Action Items - Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs

Updated: 1 Sep 2011 

Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs 

Veterans Events In Iowa 

This event listing is put together by Todd Jacobus, National Guard representative to the Iowa 

Commission of Veterans Affairs, and is intended to ensure that each of the Commissioners and the 

organizations they represent, State Leadership ,and Iowa communities, have situational awareness of 

veterans-related events in Iowa. Please send details on events, including the 11 key pieces of information 

outlined below, to Todd at: todd.jacobus@us.army.mil. 

Event, Date, Time, Location, Address, City, State, POC, Phone, Email, Details 

(Listed Chronologically) 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

o White House Rural Roundtable “Rural Veterans Forum, 1 Sep 2011 1330-1500, Sports Page Bar & Grill, 

1802 West 2 nd Ave., Indianola IA, John Whitaker, State Executive Director, Iowa Farm Service Agency, 

john.whitaker@ia.usda.gov, Note – This event will feature U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Retired U.S. 

Army General Eric K. Shinseki. The event is open by invitation only. 

o Iowa National Guard Night at the Iowa Cubs, 1 Sep 2011 1835 first pitch, Principal Park, One Line Drive, 

Des Moines IA 50309, Colonel Gregory O. Hapgood, Public Affairs Officer, (515) 252-4582, 

gregory.hapgood@us.army.mil, Note - Free tickets will be made available to members of the Iowa National 

Guard and their families at the Iowa National Guard ticket tent near Principal Park's northwest 

entrance/main ticket box office from 4 p.m. (on game day) until the game starts at 6:35 p.m. Tickets are 

first come, first serve. You must show a current, valid military ID (member or dependent) to obtain tickets. 

For more information on Iowa National Guard Night at the Iowa Cubs follow us on Facebook 

(http://www.facebook.com/IowaNationalGuard) or call the Public Affairs office at 515/252-4582 or 

515/252-4666. 

o 4 th Annual “Warrior Ready” National Guard Golf Tournament, 2 Sep 2011, Honey Creek Golf Course 

(www.golfhoneycreek.com), 1323 Noble Lynx Drive, Boone IA 50036-7608, Colonel Michael Staebler, 

(515) 252-4279, michael.staebler@us.army.mil, CW4 Jeffrey Craven, (515) 252-4454, 

jeffrey.craven@us.army.mil, Pre-Registration required! 

o Tour of Iowa Veterans Home & Update on Construction Plan, 2 Sep 2011 0900, 1301 Summit St., 

Marshalltown IA 50158, Commandant David Worley, (641) 753-4309, David.Worley@ivh.state.ia.us 

o Burial of Pamela K. Scofield U.S. Navy Veteran of Vietnam Era, 2 Sep 2011 1430, Iowa Veterans 

Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel IA 50003-3300, Mindy McGregor, (515) 996-9048, 

Melinda.McGregor@iowa.gov. Note – Karla Bohl, the manager of Pamela Scofield’s apartment complex, 

has asked that this funeral be announced to the veterans and community. 

o Labor Day, Federal Holiday, 5 Sep 2011 (First Monday in September Annually) 

o “Remembering Our Fallen Display”, 6-11 Sep 2011, Onawa Public Library, 707 Iowa Ave., Onawa IA 

51040, Bill Williams, (402) 612.0210, bwilliams@rememberingourfallen.org, 

http://www.rememberingourfallen.org/, Note 1 – The photo display includes the heroes who called Iowa 

their home and died in the War on Terror while serving their country in Iraq or Afghanistan; Note 2 – 

Onawa library phone number is: (712) 423-1733 

o Iowa Veterans Trust Fund Meeting, 7 Sep 2011 0800, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, Building 

A6A, 7105 NW 70 th Avenue, Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center, Johnston IA 50131, Melissa 

Miller, (515) 242-0027, Melissa.Miller2@iowa.gov 

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o Health Promotion Fair, Suicide Prevention Month Recognition, 7 Sep 2011 0730-1230, Freedom Center 

Bldg S70, Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center, 7105 NW 70th Ave., Johnston IA 50131, Major 

Amy J. Price, (515) 252-4136, amy.price@us.army.mil, Note - this will include breakout sessions on PTSD 

(First Hand Experience), Service Dogs for Soldiers (Paws & Effect), TBI & PTSD (Physician 

Presentation), Raising Emotionally Healthy Children, and a keynote address by Colonel Brett Wyrick, Air 

National Guard Surgeon, titled "Courage is a blank check that CAN be overdrawn". 

o 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance Project – Screening of “Beyond Belief”, 7 Sep 2011 1730, 

Franklin Library Meeting Room, 5098 Franklin Ave., Des Moines IA 50310, Melissa Simmermaker, 

Program Coordinator Iowa Commission on Volunteer Services, (515) 725-3187, 

melissa.simmermaker@iowa.gov, or dsmamericorsalums@gmail.com, Note - Following the documentary, 

the AmeriCorps Alumni Des Moines Chapter will host a panel discussion regarding the impact of the 

September 11, 2001, attacks, on the 10 year anniversary. 

o Linn County Department of Veterans Affairs Sixth Annual Stand-Down for Homeless and Near- 

Homeless Veterans & Non-Veterans, 9 Sep 2011 0800-1500, Veterans Memorial Stadium, 950 Rockford 

Road SW, Cedar Rapids IA, Ann Hearn, Deputy Director of Community Planning, Linn County 

Community Services, (319) 892-5609, ann.hearn@linncounty.org, Don Tyne, Director, Linn County 

Veteran Affairs, (319) 892-5160, veteran@linncounty.org 

o Homeless Veterans Stand-Down, 9-11 Sep 2011, State Capitol Grounds, East 13 th & Walnut, Des Moines 

IA, Kimberly Neal, (515) 669-5999 ext. 4036, Cell: 515) 669-3742, kimberly.neal@va.gov, Note – this 

event is for our homeless veterans or for veterans who are at risk of becoming homeless. This program 

begins at 5:00 pm on Friday and ends at 1:00 pm on Sunday. 

o Pufferbelly Days, 9-11 Sep 2011, Boone IA 

o 64 th Annual Red Bull Reunion (34 th Infantry Division), 9-10 Sep 2011, Stoney Creek Inn & Conference 

Center, 5291 Stoney Creek Ct, Johnston, IA 50131, Herman “Pogge” Poggensee, (515) 331-5705, 

herman.poggensee@us.army.mil, Note 1 – Details of the event may be found at http://www.34infdiv.org, 

Note 2 – Hotel reservations may be made at 1-800-659-2220 or local 515-334-9000. Note 2 -This reunion 

is hosted annually by the 34 th Division Association on the first weekend in September AFTER Labor Day. 

o Company A 49 th Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry “Governor’s Own Rifles” Conduct “Live 

Fire” Weapons Qualification Day, 10 Sep 2011, Bloomfield IA, 1/Lt David M. Lamb, (515) 282-5900, 

digger1@q.com, Note –For safety reasons, the event is not open to the public. 

o Iowa – Iowa State Football Game, 10 Sep 2011, Jack Trice Stadium, Ames IA, 

o Blue Star Mothers of America Chapter 1 Participate in Pufferbelly Days, 10 Sep 2011 1400, Boone IA, 

Details TBD, Julie Greer, (515) 240-8764, iabsma1@hotmail.com, 

o Traveling Exhibit “They Came To Fight: African Americans and the Great World War Exhibit”, 10-17 

Sep 2011, Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center, 75 East Army Post Road, D3es Moines IA 

50315, (515) 282-8060, Michael P. Kates, Executive Director, (515) 282-8060, Katesedu@qwestoffice.net, 

http://www.fortdesmoines.com/, Note: This exhibition serves as an account of the intersecting historical, 

social, political and economic contexts that African Americans found themselves in leading up to World 

War I. As soldiers, anniversary administrators, officers and volunteers in the defense of the United States 

and its claims to democracy, African Americans served with pride. Indeed, these men and women served 

with honor and purpose to achieve the designated outcomes that their country sought to secure, and claimed 

the citizenship of an entire race. For more information: http://www.theycametofight.org. Free Admission 

o Patriot Day, 11 Sep 2011, The United States of America has declared a National Day of mourning 

with flags flown at half staff 

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o 9/11 Memorial Service, 11 Sep 2011 0730, State Capitol Grounds, East 12 th & Grand Avenue, Des 

Moines IA, Jessica Lown, Public Information Specialist Iowa Department of Public Safety, (515) 725- 

6189, lown@dps.state.ia.us. The service will approximately one hour in length, include several speakers 

and honor guard members from local, county, state and federal service agencies. The Iowa DPS is very 

eager to not only honor the many lives lost, but also recognize the thousands of officers, firefighters and 

service men and women who work diligently ever day to keep our state and country safe--from all types of 

disasters. 

o Patriot Day, Iowans Remember 9/11 Ten Years Later: Oral History Project, 11 Sep 2011 0900-1700, Fort 

Des Moines Museum and Education Center, 75 East Army Post Road, D3es Moines IA 50315, (515) 282- 

8060, Michael P. Kates, Executive Director, (515) 282-8060, Katesedu@qwestoffice.net, 

http://www.fortdesmoines.com/, Note: Join us as we remember the tragic events on September 11, 2001 

and honor those who lost their lives. Documentary 9/11 films and video testimonials from Iowans 

remembering 9/11 will play throughout the day. In the weeks prior to September 11, visitors to the Museum 

can record their own short "Remembering 9/11" testimonial. Testimonials will be recorded from 10 AM - 4 

PM, August 22 - September 8. Free admission. 

o Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW Post 9127 Patriot Day & Flag Retirement Ceremony, 11 Sep 2011 1000, 

Beaverdale Park, 3301 Adams Ave., Des Moines IA 50310, Shawn Miller, Post Commander, 

smiller.vfw9127@gmail.com, (515) 255-9804, Note – This event is open to the public, and will include a 

ceremony that will respectfully and in a dignified manner permanently retire American Flags that are no 

longer serviceable. 

o Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW Post 9127 Patriot Day Open House, 11 Sep 2011 1200, VFW Post 9127, 

4029 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines IA 50310, Commander Shawn Miller, smiller.vfw9127@gmail.com, 

(515) 255-9804, Note – This event is open to the public and is intended to celebrate Americanism. 

o First Annual September 11 th Day of Service & Remembrance Community Walk, 11 Sep 2011 1200-1500, 

Grays Lake Park, 2101 Fleur Drive, Des Moines IA 50315, Melissa Simmermaker, Program Coordinator 

Iowa Commission on Volunteer Services, (515) 725-3187, melissa.simmermaker@iowa.gov, or 

dsmamericorsalums@gmail.com, Note – Honor the victims and heroes who lost their lives 10 years ago in 

the attacks by participating in this free, celebratory tribute event. Listen to ruminations from Norwalk 

Mayor and Retired Brigadier General Doug Pierce and additional Iowa Veterans and First Responders. 

Participate in a two mile remembrance walk around Gray’s Lake. Engage with others in a large scale 

service project. Enjoy free refreshments following the remembrance walk. Note 2 – Please consider 

bringing one or more collection drive items – winter coats to distribute to homeless veterans and/or school 

supplies for military children and youth. 

o 1 st Annual Celebrity Pro-Am Golfing Event, The National Veterans Training, Exposure, Experience 

(TEE), 12 Sep 2011 1000, Riverside Casino & Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside IA 52327, Kirk 

Sickels, (319) 358-5963, kirt.sickels@va.gov. 

o Quarterly Meeting of Iowa Veterans Council IVC, Iowa Veterans Home, 1301 Summit St., 

Marshalltown IA 50158, 13 Sep 2011 1300, Don Roepke nwroepke@fmtcs.com, Note – This is a 

DIFFERENT MEETING PLACE! This meeting will NOT take place at the Paralyzed Veterans of America 

Headquarters. This decision was made during the last quarterly meeting on 14 Jun 2011. Please help 

spread the word! 

o Iowa Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve ESGR Employment Assistant Training, 13 Sep 2011 

0745-1700, 248 th Aviation Support Battalion Headquarters, 2245 West Big Rock Road, Waterloo IA, Mr. 

Ray Rodriguez, (515) 252-4192, ramon.h.rodriguez2.ctr@us.army.mil,Note 1 – This training intended for 

veterans who are unemployed or unsatisfied with current job, Note 2 – Program will include how to deal 

with job searching stress, use of SMART goals, steps required for job searches, interviewing techniques, 

reviewing job offers, support and assistant agencies for veterans, online job searches, resume’ building and 

personal reviews, and practice interviews; Note 3 – a free lunch will be served. Register by 9 Sep 2011. 

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o Patching Ceremony, 13 Sep 2011 1000-1030, Joint Forces Headquarters Iowa National Guard, 6100 NW 

78 th Avenue, Johnston IA 50131, Lieutenant Colonel William F. McClintock, (515) 252-4133, 

mac.mcclintock@us.army.mil, Note – A patching ceremony is a monthly event when Iowa National Guard 

Soldiers who recently graduated from Initial Entry Training are presented with their patch of assignment by 

The Adjutant General and Senior Enlisted Leader. It marks the first day the Soldier is assigned to their unit. 

o Monthly Meeting of Loess Hills Chapter Blue Star Mothers of America, 13 Sep 2011 1830, Perkins 

Restaurant, 3250 South Expressway, Council Bluffs IA 51501, KC Hummel, 515-291-3229, 

kc.hummel@iowa.gov 

o “Remembering Our Fallen Display”, 13-17 Sep 2011, Stanton High School, 605 Elliott Street, Stanton 

IA 51573, Bill Williams, (402) 612.0210, bwilliams@rememberingourfallen.org, 

http://www.rememberingourfallen.org/, Note 1 – The photo display includes the heroes who called Iowa 

their home and died in the War on Terror while serving their country in Iraq or Afghanistan; Note 2 – 

Stanton High School phone number is: (712) 829-2162 

o Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall Motorcycle Escort, 14 Sep 2011 1000-1200, FROM Prairie Meadows 

Racetrack & Casino, I-80 Exit 142A, Altoona IA TO Resthaven Cemetery, 801 19 th Street, West Des 

Moines IA, Cheryl TanCreti, (515)223-1230, cheryl.tancredi@sci-us.com, Rita Brim, Work: (515) 223- 

1230 Cell: (515) 290-8023, rita.brim@sci-us.com, RSVP REQUIRED!, Details at 

http://www.dmvietnamwall.com 

o 5 th Annual Veteran Employment and Services Fair, 14 Sep 2011 1300-1630, Waterloo National Guard 

Armory, 3106 Airport Blvd., Waterloo IA, Display Tables may be coordinated thru Joan Koffler, joan 

koffler@iwd.iowa.gov, fax: (319) 235-1068, Note – all veterans are invited to attend! 

o Company A 49 th Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry “Governor’s Own Rifles” Presents Program 

on “Iowa In Civil War”, 15 Sep 2011 1830, American Legion Post 663, 6805 Douglas Ave., Urbandale IA 

50322, 1/Lt David M. Lamb, (515) 282-5900, digger1@q.com, Note –In addition to the presentation, the 

49 th will display and discuss weapons and artifacts of the War. 

o Johnston Rotary Club Sponsored Welcome Home Barbeque, 15 Sep 2011 1700-1900, Simpson 6169 

North Glenn Drive, Johnston IA 50131, Sherrie Colbert, Director Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, (515) 

727-3211, Sherrie.Colbert@iowa.gov, OR Johnston Rotary Members Mike Schoville (515) 306-8487 OR 

Steve Grasso (515) 868-8101. Note – Tickets for this event are $5.00 each. The Johnston Rotary is 

looking for corporate sponsorship of the event with proceeds going to the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum 

on Camp Dodge; sponsorships are available at the following levels: 1. Platinum $500.00 and above – 50 

tickets to the barbeque; 2. Gold $250-$499 – 25 tickets to the barbeque; 3. Silver $150-249 – 10 Tickets; 4. 

Bronze $50-$99 - 5 Tickets. Note 2 – There will be a re-enactment crew on site, military equipment will be 

on display, and there may be a flyover. All proceeds will go to the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum for a 

new display that honors all recently deployed troops; the display will be called “War On Terror”. 

o Iowa State University Air Force ROTC Detachment 2 Commemoration of POW / MIA Day, 16 Sep 2011 

0800, State Capitol Grounds, East 12 th & Grand Avenue, Des Moines IA, Cadet Jefferson D. Mitchell, 

(402) 315-7831, jeffdm@iastate.edu, Note – Each year on the third Friday of September, Detachment 250 

commemorates National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Day. The entire day is dedicated to honoring 

and remembering those men and women who have yet to return home. Early morning of POW/MIA day, a 

group of cadets travels to the Iowa statehouse in Des Moines to begin the memorial POW/MIA run. During 

the run, our national flag and the POW/MIA flag will be continuously carried nearly 35 miles from the 

capitol to Iowa State University. Back at the university in the Gold Star Hall in the Memorial Union, 

members of the honor guard will stand guard at a memorial display throughout the day, reminding students 

of the sacrifices of previous servicemen and women. Finally at the close of business, all of Detachment 250 

forms up on central campus to conduct a Retreat ceremony at the campus flag pole. POW/MIA day is an 

important way to for us to ensure that our country's missing heroes are never forgotten. 

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o Flyover by 132 nd Fighter Wing Iowa Air National Guard in Honor of Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall & 

POW MIA Recognition Day, 16 Sep 2011 1100 (precise), Resthaven Cemetery, 801 19 th Street, West Des 

Moines IA, Cheryl TanCreti, (515) 238-9858, cheryl.tancreti@sci-us.com, Note – This event is OPEN TO 

THE PUBLIC. All are welcome and encouraged to attend! 

o Dignity Vietnam Memorial Wall Display, 16, 17, 18 Sep 2011 (Open All Day Each Day), Resthaven 

Cemetery, 801 19 th Street, West Des Moines IA, Terry Johnson, (515) 223-1230, terry.johnson@scius.com, 

Cheryl TanCreti, (515) 223-1230, cheryl.tancredi@sci-us.com, Rita Brim, Work: (515) 223-1230, 

Cell: (515) 290-8023, rita.brim@sci-us.com, Note 1 – Volunteers needed to provide security, and provide 

other support missions associated with this display – please contact Rita Brim to fill out volunteer form and 

offer support. 

o Presentation by Pellom McDaniels III on African Americans Who Served During the Great War (WWI), 

17 Sep 2011 1400, Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center, 75 East Army Post Road, Des 

Moines IA 50315, (515) 282-8060, Michael P. Kates, Executive Director, (515) 282-8060, 

katesedu@qwestoffice.net, http://www.fortdesmoines.com/, Note: Pellom McDaniels III is an assistant 

professor of history and American studies, specializing in African American history, biography, sports and 

masculinities studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Currently, he is researching and writing on 

the life and career of the nineteenth century jockey Isaac Murphy. McDaniels has also served as chairman 

of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum's Board of Directors, as a Trustee of the National World War I 

Museum, and as a board member of the Black Archives of Mid America in Kansas City. Free 

o Iowa Legion Riders & Five Star Free Rider Ceremonial Team “Salute to Fallen Heroes” Program in 

Conjunction With Vietnam Wall Display, 17 Sep 2011 1100, Resthaven Cemetery, 801 19 th Street, West 

Des Moines IA, Cheryl TanCreti, (515) 238-9858, cheryl.tancreti@sci-us.com, Note – This event is OPEN 

TO THE PUBLIC. All are welcome and encouraged to attend! 

o Reading of 58,000 Names of U.S. Service Members Killed in Action in Vietnam from Dignity Vietnam 

Memorial Wall Display, 16 Sep 2011 0800 – 18 Sep 2011 1000, Resthaven Cemetery, 801 19 th Street, 

West Des Moines IA, Cheryl TanCreti, (515) 223-1230, cheryl.tancredi@sci-us.com, work: (515) 225- 

7225, cell: (515) 238-9858, Note – There is an on-going effort to identify volunteers to read these names 

for 50 straight hours; contact Cheryl TanCreti if you can support. 

o Company A 49 th Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry “Governor’s Own Rifles” Participates in 

“Corn Festival” Activities, 17 Sep 2011 1000-1700, Blakesburg IA, 1/Lt David M. Lamb, (515) 282-5900, 

digger1@q.com,Note – The 49 th will provide living-history activities at several venues around the town 

concerning Iowa in the Civil War. 

o Company A & B & D 1 st Battalion 133 rd Infantry (2 nd Brigade Combat Team) Post-Mobilization Yellow 

Ribbon Event, 17-18 Sep 2011, Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark, 350 Bill Street, Dubuque IA 52001, 

Jessica Taylor, Yellow Ribbon Support Specialist (Iowa National Guard), (515) 334-2879, 

jess.taylor@us.army.mil 

o Company HHC & Co A & Co F 1 st Battalion 168 th Infantry (2 nd Brigade Combat Team) Post- 

Mobilization Yellow Ribbon Event, 17-18 Sep 2011, CoCo Keys Resort, 3321 South 72 nd Street, Omaha 

NE 68124, Lori Waters, Yellow Ribbon Support Specialist (Iowa National Guard), (515) 334-2870, 

lori.l.waters@us.army.mil 

o “Remembering Our Fallen Display”, 18 Sep 2011, Sandpiper Recreation Area, Polk City IA, Bill 

Williams, (402) 612.0210, bwilliams@rememberingourfallen.org, http://www.rememberingourfallen.org/, 

Note 1 – The photo display includes the heroes who called Iowa their home and died in the War on Terror 

while serving their country in Iraq or Afghanistan; Note 2 – This display will be in conjunction with the 2 nd 

Annual Remembrance Run. 

o Closing Ceremony for Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall Display, 18 Sep 2011 1600, Resthaven 

Cemetery, 801 19 th Street, West Des Moines IA, Cheryl TanCreti, (515) 238-9858, cheryl.tancreti@sci- 

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us.com, Note – This event will culminate with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Vault of items and 

memorabilia left at the exhibit throughout the weekend. The burial ceremony will include a 21-Gun salute 

and the sounding of “Taps”. 

o Iowa National Guard Alumni Day, 17 Sep 2011 0730-1500, Bldg S70, Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver 

Training Center, 7105 NW 70 th Ave., Johnston IA 50131, Colonel Steve Altman (515) 252-4360, 

steven.altman@us.army.mil 

o Retirement Program for Brigadier General Stephen E. Bogle, Assistant Adjutant General Iowa National 

Guard, 18 Sep 2011 1330, Joint Forces Headquarters Enhanced Classroom, 7105 NW 70 th Avenue, 

Johnston IA 50131, Carolyn Birch, (515) 252-4211, carolyn.birch@us.army.mil 


Retirement Ceremonies for Brigadier General Steven Bogle, Assistant Adjutant General Iowa National 

Guard, 18 Sep 2011 1300, Joint Forces Headquarters, Johnston IA, 1/Lt David M. Lamb, (515) 282-5900, 

digger1@q.com 

o 2 nd Annual Remembrance Run, An Event To Remember & Honor Iowa’s Fallen, 18 Sep 2011 AM, 

Saylorville Lake, Sandpiper Recreation Area, Polk City IA, 

http://www.iowaremembrancerun.com/Registration.html. Note 1 - This is a 5K walk / run; Note 2 – 

Registration fee is $25.00 and pays for t-shirt and lunch; Note 3 – this event will also provide an 

opportunity to welcome back service members who recently returned from deployment, including the 2 nd 

Brigade Combat Team 34 th Infantry Division. 

o Iowa Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve ESGR Employment Assistant Training, 20 Sep 2011 

0745-1700, University of Phoenix’s West Des Moines Campus, 6600 Westtown Parkway, West Des 

Moines IA 50266, Mr. Ray Rodriguez, (515) 252-4192, ramon.h.rodriguez2.ctr@us.army.mil,Note 1 – 

This training intended for veterans who are unemployed or unsatisfied with current job, Note 2 – Program 

will include how to deal with job searching stress, use of SMART goals, steps required for job searches, 

interviewing techniques, reviewing job offers, support and assistant agencies for veterans, online job 

searches, resume’ building and personal reviews, and practice interviews; Note 3 – a free lunch will be 

served. Register by 16 Sep 2011. 

o Fall Educators’ Open House for Marketing Field Trips to Student Groups, 21 Sep 2011 1400-1800, Fort 

Des Moines Museum and Education Center, 75 East Army Post Road, Des Moines IA 50315, (515) 282- 

8060, Michael P. Kates, Executive Director, (515) 282-8060, katesedu@qwestoffice.net, 

http://www.fortdesmoines.com/, Note: The Museum will host an open house for educators to learn about 

field trip opportunities, new museum and outreach programs, how the Museum curriculum aligns with 

school requirements, and free bus and admission opportunities. Door prizes, cheese and crackers, wine, 

and dessert station will be offered. Please RSVP to 515-282-8060 for this event. 

o Quarterly Meeting of Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs, 21 Sep 2011 0800, Iowa Veterans Home, 

1301 Summit St., Marshalltown IA 50158, Mari Mielke, (515) 242-5331, Mari.Mielke@iowa.gov, 

Darlene McMartin (Commission Chairperson), (712) 328-5797, darlene.mcmartin@pottcounty.com. 

o Quad Cities Honor Flight, 22 Sep 2011, 4130 NW Blvd, Davenport IA & Washington DC 52806, Bob 

Morrison, (563) 388-3271, bmorrison@ridgecrestvillage.org, http://www.honorflightqc.org, Note – The 

mission of the honor flight network is to fly America’s veterans to Washington, D.C, to visit those 

memorials dedicated to honor their sacrifices. Top priority is given to America’s most senior veterans – 

survivors of WWII and any veterans with a terminal illness who wish to visit THEIR memorial. 

o Iowa National Guard Leaders Visit Des Moines VA Medical Center, 23 Sep 2011 1400-1600, 3600 30 th 

Street, Des Moines IA 50310, Angie Sage, (515) 699-5999 ext. 4575, angela.sage@va.gov 

o – All The Way Home Veterans Conference, 24 Sep 2011 0900-1500, Five Flags Center, 405 Main Street, 

Dubuque IA 52001, Glenn Gassman, Iowa Workforce Development, (563) 589-7840, 

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Glen.Gassman@iwd.iowa.gov, Tom Parsley, Board Member, (563) 690-0800, tparsley@radiodubuque.com, 

Note 1 - Details of this event may be found online at http://allthewayhomeconference.com/, Note 2 - The 

emphasis of this conference is on veterans and veterans families and is to provide access to as many 

programs / services / opportunities / options available to veterans and their families that are out there all in 

one place. 

o 2011 Iowa National Guard Recruiting & Retention Battalion Awards Banquet, 24 Sep 2011 1800, 

Courtyard By Marriott, 2405 SE Creekview Dr., Ankeny IA 50021, Staff Sergeant Jessica Phillips, (515) 

252-4137, jessica.l.phillips1@us.army.mil, RSVP Required, Cost - $26.00 per attendee. 

o HQ 2 nd BCT, HHB, Detachment 1 Battery B & Co G 1 st Battalion 194 th Field Artillery (2 nd Brigade 

Combat Team) Post-Mobilization Yellow Ribbon Event, 24-25 Sep 2011, Iowa State University, Scheman 

Building, Suite 102, Ames IA 50011, Jessica Taylor, Yellow Ribbon Support Specialist (Iowa National 

Guard), (515) 334-2879, jess.taylor@us.army.mil 

o Iowa National Guard Warrant Officer Candidate School Class 11-001 Graduation Ceremony, 25 Sep 

2011 1000, Recreation Hall Building 3585, Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center, 7105 NW 70 th 

Ave., Johnston IA 50131, CW4 Jeffrey Craven, (515)252-4454, jeffrey.craven@us.army.mil 

o Gold Star Mother’s Day, 25 Sep 2011 (4 th Sunday of each September Annually) – This is a day set 

aside to honor mothers whose sons or daughters died in the line of duty. The name references the single gold star 

on service flags displayed in the windows of homes that have lost a child to war. 


Sherman Hills Walking Tour, 25 Sep 2011 0900-1700, Sherman Hill Area of Des Moines IA, 1/Lt David 

M. Lamb, (515) 282-5900, digger1@q.com, Note - Members of the 49 th Iowa and their “Ladies of the 

Regiment” will participate in the activities of the Sherman Hill Walking Tour, highlighting the history of 

the area and it’s many connections to the American Civil War. 

o Iowa Lakes Corridor Regional Job Fair, 27 Sep 2011 1500-1800, Southpark Mall, 901 11 th Street SW, 

Spencer IA, Holly Pearson, Economic Development Coordinator, (712) 264-3474, 

hpearson@lakescorridor.com, Note – this is intended for veterans in Buena Vista County, Clay County & 

Emmet County. 

o American Quilter’s Society Show & Contest Featuring Display of Quilts from the Collection of Sue 

Reich that are a Tribute to WWII Veterans, 28 Sep – 1 Oct 2011, Iowa Events Center, 730 3 rd Street, Des 

Moines IA 50309, Amy Loftus, Marketing Coordinator for Iowa Events Center, (515) 564-8059, 

aloftus@iowaeventscenter.com, 

http://www.americanquilter.com/shows_contests/desmoines/2011/general_info/ 

o Sioux City Stand Down for Homeless Veterans, 30 Sep 2011, Mid-Town Family Community Center, 525 

14 th Street #1, Sioux City IA 51105-1272, Dick Jorgensen, Sioux City Vet Center, (712) 255-3808, 

Richard.Jorgensen@va.gov 

o District 6 American Legion Fall Conference (Story, Dallas, Polk, Madison, Warren, Marion Counties), 1 

Oct 2011, Maxwell American Legion Post, Maxwell IA, Stanley Elliott, District 6 Commander, (515) 382- 

5768, sixthdistrict@ialegion.org 

o Disabled American Veterans Department of Iowa’s Mobile Service Office Visit, 1 Oct 2011 1000-1700, 

Hawkeye Harley-Davidson, 2812 Commerce Drive, Coralville IA, Robert Peterson, (515) 323-7359 

o Presentation by Dr Lisa L. Ossian RE “The Forgotten Generation: American Children and World War II, 

29 Sep 2011 1300, Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center, 75 East Army Post Road, Des Moines 

IA 50315, (515) 282-8060, Michael P. Kates, Executive Director, (515) 282-8060, 

katesedu@qwestoffice.net, http://www.fortdesmoines.com/, Note: Dr.Lisa L. Ossian is Professor of History 

at Des Moines Area Community College in Iowa and an alumnus of the East-West Center in Hawaii. Her 

7


presentation will discuss her recent book The Forgotten Generation: American Children and World War II. 

World War II transformed a generation of youths as no other experience of the twentieth century; and 

somehow the children at home during the war-compressed between the "Greatest Generation" and the 

"Baby Boomers"-slipped into the margins of U.S. history. The Forgotten Generation: American Children 

and World War II remembers these children and their engagement in the war effort described as "the most 

tremendous undertaking". Free 

o Monthly Meeting of Blue Star Mothers of America Chapter 1, 1 Oct 2011 1400, Iowa Gold Star Military 

Museum, Building 3692 (A-9), 7105 NW 70 th Ave., Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center, 

Johnston IA 50131, Julie Greer, (515) 240-8764, iabsma1@hotmail.com, Note-Will be making Christmas 

Cards to send in quantity to deployed service members so they can mail them to their loved ones. 

o 2-34 th Brigade Special Troops Battalion BSTB (2 nd Brigade Combat Team) Post-Mobilization Yellow 

Ribbon Event, 1-2 Oct 2011, Cedar Rapids National Guard Armory (New), 1500 Wright Brothers Blvd, 

Cedar Rapids IA 52404, Jessica Taylor, Yellow Ribbon Support Specialist (Iowa National Guard), (515) 

334-2879, jess.taylor@us.army.mil, Note – this will include HHC, Company A, Company C, the 832 nd 

Engineer Company, and the 134 th Medical Company) 

o HHC & Company A & B & C 334 th Brigade Support Battalion BSB (2 nd Brigade Combat Team) Post- 

Mobilization Yellow Ribbon Event, 1-2 Oct 2011, Iowa Events Center, 730 3 rd Street, Des Moines IA 

50309, Lori Waters, Yellow Ribbon Support Specialist (Iowa National Guard), (515)334-2870, 

lori.l.waters@us.army.mil, Note – this will also include the individuals from the 185 th Combat Sustainment 

Support Battalion CSSB 

o Johnson County Veterans Job & Resource Fair "Giving Back To Those Who Have Served Our Country", 

06 Oct 2011 1600-1900, Iowa National Guard Armory Complex, 4540 Melrose Ave., Iowa City IA 

52246; POC: Gregory Clark, Veteran Advisor, Iowa Workforce Development, (319) 351-1035 X31320, 

gregory.clark@iwd.iowa.gov; Note - There will be opportunities to talk with Employers, Veterans Service 

Officers, VA Health Care & Women's Health Experts, VA OIF / OEF Clinicians, Vets Center, and there 

will be a wide range of service & training resources available. Public welcome. 

o Annual Fall Pow-Wow, Department of Iowa Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW, 7-9 Oct 2011, Holiday Inn 

Hotel & Suites, Des Moines IA 50322, Ramada Inn, 5000 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines IA 50322, 

Department Commander Danny White, (515) 255-2139, xpara173@aol.com, 

o America's Family Coaches Military Marriage Conference, 7-8 Oct 2011, Sheraton West Des Moines 

Hotel 1800 50th Street West Des Moines IA, Note – Register online at 

http://www.thegreatmarriageexperience.com/discover/category/military_marriage_conference, Note - Cost 

of Attendance is $20.00, Note 2 –Americas Family Coaches knows that military marriages experience 

unique strain, especially during deployment. Even military couples with self-described strong marriages tell 

us about the immense toll separation causes as well as how difficult it is to reintegrate after deployment. 

America’s Family Coaches is here to support you and encourage you in your marriage. We invite you to 

join us for this fall’s Military Marriage Conference at the Sheraton in West Des Moines. Military personnel 

are invited to bring their husband or wife to the event where they will be pampered with a one-night hotel 

stay, meals, marriage resources, entertainment by a comedian and marriage teaching and coaching sessions 

by Dr. Gary & Barb Rosberg. This will be an event you won’t want to miss! 

o District 1 American Legion Fall Conference (Iowa, Johnson, Cedar, Washington, Muscatine, Louisa, 

Jefferson, Henry, Des Moines, Van Buren, Lee Counties), 8 Oct 2011, Keokuk American Legion Post, 

Keokuk IA, Harlan Yoder, District 1 Commander, (319) 626-7617, firstdistict@ialegion.org 

o District 4 American Legion Fall Conference (Worth, Mitchell, Howard, Winneshiek, Allamakee, Cerro 

Gordo, Floyd, Chickasaw, Fayette, Clayton, Buchanan and Delaware Counties), 8 Oct 2011, St Ansgar 

American Legion Post, St Ansgar IA, Mike Soltero, District 4 Commander, fourthdistricT@ialegion.org 

8


o Battery A & B 1 st Battalion 194 th Field Artillery (2 nd Brigade Combat Team) Post-Mobilization Yellow 

Ribbon Event, 8-9 Oct 2011, Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, 1405 Highway 71 South, Okoboji 

IA 51355, Jessica Taylor, Yellow Ribbon Support Specialist (Iowa National Guard), (515) 334-2879, 

jess.taylor@us.army.mil, Note – this will also include the 2168 th Transportation Company 

o 2011 Association of the United States Army NATIONAL Conference, 10-12 Oct 2011, Washington DC, 

http://www.ausa.org 

o Patching Ceremony, 11 Oct 2011 1000-1030, Joint Forces Headquarters Iowa National Guard, 6100 NW 

78 th Avenue, Johnston IA 50131, Lieutenant Colonel William F. McClintock, (515) 252-4133, 

mac.mcclintock@us.army.mil, Note – A patching ceremony is a monthly event when Iowa National Guard 

Soldiers who recently graduated from Initial Entry Training are presented with their patch of assignment by 

The Adjutant General and Senior Enlisted Leader. It marks the first day the Soldier is assigned to their unit. 

o Monthly Meeting of Loess Hills Chapter Blue Star Mothers of America, 11 Oct 2011 1830, Perkins 



o Wapello County Homeless Veterans Stand Down, 11 Oct 2011 1000-1900, Ottumwa National Guard 

Armory, 2858 North Court Road, Ottumwa IA 52501-1198, Dan Hoy, Wapello County Director of 

Veterans Affairs, (641) 684-8079, wapelloveterans@pcsia.net, Note – At 6:00 p.m. we will have Moe 

Armstrong speak. Moe is a former homeless Vet who has battled and overcome serious mental health 

issues. We will be offering too many services to list, including med screenings, haircuts, resume 

workshops, clothing, and VA services. Trans will be provided from a few locations around SE Iowa, and I 

will provide further on that when we get it worked out. Two meals will be provided that day. I would ask 

that everyone of us who can attend, please do. Please let your Veterans, (homeless, at-risk, or extremely 

low income), know about this event. 

o United States Navy (USN) Birthday – 236 years, 13 Oct 2011 (October 13, 1775) 

o Disabled American Veterans Department of Iowa’s Mobile Service Office Visit, 15 Oct 2011 0800-1600, 

Big Barn Harley-Davidson, 81 Northwest 49th Place, Des Moines IA, Robert Peterson, Larry Jatho, More 

details TBA. 

o Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs IDVA Fall School FOR County Commissioners of Veterans 

Affairs, 18 Oct 2011 0800-1630, (Specific Location To Be Determined), Carroll IA, Jodi S. Tymeson, 

(515) 242-5333, Jodi.Tymeson@iowa.gov, Note – this training is FREE OF CHARGE for County 

Commissioners of Veterans Affairs, and attendance by these leaders is highly encouraged. 

o District 2 American Legion Fall Conference (Dubuque, Jones, Jackson, Clinton, Scott Counties), 15 Oct 

2011, Dubuque American Legion Post, Dubuque IA, Leonard Ernst, District 2 Commander, (563) 872- 

5651, seconddistrict@ialegion.org 

o District 3 American Legion Fall Conference (Wright, Franklin, Butler, Bremer, Hardin, Grundy, Black 

Hawk, Marshall, Tama, and Benton Counties), 15 Oct 2011, Marshalltown American Legion Post, 

Marshalltown IA, Brent Wightman, District 3 Commander, (319) 610-1261, thirddistrict@ialegion.org 

o District 5 American Legion Fall Conference (Jasper, Poweshiek, Mahaska, Keokuk, Union, Clarke, 

Lucas, Monroe, Wapello, Ringgold, Decatur, Wayne, Appanoose, Davis Counties), 15 Oct 2011, 

Oskaloosa American Legion Post, Oskaloosa IA, Gary Smith, District 5 Commander, (641) 202-1199, 

fifthdistrict@ialegion.org 

o District 8 American Legion Fall Conference (Emmet, Kossuth, Winnebago, Palo, Alto, Hancock, 

Pocahontas, Humboldt, Calhoun, Webster, Hamilton, Crawford, Carroll, Greene, and Boone Counties), 16 

Oct 2011, Livermore American Legion Post, Livermore IA, David Miles, District 8 Commander, (641) 

762-3571, eighthdistrict@ialegion.org 

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o Mental Health First Aid Training MHFA, 19-20 Oct 2011 0830-1600 (each day), Freedom Center, 

Building S70 Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center, 7105 NW 70 th Ave., Johnston IA 50131, 

Stacie Bendixen, (515) 237-0338, sbendixen@sppg.com, Note 1 – Cost is $25.00 to attend, Note 2 - 

Attendees of BOTH 6 hour sessions will receive Mental Health First Aid CERTIFICATION, Note 3 – Who 

Should Attend: County Commissioners of Veterans Affairs, County Veterans Service Officers, Veterans 

Organizations and Representatives, Community-Based organizations that serve veterans, Family Readiness 

Groups, Iowa National Guard Leadership, and Family members of service members and Soldiers 

o Iowa National Guard Family Readiness Group BASIC Training, 22-23 Oct 2011, Fort Dodge National 

Guard Readiness Center, 1659 Nelson Ave., Fort Dodge IA 50101-8517, Shalee Torrence, Senior Family 

Readiness Support Assistant, (515) 252-4781, shalee.torrence@us.army.mil, Note – Please register at 

http://www.jointservicessupport.org. Note – This training is intended for family readiness group leaders, 

co-leaders, treasurers, secretaries, key volunteers, commanders, and military points of contact. Topics 

covered will be family readiness group definitions and regulations, volunteer management, meeting 

management, deployment phases, charter maintenance, effective leadership, communication, chain of 

command and chain of concern, family programs and resources, and self-management. 

o Mental Health First Aid Training MHFA, 26-27 Oct 2011 0830-1600 (each day), Iowa National Guard 

Readiness Center, 4540 Melrose Ave., Iowa City IA 52246, Stacie Bendixen, (515) 237-0338, 

sbendixen@sppg.com, Note 1 – Cost is $25.00 to attend, Note 2 - Attendees of BOTH 6 hour sessions will 

receive Mental Health First Aid CERTIFICATION, Note 3 – Who Should Attend: County Commissioners 

of Veterans Affairs, County Veterans Service Officers, Veterans Organizations and Representatives, 

Community-Based organizations that serve veterans, Family Readiness Groups, Iowa National Guard 

Leadership, and Family members of service members and Soldiers 


Fund Raising Event for Restoration of Clayton County Civil War Monument, 22 Oct 2011, Motor Mill, 

29862 Osborne Road, Elkader IA 52043, 1/Lt David M. Lamb, (515) 282-5900, digger1@q.com 

o District 9 American Legion Fall Conference (Lyon, Osceola, Dickinson, Sioux, O'Brien, Clay, Plymouth, 

Cherokee, Buena Vista, Woodbury, Ida, Sac, Monona Counties), 22 Oct 2011, Cherokee American Legion 

Post, Cherokee IA, James Kessler, District 9 Commander, (712) 832-3540, ninthdistrict@ialegion.org 

o Sons of the American Legion SAL Fall Conference, 23 Oct 2011, Des Moines IA, Bob Rosenboom, 

Detachment Commander, (712) 359-2430, boomer@palmerone.com 

o Military Family Retreat for Military Families Who Had Member Return from Deployment, 28-31 Oct 

2011, Camp Okoboji, 1531 Edgewood Drive, Milford IA 51351, Lori Camp, (712) 337-3325, 

lori.camp@1idwlcms.org, Chaplain (Major) Mike Crawford, (515) 570-9705, 

michael.v.crawford@us.army.mil, Note – this event is designed for couples and their children with sessions 

lead by Military Chaplains, children activities, and free time. Families are responsible for travel expenses 

to Camp Okoboji and Friday night dinner. Lodging, all other meals and registration cost are provided by 

the Camp and the churches of the Lutheran Churches Missouri Synod participating in Operation Barnabas. 

o Iowa Veterans Trust Fund Meeting, 2 Nov 2011 0800, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, Building 



o District 7 American Legion Fall Conference, (Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, Guthrie, Pottawattamie, Cass, 

Adair, Mills, Montgomery, Adams, Fremont, Page, Taylor Counties), 29 Oct 2011, Shenandoah American 

Legion Post, Shenandoah IA, Alan Schenk, (712) 542-5998, seventhdistrict@ialegion.org 

o Quad Cities Honor Flight, 3 Nov 2011, 4130 NW Blvd, Davenport IA & Washington DC 52806, Bob 

Morrison, (563) 388-3271, bmorrison@ridgecrestvillage.org, http://www.honorflightqc.org, Note – The 

mission of the honor flight network is to fly America’s veterans to Washington, D.C, to visit those 

10


memorials dedicated to honor their sacrifices. Top priority is given to America’s most senior veterans – 

survivors of WWII and any veterans with a terminal illness who wish to visit THEIR memorial. 

o Monthly Meeting of Blue Star Mothers of America Chapter 1, 5 Nov 2011 1300 (Officers Meeting) 1400 

(General membership Meeting), Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Building 3692 (A-9), 7105 NW 70 th 

Ave., Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center, Johnston IA 50131, Julie Greer, (515) 240-8764, 

iabsma1@hotmail.com 

“Hiring Our Heroes” Event Sponsored by Department of Labor Veterans Employment and 

Training Service (DOL-VETS) and the U.S. Chamber, 8 Nov 2011, Hy-Vee Hall at Iowa Events Center, 

233 Center Street, Des Moines IA 50309, Jeffrey Johnson, Iowa Workforce Development IWD, (515) 

281-9708, jeffrey.johnson@iwd.iowa.gov 

o Monthly Meeting of Loess Hills Chapter Blue Star Mothers of America, 8 Nov 2011 1830, Perkins 



o“Telling: Iowa City” Performance / Production, 8-10 Nov 2011 Aug 2011 1930, Theater B, Theater 

Building, North Riverside Drive, Iowa City IA, John Mikelson, (319) 321-1387, johnmikelson@uiowa.edu, 

Note 1- Veterans are invited to share their experiences in a unique theatrical 

experience titled Telling: Iowa City. The experience entails a series of interviews with veterans that will 

become a play, taken directly from the stories of Iowa City veterans, and performed by the veterans 

themselves, Note 2 – Admission is FREE of charge 

o Veterans Day Chapel Service, 10 Nov 2011 0830, Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center, 7105 

NW 70 th Avenue, Johnston IA 50131, Camp Dodge Chapel, Building 3772 (A63), Chaplain (Major) Gary 

S. Selof, (515) 252-4189, gary.selof@us.army.mil; Note – This event is open to the public. 

o United States Marine Corps (USMC) Birthday – 236 years, 10 Nov 2011 (November 10, 1775), 

o VETERANS DAY, 11 Nov 2011 


Veterans Day Events, 11 Nov 2011 ALL DAY, Woodland Cemetery, 2019 Woodland Ave., Des Moines 

IA 50312, 1/Lt David M. Lamb, (515) 282-5900, digger1@q.com, Note – events will include decorating 

graves of all identifiable veterans at Woodland Cemetery, and posting uniformed sentries at the two Grand 

Army of the Republic Sections of Woodland to walk “silent posts” for most of the day. 


Veterans Day Event, 11 Nov 2011 Time TBD, Hy-Vee Hall, 730 3 rd Street, Des Moines IA 50309, 1/Lt 

David M. Lamb, (515) 282-5900, digger1@q.com 

o 31 st Annual Veterans Day Banquet, Sponsored by Johnson County Military Affairs Association, 11 Nov 

2011 1730, Riverside Casino & Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside IA 52327, RESERVATIONS 

REQUIRED, COST: $30.00, POC: John Mikelson, Work: (319) 384-2020, john-mikelson@uiowa.edu; 

Note 1 – Keynote speaker is Gen McKinley, Director of the National Guard Bureau 

o “Just Desserts” Fundraiser for Fort Des Moines Museum, 12 Nov 2011 Fort Des Moines Museum, 75 

East Army Post Road, Des Moines IA 50315, POC: , Joe Nolte, (515) 282-8060, 

joenolte@qwestoffice.net, Note: Advance Registration $25.00 required. 

o 29 th Annual Engineer Ball, 12 Nov 2011 1500-2345, Comfort Inn & Suites, 6169 Reve Court, Fort 

Madison IA 52627, Master Sergeant Ed Glenn (Iowa ARNG, Ret.), (641) 683-9826, 

ed.glenn@us.army.mil, Note – This event is for Soldiers & Alumni of the 224 th Engineer Battalion, Note 2 

– There will be an update briefing for Alumni at 1500 hrs, the cocktail hour starts at 1700, and the 

receiving line starts at 1745. Room reservations may be made at (319) 372-6800 

11


o “Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program”, Part of the “Strong Bonds” Retreat Program 

Sponsored by Iowa National Guard, 12-13 Nov 2011, Specific site to be determined, Des Moines IA, 

Chaplain (Major) Gary Selof, (515)252-4189, gary.selof@us.army.mil . Note: Duty orders and invitational 

travel orders are available for National Guard Soldiers and Spouses; military personnel and spouses from 

other services MAY register and attend, but will not be funded by the National Guard. 

o Iowa National Guard Family Readiness Group ADVANCED Training, 19 Nov 2011, Waterloo National 

Guard Readiness Center, 3106 Airport Blvd., Waterloo IA 50703-9692, Shalee Torrence, Senior Family 








National Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War’s Annual “Remembrance Day”, 19-21 Nov 2011, 

Gettysburg National Battlefield Park, 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg PA 17325, 1/Lt David M. Lamb, 

(515) 282-5900, digger1@q.com 

o Thanksgiving Chapel Service, 23 Nov 2011 0830, Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center, 7105 

NW 70 th Avenue, Johnston IA 50131, Camp Dodge Chapel, Building 3772 (A63), Chaplain (Major) Gary 

S. Selof, (515) 252-4189, gary.selof@us.army.mil, Note – This event is open to the public. 

o Suspense date for Iowa National Guard Officers Association Foundation Scholarship Submissions, 30 

Nov 2011, Dennis A. Dietz, (515) 210-6343, dadietz13@msn.com, Note – this is a scholarship for which 

all Iowa National Guard Soldiers and Airmen may apply. 

o“Telling: Iowa City” Performance / Production, 2-3 Dec 2011 Aug 2011 1930, Riverside Theater, 213 

North Gilbert, Next to Bluebird Café, Iowa City IA, John Mikelson, (319) 321-1387, johnmikelson@uiowa.edu, 

http://thetellingproject.org, Note 1- Veterans are invited to share their experiences in 

a unique theatrical experience titled Telling: Iowa City. The experience entails a series of interviews with 

veterans that will become a play, taken directly from the stories of Iowa City veterans, and performed by 

the veterans themselves, Note 2 – Admission is $15.00 ($12.00 for students). 

o“Telling: Iowa City” Performance / Production, 4 Dec 2011 Aug 2011 1400, Riverside Theater, 213 North 

Gilbert, Next to Bluebird Café, Iowa City IA, John Mikelson, (319) 321-1387, john-mikelson@uiowa.edu, 

http://thetellingproject.org, Note 1- Veterans are invited to share their experiences in a unique theatrical 

experience titled Telling: Iowa City. The experience entails a series of interviews with veterans that will 

become a play, taken directly from the stories of Iowa City veterans, and performed by the veterans 

themselves, Note 2 – Admission is $15.00 ($12.00 for students). 

o Monthly Meeting of Blue Star Mothers of America Chapter 1, 3 Dec 2011 1400, Iowa Gold Star Military 

Museum, Building 3692 (A-9), 7105 NW 70 th Ave., Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center, 

Johnston IA 50131, Julie Greer, (515) 240-8764, iabsma1@hotmail.com 


“Victorian Christmas Stroll”, 3 Dec 2011 1700-2100, Albia IA, 1/Lt David M. Lamb, (515) 282-5900, 

digger1@q.com 

o Iowa Veterans Trust Fund Meeting, 7 Dec 2011 0800, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, Building 



12



“Wreaths Across America Program, 10 Dec 2011, Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Dr., 

Adel IA 50003, 1/Lt David M. Lamb, (515) 282-5900, digger1@q.com 

o United States National Guard (USNG) Birthday – 375 years, 13 Dec 2011 (December 13, 1636) 

o Monthly Meeting of Loess Hills Chapter Blue Star Mothers of America, 13 Dec 2011 1830, Perkins 



o Christmas Chapel Service, 22 Dec 2011 0830, Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center, 7105 NW 

70 th Avenue, Johnston IA 50131, Camp Dodge Chapel, Building 3772 (A63), Chaplain (Major) Gary S. 

Selof, (515) 252-4189, gary.selof@us.army.mil, Note – This event is open to the public. 

o “Family Wellness”, Part of the “Strong Bonds Retreat Program Sponsored by Iowa National Guard, 14- 

15 Jan 2012, Specific Site to be determined, Des Moines IA, Chaplain (Major) Gary Selof, (515)252- 

4189, gary.selof@us.army.mil . Note: Duty orders and invitational travel orders are available for National 

Guard Soldiers and Spouses; military personnel and spouses from other services MAY register and attend, 

but will not be funded by the National Guard 

o “Laugh Your Way To A Better Marriage”, Part of the “Strong Bonds” Retreat Program Sponsored by 

Iowa National Guard, 21-22 Jan 2012, Specific Site to be determined, Waterloo IA, Chaplain (Major) 

Gary Selof, (515)252-4189, gary.selof@us.army.mil . Note: Duty orders and invitational travel orders are 

available for National Guard Soldiers and Spouses; military personnel and spouses from other services 

MAY register and attend, but will not be funded by the National Guard 

o 2012 Mid-Winter Conference of the American Legion Department of Iowa, 10-12 Feb 2012, Holiday Inn 

- Airport, 6111 Fleur Dr., Des Moines IA, Dennis J. Soppe, Department Commander, (515) 282-5068, 

commander@ialegion.org 

o “Interpersonal Choice & Knowledge Conference”, Part of the “Strong Bonds” Retreat Program 

Sponsored by Iowa National Guard, 18-19 Feb 2012, Specific Site to be determined, Dubuque IA, 

Chaplain (Major) Gary Selof, (515)252-4189, gary.selof@us.army.mil . Note: This event is designed to 

help SINGLE service members enhance relationships in their lives with significant others, family members, 

and co-workers. There will be breakouts on personality types, interest inventory for career planning, and 

what to do to find your soul mate. Duty orders are available for National Guard Soldiers; military personnel 

from other services MAY register and attend, but will not be funded by the National Guard. 

o Iowa National Guard Family Readiness Group BASIC Training, 25-26 Feb 2012, Council Bluffs 

National Guard Readiness Center, 2415 East Kanesville Blvd., Council Bluffs IA 51503-1001, Shalee 

Torrence, Senior Family Readiness Support Assistant, (515) 252-4781, shalee.torrence@us.army.mil, Note 

– Please register at http://www.jointservicessupport.org. Note – This training is intended for family 

readiness group leaders, co-leaders, treasurers, secretaries, key volunteers, commanders, and military points 

of contact. Topics covered will be family readiness group definitions and regulations, volunteer 

management, meeting management, deployment phases, charter maintenance, effective leadership, 

communication, chain of command and chain of concern, family programs and resources, and selfmanagement. 

o “Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program”, Part of the “Strong Bonds” Retreat Program 

Sponsored by Iowa National Guard, 25-26 Feb 2012, Specific site to be determined, Sioux City IA, 

Chaplain (Major) Gary Selof, (515)252-4189, gary.selof@us.army.mil . Note: Duty orders and invitational 

travel orders are available for National Guard Soldiers and Spouses; military personnel and spouses from 

other services MAY register and attend, but will not be funded by the National Guard. 

o Iowa National Guard Family Readiness Group ADVANCED Training, 17 Mar 2012, Sioux City 

National Guard Readiness Center, 3200 2 nd Mech Drive, Sioux City IA 51111-1348, Shalee Torrence, 

13


Senior Family Readiness Support Assistant, (515) 252-4781, shalee.torrence@us.army.mil, Note – Please 

register at http://www.jointservicessupport.org. Note – This training is intended for family readiness group 

leaders, co-leaders, treasurers, secretaries, key volunteers, commanders, and military points of contact. 

Topics covered will be family readiness group definitions and regulations, volunteer management, meeting 



o Iowa National Guard Officers Association Business Meeting & Recognition Dinner, 30 Mar – 1 Apr 

2012 

o Memorial Day, 28 May 2012 (Last Monday in May Annually) 

o 2012 National Conference of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) 

2-9 Jun 2011, Atlantic City NJ, Sara Creamer, Muscatine County Administrator of Veterans Affairs, 

(563) 262-4162, screamer@co.muscatine.ia.us 

o 72 nd Annual American Legion Boys State, Sponsored by Department of Iowa American Legion, Camp 

Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center, 7105 NW 70 th Avenue, Johnston IA 50131, 10-15 Jun 2012, 

Kathy Nees, (515) 282-5068, knees@ialegion.org 

o United States Army (USA) Birthday – 237 years, 14 Jun 2012 (June 14, 1775) 

o Iowa National Guard Family Readiness Group BASIC Training, 23-24 Jun 2012, Iowa City National 

Guard Readiness Center, 4540 Melrose Ave., Iowa City IA 52246, Shalee Torrence, Senior Family 







o “7 Habits of Highly Effective Military Families, Part of the “Strong Bonds” Retreat Program Sponsored 

by Iowa National Guard, 28-29 Jul 2012, Specific site to be determined, Dayton IA, Chaplain (Major) 

Gary Selof, (515)252-4189, gary.selof@us.army.mil . Note: This is one of the best programs 

available to help military families stay focused, stay positive, and set goals for themselves and their 

families. Duty orders and invitational travel orders are available for National Guard Soldiers and Spouses; 

military personnel and spouses from other services MAY register and attend, but will not be funded by the 

National Guard. 

o Honor Flight Winnebago, Aug 2012 0700-2230, Mason City Municipal Airport, Clear Lake IA 

50428, Jack Caputo, (641) 590-0548, winnvets@aol.com, Dave Theiss, (641) 529-1776, 

winnvets@aol.com, Bob Havner, (507) 259-5218, Note – The mission of the honor flight network is to fly 

America’s veterans to Washington, D.C, to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their sacrifices. Top 

priority is given to America’s most senior veterans – survivors of WWII and any veterans with a terminal 

illness who wish to visit THEIR memorial. Note 2 – The Iowa counties supported with this flight include: 1 

– Winnebago, 2 – Hancock, 3 – Franklin, 4 – Cerro Gordo, 5 – Worth, 6 – Mitchell, 7 – Floyd, and 8 – 

Chickasaw. 

o Iowa National Guard Family Readiness Group ADVANCED Training, 4 Aug 2012, Freedom Center, 

Building S70, Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center, 7105 NW 70 th Ave., Johnston IA 50131- 

1824, Shalee Torrence, Senior Family Readiness Support Assistant, (515) 252-4781, 

shalee.torrence@us.army.mil, Note – Please register at http://www.jointservicessupport.org. Note – This 

training is intended for family readiness group leaders, co-leaders, treasurers, secretaries, key volunteers, 

commanders, and military points of contact. Topics covered will be family readiness group definitions and 

regulations, volunteer management, meeting management, deployment phases, charter maintenance, 

14


effective leadership, communication, chain of command and chain of concern, family programs and 

resources, and self-management. 

o 2012 Iowa State Fair, 9-19 Aug 2012, Iowa State Fairgrounds, E 30th St and E University Ave, Des 

Moines, IA 50317, Iowa State Fair Administration Office, (515) 262-3111, http://www.iowastatefair.org/ 

o Veterans Day Parade at the Iowa State Fair, 13 Aug 2012 1000, E 30th St and E University Ave, Des 

Moines, IA 50317, Jill Joseph, Outreach Coordinator, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, (515) 242- 

0033, jill.joseph@iowa.gov 

o LABOR DAY, FEDERAL HOLIDAY, 3 SEP 2012 (FIRST MONDAY IN SEPTEMBER 

ANNUALLY) 

o National Guard Association of the United States NATIONAL Conference, 9-12 Sep 2012, Reno NV, 

http://www.ngaus.org 

o Gold Star Mother’s Day, 23 Sep 2012 (4 th Sunday of each September Annually) 

o United States Navy (USN) Birthday, 13 Oct 2012 (October 13, 1775) 

o 2012 Association of the United States Army NATIONAL Conference, 22-24 Oct 2012, Washington DC, 

http://www.ausa.org 

o United States Marine Corps (USMC) Birthday, 10 Nov 2012 (November 10, 1775) 

o VETERANS DAY, 11 Nov 2012 

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