa State Fair will be the 50th Anniversary of Vietnam Commemoration. In healthcare circles we can probably anticipate reporting on perspectives about the legislature's legalization of psilocybin once folks start noticing, especially divergent views on its usefulness in treating PTSD. While unrelated, the decision comes on the coatails of a recent VA study revealing rural veterans are 45% more likely to be opiods than urban vets, which could become a new hot topic in Iowa. 

Iowa Benefits & Cemetery Bureau Update

From the Benefits & Cemetery Bureau Chief

Greetings from the Benefits and Cemetery Bureau!

The weather is getting warmer, that means our Grounds Crew out at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery is preparing for “spring cleaning” around the cemetery to get the grounds ready to look amazing again after the winter cold months. We will be getting ready to have our spring applications completed and grass seed placed to help our beautiful grounds blossom! Lots of volunteer groups will be coming out in the next couple of months helping us get the cemetery looking pristine for the spring and summer months.

Exciting news, the Iowa Veterans Cemetery is getting new high-speed internet that is coming from the Iowa Department of Transportation (laying of the fiber) and Iowa Communications Network updating our infrastructure. It was a needed upgrade to continue supporting our veterans. We will also be upgrading our phone system to provide better communications services for our veterans and families.

On Friday, March 28th, we had the privilege of having eleven 7th   and 8th   graders from Adel-DeSoto-Minburn Middle School come out to the cemetery and take part in a National History Day focusing on the topic: Silent Heroes: Untold Stories from the Korean War, a Veterans Legacy Program grant, which is sponsored by the National Cemetery Association and led by National History Day. Two Students gave Eulogies on two Veterans that are interred at the Iowa Veterans

Cemetery. Henry J. Bevel Jr, Korean War (Sec 32A) and Reginald Watkins, Korean War (Sec 32B). The two students gave the Eulogies of these two Korean War veterans through the honor of life, service, and sacrifice. It was a beautiful tribute to these two Great Iowans!!!!

VSO Corner

The VA claims clinic in Iowa City was a success.  There were 104 veterans assisted during the event.

The warmer weather means our calendars will be filling up with outreach events hosted by our partners in the county offices. If you have requests, please get them in, especially if you want to reserve the Spirit of Iow Tribute Bell for events! 

As a reminder, any CVSO ought to be able to input and manage their own events on the IDVA public calendar. Let us know if you're having access issues. 

Mental Health First Aid training is next week.

Continuing with Higher Level Reviews and Board of Veteran Appeals hearings as they come up on the docket.

Download the 2025 Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors book.

Let us know how we're doing! 

Iowa Veterans Home Update

From IVH Staff

We are continuing to work on filling a few key positions in preparation for opening 15 beds in Fox for nursing level of care residents. 

How do VA projects work?

IVH submits a project. Once the project is approved, IVH starts the project. IVH/ State of Iowa has to front all of the funds for the project. Once the project is completed, then IVH will submit for reimbursement from the VA. The VA reimburse at 65% for Veteran Home projects.

Gates sit at the entrance to the Iowa Veterans Home.

DIAL Survey

IVH has shined again on our yearly DIAL survey. The Department of Inspections Appeals and Licensing walked in for our annual survey on March 24th and exited on March 27th with no concerns. When a facility accepts payments from Medicare or Medicaid, they in turn agree to be inspected by the state and or federal surveyors. All different areas and departments shined throughout the survey week, just as they do each and every day. There are very few agencies that can say they have had a deficiency free survey and IVH does so regularly! 

• IVH infection control team has new leadership.
• Our safety team organized and conducted a table top disaster drill on March 10th with community partners from Marshalltown police department, fire department, public health, county deputies, and the city administrator were in attendance.
• Maintenance and IT are currently in the process of taking the WIFI access points out of Heinz Hall. These will be moved throughout the facility to help with the WIFI signal. The tunnels will still have dead zones due to the length of them.
• IVH facilities team has made Sheeler 2 ready to go for temporary housing available for IVH staff when staying on premise is more practical than commuting.
• Finance and Maintenance have submitted a project to the VA to replace the Ulery carpet. The carpet will be replaced with LVP flooring to help with sanitation and odor. More to come as the plans are developed.
• On April 6th IVH was 3 months into our new staffing process.
• Compliance, Nursing Leadership, the Medical Providers and the Licensed Nurses have been busy preparing for the regulatory updates that now go into effect April 24th.
• IVH has become a clinical provider for healthcare profession students at Iowa Valley Community College

The following are some of the facility wide events for this coming month.

• On Tuesday, April 1st we have The Phantom of The Opera, a performance by Jim Fitzsenry in the MLRC at 10:00 AM.
  • On Wednesday, April 2nd Dave's Little Band performed in the MLRC at 6:00 PM.
  • April 2nd Recruiting and Retention hosted students from BCL-UW School District
  • Saturday, April 5th there is the USS Iowa Commission Watch Party at 10:00 AM in the MLRC. The public is invited and encouraged to come.
  • On Monday, April 7th we have Music with Birdy Young in the MLRC at 2:00 PM.
  • Friday, April 11th there is the Spring Dance in the ATHA dining room from 2-3 PM.
  • On Saturday, April 12th we have a Quilts of Valor Presentation at 1:00 AM in the MLRC.
  • Monday, April 14th we have Music with Paul Davis in the MLRC at 10:00 AM.
  • State Auditors will be on site April 15-16 and 23-24. They will be finishing up the audit for fiscal year 2024. We will share updates to the audit and the final results once they are received.
  • April 17th Recruitment and retention will be attending a career fair at MCC on April 17th
  • On Saturday, April 19th is the VAC Spring Carnival from 1:00-3:00 PM in the MLRC.
  • Thursday, April 24th is Bring Your Child to Work Day! We have different activities planned for this day that  the kiddos can help with and participate in. In the morning we have Comedian Jeff Hanna performing in theMLRC at 10:00. There will be Balloon Volleyball in Ulery 3 at 9:00 & in Ulery 2 at 9:45. There is a craft project in Ulery 7 at 10:30. Then in the afternoon there will be BINGO at 1:30 in the Ulery Lobby. Also, in the afternoon we will be having an IVH Talent Show in the MLRC at 1:30. Residents, staff and kids are welcome to participate or come and watch! There is a Goggle sign-up sheet that was sent out, please sign up and show off your talent or no talent!
  • Monday, April 28th the IVH Foodie Club meets at 10:00 AM in the Kopper Kettle.
  • On Tuesday, April 29th is the Darwin Judge Memorial Program in the MLRC at 9:30 AM. Then in the afternoon, we have Music with Country Classic at 2:00 PM in the MLRC.
  • Our Special Themed Meal is back! This will be an omelet breakfast in the ATHA dining room from 6:30-8:30 AM on Wednesday April 30th. Please bring a resident down to dine and enjoy a hearty, delicious breakfast! You can purchase your meal tickets at the canteen or at switchboard.

IDVA March Awards

Resident Council Facilitates Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day 

Thanks to the Iowa Veterans Home Resident Council for organizing, resourcing, and conducting the annual Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day program on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Council President David Baker, Secretary Melanie Watson-Powell, and keynote speaker Dan Sheeler did a great job in honoring and remembering those who served during this tumultuous time in our Nation’s history. Thanks to all who attended.

Volunteer Recognition 

April 23, 2025, IVH will recognize our volunteers during a special luncheon for their service in support of our staff and in service to our residents. The next day, Governor Reynolds will induct Doris Lemker into the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame on April 24, 2025. Doris is an incredible example – 40,644 hours over 34 years of service – during which time she averaged 22 hours of volunteering per week.

Recognition of Superior Performers 

During the month of March 2025 we recognized three members of the team for their superior performance: 

Champion Award: Raquel Shepherd (Resident Treatment Worker)

Nursing Poppy Award: Tammy Mohon (Resident Treatment Worker)

Food Service Poppy Award: Maria Morales Garcia (Food Service Worker) 

Congratulations to each of our award recipients. Also, congratulations to all who were nominated for this recognition. And thank you to those who took the time to nominate these deserving members of the team.

Special Thanks: 

Our March Donors