Mills County Iowa Veterans Affairs

06/10/2026

• WHAT: "Celebrating Our Sisters in Arms" (Iowa Women Veterans Recognition Day Celebration)
• WHO: Hosted by the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs' Iowa Women Veterans Advocates program. Open to fellow veterans, supporters, and the media.
• WHEN: Friday, June 12, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• WHERE: Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, 1100 Shriners Pkwy, Altoona, IA 50009

DES MOINES, IA — The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), through its Iowa Women Veterans Advocates program, will celebrate Iowa Women Veterans Recognition Day on Friday, June 12th, with the "Celebrating Our Sisters in Arms" event. Held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine in Altoona, the event offers a space for connection, community, and recognition.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network and learn about vital resources, advocacy initiatives, and volunteer opportunities. Representatives will be on-site from the IDVA, the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs, and various veteran service organizations and supporting local businesses. The afternoon's highlight will be the formal presentation of the 2026 Iowa Woman Veteran of the Year Award.
Media are invited to attend

Contact: Joella Perry, Program Coordinator: 641-223-212 or
Jennifer Olson: 319-330-5431

05/14/2026

Be sure to follow the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs page and website. Lots of new information and events to attend!

From IDVA:
May is Military Appreciation Month and Honoring True Heroes
Top news from the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs: IVH achieves a perfect clinical survey, the Vietnam War Memorial undergoes its first restoration in 42 years, and local CVSOs receive advanced training to maximize federal benefits. Read on for key dates for Memorial Day, summer outreach events, and new leadership transitions within the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs. Please see their website for more information!

05/11/2026

Vietnam Veteran Flight Surgeon to Speak at Iowa Vietnam Veterans and Memorial Restoration Reveal Recognition Day, May 14th, 110 AM

DES MOINES, Iowa —The 2026 Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day ceremony will be held on Thursday May 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the Iowa Vietnam Veterans War Memorial on the south Iowa State Capitol grounds.
Attendees can also get their first glimpse of the Iowa Vietnam War Memorial Wall after its first restoration in 42 years.
The announcement was made by Dan Gannon of Des Moines, the event’s primary organizer, in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) and the Central Iowa VA Health Care System (CIVAHCS). The 2026 program will include the Opening Ceremony, Honor Guard Presentation of Colors, keynote address, reading of the Governor’s Proclamation, and the Laying of the Wreath honoring Iowa’s Vietnam veterans.
“This ceremony is one of the most important things we do each year,” said organizer Dan Gannon. “Iowa’s Vietnam veterans answered their country’s call, and many never received the welcome home they deserved. On May 14th, we gather to honor their service, their sacrifice, and their enduring place in our state’s history.”
This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Craig R. Saunders of Manilla, a U.S. Air Force veteran and distinguished cardiothoracic surgeon.
Dr. Saunders served as Chief Flight Surgeon at McChord Air Force Base from 1971 to 1973. McChord, home to the 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, played a critical role during the Vietnam era as part of the 62nd Military Airlift Command (MAC) Wing, a major support component for the war.
A graduate of Simpson College and the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Dr. Saunders completed advanced surgical training at both the University of Iowa and The Cleveland Clinic. His 40 year medical career focused on open heart surgery, and he has held leadership roles including Director of Affiliate Programs for the Cleveland Clinic Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and is now Emeritus Chairman of Cardiothoracic Surgery at RWJ/Barnabas Health in Livingston, New Jersey.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Saunders has contributed to Iowa’s cultural and historical record through a weekly newspaper column on Iowa history and as co author of Blessed, I’m So Damned Grateful, a narrative of Iowa farm life inspired by his father.
The Iowa Vietnam War Memorial is also the site of Iowa's "In Memory" plaque. This nation-wide Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation (VVMF) program honor "Men and Women who served in the Vietnam War and later died as a result of their service." Registered individuals are remembered by personal profiles on an 'internet memorial' on the VVMF In Memory Program website. Iowa added 38 new inductees to the In Memory Program in 2026, bringing Iowa's total to 218 honorees - one of the highest per capita in the nation. Go to the VVMF In Memory Program website to visit or register.
Other Vietnam Veteran Events Coming up:
• This summer, the VVMF's mobile honor display "The Wall That Heals" , will also be making three stops in Iowa with the following schedule.
• Pottawatmie County, May 22-25
• Manning, July 23-26
• Brooklyn, July 30- Aug. 2

05/08/2026

Our page has been updated to show our current address. We can be found at 403 Railroad Avenue in Glenwood, Iowa. I apologize for any confusion for those trying to find our address.
Thank you all! Enjoy the weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all of our heroes!

04/21/2026

Veteran Resource Festival THIS SATURDAY in Council Bluffs! Come check it out and all the services, groups, and resources available for veterans!

04/09/2026

Veterans - these post cards are getting to our area. BE AWARE this is a SCAM. Do not reply.

03/24/2026

IDVA Encourages Iowans to Honor National Vietnam Veterans Day March 29th, & Iowa Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day May 14th

CAMP DODGE, Ia. -- Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) reminds all Iowans they are encouraged to recognize National Vietnam Veterans Day March 29th, to take part in local ceremonies where they can, and mark their calendars for Iowa Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day Thursday, May 14th, at 11 a.m., at the Iowa Vietnam Memorial Wall on the south State Capitol Grounds.

Watch: 2025 Iowa Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day Ceremony
The State of Iowa Official commemoration of Vietnam Veterans pre-dates the national observance by a decade, but Iowa veterans are welcome to observe both days. Sponsored by IDVA and Central Iowa VA Health Care System (CIVAHCS) this year will mark the 19th Iowa Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day.
This year, visitors can also get a first glimpse at the Iowa Vietnam War Memorial after it's complete restoration to its original condition this spring. This was the first restoration on the memorial since it was installed in 1984.

In 2007, Iowa legislators designated May 7th as Iowa Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day to coincide with the official date designated by President Ford's Proclamation as the end of the Vietnam era, which is currently recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for eligibiliy of war-related veteran disability claims. National Vietnam Veterans Day was not recognized by congress or the White House until 2017 - 10 years after the state began recognizing Vietnam Veterans. The federal government chose March 29th, 1973, to coincide with the official Paris Peace Accords U.S. withdrawal deadline, which is also the eligibility stop-date for veterans to receive the Vietnam Service Medal.

This year's keynote speaker will be Dr. Craig R. Saunders of Manilla, Iowa, a U.S.Air Force veteran and distinguished cardiothoracic surgeon. While serving Dr. Saunders achieved the rank as a Major.
Dr. Saunders served as Chief Flight Surgeon at McChord Air Force Base,Tacoma/ Olympia, Washington, from 1971 to 1973. McChord, home to the 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. played a critical role during the Vietnam War as part of the 62nd Military Airlift Command (MAC) Wing, a major support component for the conflict.

Des Moines AMVETS Chapter 2 will host a luncheon immediately after the May 14th ceremony.
For National Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day:
• Search "National Vietnam Veterans Day Events near me"
• The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund invites you to share how you honor those who served by video or audio any time at https://www.vvmf.org/honor-vietnam-veterans/.
• Vietnam Veterans of America National events in Washington, D.C. (check local listings for events broadcast on The Pentagon Channel, YouTube, and other stations or streaming services - below times are converted to CST).
o 9:00-10:00: VA Ceremony at The Wall
o 11:30: National Welcome Home Parade
o 12:00: VVMF Wreath Laying
o 12:45: Tribute Video Program
o 1:30-4:00: Concert featuring Gary Sinise & Lt. Dan Band with special guests Craig Morgan, Rob Ribble and more.
• VVMF and Vietnam Veterans of America invite you to join them at Noon CST for the virtual commemoration of National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29th. You can join them on their website at: https://www.vvmf.org/ or on their page at: www.facebook.com/vietnamveteransmemorialfund. You may even see your video or hear your audio during the ceremony!
• The Militarybenefits.info and VA’s Vantage Point sites also have several events and activities posted to mark the day. To stay connected and participate, please "click" on the links, and show your appreciation for our Vietnam Veterans and their families.

03/12/2026

2026 Veterans Day at the Iowa State Fair Parade Celebrates America 250:
Parade Entry Applications Available
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAMP DODGE, I0wa. -- Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) has posted entry applications for the Veterans Day at the Iowa State Fair Parade scheduled for Aug. 17th, on the departmental website at dva.iowa.gov.
Veterans Day at the Iowa State Fair is always the only Monday of the Fair every year. All veterans and supporters are invited to participate with an application.
This year's theme will be America 250 in concert with the national commemoration.
A link to the application is in an 'alert' at the top of the department web page, and will appear on every page of the site. The deadline for entry applications is Aug. 1st. Interested groups can access the application from the web site, or download it directly with the button below.
• Who: All Iowa Veterans & Supporters, especially Vietnam Veterans.
• What: Annual Veterans Day at the Iowa State Fair Parade Entry Applications are available at https://dva.iowa.gov or the button below.
• When: Application deadline is August 1st, and the parade is the ONLY Monday of the Fair.
• Where: Applications can be downloaded from dva.iowa.gov. The parade is planned for the traditional route (main concourse south of the Grandstand) at the Iowa State Fair Grounds.

Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs homepage

03/12/2026

Today is the Day!
Please stop by your Mills County Veterans Affairs Open House!

403 Railroad Avenue - - - 4 - 6:00 pm
Cupcakes and Coffee will be provided.
We look forward to seeing you there!

03/09/2026

Mills County Veterans Affairs
is having an
OPEN HOUSE
this Thursday, March 12th
from 4 - 6 pm!

All are Welcome!

Please stop by at our
NEW ADDRESS ... 403 RAILROAD Ave
and see our new offices.
Our Commissioners and staff will be there to answer questions and visit about our services!!