Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs

09/04/2026

09/02/2026

Did you know that World War II officially ended on September 2, 1945? V-J Day (Victory Over Japan) is recognized on September 2 when the surrender documents were signed by the Japanese and General MacArthur aboard the USS Missouri. Years later, controversy developed over celebrations of the day deemed, by some, as offensive to Japan, now one of our closest allies, and mixed feelings about the devastation of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Visit the Gold Star’s World War II exhibits and contemplate the wartime sacrifices of Iowa men and women. A military nurse exhibit will have a Grand Opening on October 10.

09/02/2026

IVH has had at least one WWII veteran in residence for the last 82 years until this week. Thank you Times-Republican for telling so many stories like Ralph, his comrades, and this "Greatest Generation" over the years.

"One of the few remaining World War II veterans in central Iowa passed away recently at the Iowa Veterans Home (IVH) in Marshalltown. Ralph Alshouse, 102, an IVH resident and a Navy pilot during World War II, died Aug. 21 at the facility, according to Commandant Todd Jacobus..."

One of the few remaining World War II veterans in central Iowa passed away recently at the Iowa Veterans Home (IVH) in Marshalltown. Ralph Alshouse, 102, an IVH resident and a Navy pilot during World War II, died Aug. 21 at the facility, according to Commandant Todd Jacobus. Sadly, he was one of an....

08/31/2026

https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/iowa-veterans-cemetery-secures-13m-federal-grant-for-expansion-of-columbarium-walls

The Iowa Veterans Cemetery recently got a $1.3 million federal grant that will fund an expansion of columbarium walls, and enhancements to their grounds.

08/29/2026

From our great friends at The Final Salute!
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08/28/2026

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - A Cedar Rapids veteran has started a nonprofit to help fellow veterans with basic needs, including housing and utilities.
Brian Eschen built a backyard disc golf course about three years ago. This summer, he turned that hobby into Veterans First Iowa, a nonprofit focused on bringing veterans together and helping them with housing and utilities.

A Cedar Rapids veteran has started a nonprofit to help fellow veterans with basic needs, including housing and utilities.

08/28/2026

STATE CENTER, Iowa — A retired veteran who flew for President Obama returns to Iowa to bring a historic relic back to life.
Retired Lt. Col. Nick Turner grew up on a farm near Elliot, learning about hard work. “It was fixing and helicopters and flying helicopters and castrating hogs, fixing fence, and tending sheep,” said Turner. He went on from his farm roots to fly for 20 years in the Marines.

STATE CENTER, Iowa — A retired veteran who flew for President Obama returns to Iowa to bring a historic relic back to life. Retired Lt. Col. Nick Turner grew up on a farm near Elliot, learning abou…

08/27/2026

⚾ Military Appreciation Night is TONIGHT!

Join us at the Cedar Rapids Kernels as we celebrate Iowa’s service members, veterans and military families at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

🕡 First pitch: 6:30 p.m.

🎟️ Complimentary tickets are available for service members and veterans. Please bring a valid military ID or other proof of military service to receive your complimentary ticket.

We’ll see you at the ballpark! ⚾🇺🇸

08/27/2026

From The Des Moines Register: An Iowa Marine Corps veteran received a needed family vehicle upgrade Monday at the Iowa State Fair.

Iowa Marine Corps veteran Brandon Berhow-Goll received a needed family vehicle upgrade Monday at the Iowa State Fair.

08/27/2026

From The Des Moines Register: See photos as US Marine veteran is gifted car at Iowa State Fair

Former U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Brandon Berhow-Goll is honored with a payment-free car during the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 17, 2026.