GOVERNOR TERRY E. BRANSTAD DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR KIM REYNOLDS ROBERT C. KING, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran/Military-Related Events in Iowa

This event listing is compiled by Jill Joseph, Outreach Coordinator, IDVA. It provides information about veteran- related events as provided to the IDVA office. IDVA’s endeavor is to ensure that interested individuals and organizations are aware of these events. An updated listing will be distributed on the first and middle of each month. Please send details on events, including the 11 key pieces of information outlined below, to: [email protected]. We appreciate your efforts to put the information in the following order:

1. Name of Event, 2. Date of Event, 3. Time of Event, 4. Location of Event, 5. Address of Event, 6. City, 7. State, 8. Point of Contact, 9. POC’s Phone #, 10. POC’s email address, 11. Additional details/coordinating instructions

Listed Chronologically

2014

♦ Central Iowa Veterans Employment Summit, 22 May 2014, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm, Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa, Lindsey Meis, 515-699-5961, [email protected]. Note: Veterans employment summit leaders invited to attend: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa Governor’s Office, Iowa Workforce Development, and many other key employment and education stakeholders.

♦ 4th Annual Remembrance Run/Walk in Support of Freedom Park, 23-24 May, 2014, 12:00 pm Friday – 12:00 pm Saturday), Bishop Heelan’s Memorial Field, 17th Street & Hamilton Avenue, Sioux City, IA (Woodbury Co), Marty Hogan, Race Director, 712-389-0017, [email protected]. Register online at: https://secure.getmeregistered.com/register.php?event_id=9870. Note: Details available at Facebook: https://facebook.com/pages.Remembrance-Run-Walk/309933815703691; Webpage: http://www.siouxlandrun.org/Home.aspx.

♦ Memorial Day, 26 May 2014 (Last Monday in May annually)

♦ Memorial Day Ceremony, 26 May 2014, 8:00 a.m., Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Iowa Veterans Cemetery (at Van Meter) 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel, IA 50003-3300, Jill Joseph, 515-727-2443, [email protected]. Note: Guest speaker will be Brig. Gen. Jennifer Walter, Chief of Staff, IA Air NG.

♦ Memorial Day at the Iowa Veterans Home, 26 May 2014, 10:30 am – 11:30 am, 1301 Summit Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158, Brad Shipley, Resident Services Bureau, 641-753-4536, [email protected]. Note: IVH will be hosting a Memorial Day ceremony that begins at 10:30 am and will include special music by the Marshalltown Men’s Chorus, guest speaker CSM (Ret) Steve Hyde, Iowa National Guard, remembrance prayers, the laying of the traditional wreath, and salute. The public is welcomed to attend.

♦ Memorial Day Ceremony – Veterans Memorial, 26 May 2014, 11:00 am, 833 5th Ave, Des Moines,(Polk Co), IA, Enzo Carannante, 515-564-8059, [email protected]. Note: Guest Speaker will be Vice-Commander 132nd Fighter Wing, Kevin Heer.

I OWA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 800-838-4692 7105 NW 70TH AVENUE CAMP DODGE – BUILDING 3465 515-252-4698 JOHNSTON, IA 50131-1824 FAX 515-727-3713

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♦ Memorial Day Program – McCallsburg, Iowa, 26 May 2014, 10:00 am, American Legion Hall, 80 South 4th St, McCallsburg, (Story Co). IA, 515-434-2853 (Legion Hall), or Brett Mclain, 515.956.2625 , [email protected]. Note: Coffee & snacks will be provided beginning at 9:00 am. Guest speaker this year is Lance V. Mack, an impersonator. Following the program, the ceremony will be continued at the Warren Township cemetery in McCallsburg, where the members of Post #334 American Legion will honor those who have served in the military from the Story County area. There will be a dinner served at the Bethany Lutheran Church in McCallsburg following the conclusion of the entire program.

♦ Mitchellville Memorial Day Ceremony, 26 May 2014, 9:45 am, Mitchellville Cemetery, 6th St NE & Vine St, Mitchellville (Polk Co), IA, Dean Brand, 515-252-4421, [email protected]. Additionally – social time with coffee, cookies at the American Legion, 111 Center, Mitchellville, IA.

♦ Military Honors Ceremonies, 26 May 2014, 1:00 pm, Oakwood Cemetery, W. 6th and Columbus Streets, Pella, IA, POC: 1/Lt. David M. Lamb, 49th Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry/SVR, 515-986-4825, [email protected]. Note: The Civil War uniformed Honor Guard for the Department of Iowa, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War will render full military honors to three Civil War veterans who have been at rest without gravestones for close to 100 years until recently when stones were issued and placed to mark their final posts.

♦ Clay County Memorial Day Services, 26 May 2014, 10:00 am, Riverside Cemetery, 1701 4th Ave E, Spencer (Clay Co), IA 51301, Joan Waller, 712-262-5547, [email protected].

♦ Memorial Day Service – Fredericksburg, Iowa, 26 May 2014, 10:00 am, Rose Hill Cemetery (off Jackson Street & Roanoake Ave), Fredericksburg, IA, Dave Jacobsen, 641-394-3232, [email protected]. Note: All Vietnam Veterans will receive a certificate and pin in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Fredericksburg’s four remaining World War II veterans will receive a certificate and a ruptured duck pin. Roll call of veterans buried in Rose Hill Cemetery will be read. The Middle School Band will play patriotic music.

♦ Memorial Day at the Museum with Van & Bonnie, 26 May 2014, 5:00 am – 1:00 pm, Iowa Gold Star Museum, 7105 NW 70th Avenue, Camp Dodge, Johnston, IA, Sherrie Colbert, Museum Director, 515-252-4531, sherrie.colbert2iowa.gov. Note: Special Guest – WHO Radio’s Van & Bonnie, who will be broadcasting LIVE from the Museum from 5 am to 9 am. Free Military S.O.S. breakfast for the first 1,200 people provided by Hy-Vee and donuts served by Donut Dollies provided by Casey’s General Stores. Plant a flower in honor of a military service person: free petunias courtesy of Goode Greenhouses and Piney Ridge Greenhouses. Military re-enactors, vendors, crafts, freebies, and lots of fun for the whole family. ― Sheels is sponsoring a fly-over of a WWII Stearman Airplane. The museum curator, Mike Vogt, will be the co-pilot. ― Operation Barnabus will have a tent at the foot of the museum for non-perishable donations for veterans. Come out and celebrate our military service men and women at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum.

♦ 83rd Annual Service of Remembrance Memorial Day Service, 26 May 2014, 11:00 am, Resthaven Cemetery, 801 19th St., West Des Moines, IA, Cheryl Tancreti, Resthaven Cemetery, 515-225-7225, www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com. Note: Lunch will be provided following the ceremony. The ceremony will begin with military honors performed by American Legion Hispanic Post #731, West Des Moines VFW #8879, and Boy Scouts Troop #280 and will include musical performances by Sacred Hearts Knights of Columbus.

♦ Memorial Day Parade and Program, 26 May 2014, 10:00 am, Warren County Admin Building, West Clinton Avenue & North Buxton Street, Indianola (Warren Co), IA, Kathy Fensterman, 515-961-1045 or 515-961-0127, [email protected]. Note: Entries should arrive between 9:00 and 9:30 am; no registration is required. The parade will travel south on Buxton, east on Salem, then south on Hwy 65/69 to IOOF cemetery. The program will honor those who have died in service to our country. Guest speaker will be Master Sergeant Ed Vos.

♦ Memorial Day Service – Larry Nehring Detachment, Marine Corps League, 26 May 2014, 10:00 am, Monument area – south of the Iowa State Capitol, site of Korean and Vietnam Memorials, Commandant Carl Wong, 515-291-6824, [email protected]. Note: Opening prayers, laying of wreath at both memorials and traditional firing of three volleys followed by the playing of taps.

♦ Principal Charity Classic Complimentary Skybox Tickets for Military, May 30, 31, & June 1, 2014, Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 5 , Des Moines, (Polk Co), IA, www.principalcharityclassic.com. Note: Complimentary admission for active duty, retired, and reserve military along w/ their dependents – show a valid ID card at the entrance gate. Access to the Patriots’ outpost (Friday-Sunday) – a complimentary hospitality venue for military with a prime view of the 18th green as well as complimentary snacks and drinks. Sunday will be recognized as Military Appreciation Day with a special ceremony to honor our military on the 18th green during the trophy presentation.

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♦ VFW Post 9668 Monthly Meeting, Urbandale/Johnston VFW, 2 June 2014, 7:00 pm, VFW Department of Iowa State Headquarters, 3601 Beaver Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310 (Polk Co.), Robert Forbes, Post 9668 Commander, 515-778-6165, [email protected].

♦ World War II 70th Anniversary D-Day Tribute, June 5-June 8, Ottumwa, Iowa, multiple locations, 641-683-1836 for more information or Jennifer Boyenga, 641-683-5111 ext. 1812. Note: June 5, 7:00 pm, 1940s era music – Ottumwa Municipal Band, Central Park (641-777-8753); June 6, 7-9 am, WWII D-Day Tribute – patriotic breakfast & photo display at Bridge View Center $8 w/ reservation/$10 at door – D-Day speaker, retired Lt. Col. Conrad Wiser at Bridge View Center; June 7, 4:00 pm, IHCC Library – WWII movie: ”Ike – Countdown to D-Day” – free; June 8, 5-7 pm, cookies, punch, & WWII photos at IHCC Library – free and at 7:00 pm – Music on the Green “USO Show” sponsored by Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra – free, Mary Dodd Stage, Indian Hills Community College. Throughout June – WWII Book Display at Ottumwa Public Library; Shanpshots from Normandy Invasion – WWII Museum at Indian Hills Library; Grant Wood Lithographs of the 1940s at American Gothic House Center, Eldon, Iowa.

♦ D-Day 70th anniversary program at the Iowa Veterans Home, 6 June 2014, 10:00 am – 11:00 am, 1301 Summit Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158, Terry Gruetzmacher, 641-753-6369. Note: There will be a ceremony to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy (D-Day) during World War II. Guest speaker will be Brigadier General Ben Corell from the Iowa National Guard. The public is invited to attend.

♦ Iowa Veterans Cemetery POW Dedication, 7 June 2014, 1:00 pm at American Legion Building, Post 403, 910 Main Street, Van Meter, IA, Pat Ludwig, 515-570-8049, [email protected] or Tom Snyder, [email protected]. After the dedication ceremony, there will be a drive to the new monument at Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Note: There will be two speakers at the dedication ceremony: Carroll Bogart, past national commander of the American Ex-POWS and Larry Spencer, Vietnam Veteran, former POW.

♦ 9th Annual Veteran Appreciation Day, June 7, 2014, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Cherokee Fair Grounds, 200 Linden Street (South Hwy 59), Cherokee, IA, Dana Evans, Cherokee County VA Director, 712-225-6319, [email protected]. Note: This year’s theme will be World War I – 1914-1917 and World War II – 1941-1945. Veteran Affairs offices, businesses, military groups, and service organizations are invited to participate. VA reps will be in attendance. Speaker: Colonel Robert King. Free music, food.

♦ Operation Engage America, 7 June 2014, 1:00 – 5:00 pm, VFW Post 9662, 1309 NE 66th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313, Lisa Naslund, 712-368-5038 [email protected]. Note: The Naslund and Somers families both lost sons to battles with PTSD. The families have dedicated themselves to brining awareness to PTSD and urging other veterans and soldiers to reach out and get help as needed. This event will be an open house forum w/ many organizations/supporters that assist veterans, soldiers, families & communities. The afternoon will be kicked off at 1:00 pm with Retired Rep. Leonard Boswell, followed by BG Steven Altman and Cpt. Dan Grinstead.

♦ Hamilton County Veterans Affairs Information Expo, 12 June 2014, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, 500 Fairmeadow Drive, Webster City, IA, Dana Evans, 712-225-6319, [email protected] Note: Information on benefits, how to file a claim, health system eligibility, education, jobs, home loans, veterans home, burial benefits, and spouses & widows eligibility.

♦ Flag Retirement Ceremony, 14 June 2014, 4:30 pm, Waukee Centennial Park, 1255 Warrior Lane, Waukee, IA, Jerry Foster, 515- 223-4257, [email protected]. Note: The Waukee American Legion Post 737 is hosting the ceremony. Times: 4:30 pm picnic; 5:15 flag retirement ceremony; 6:00 band concert by an Air Force band. The American Legion will be selling hamburgers and hot dogs w/ chips and drink.

♦ English River Outfitters “Carnival”, 14 June, 2014, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Hall Park – located off highway 22 (easy to find – small town – turn south at Casey’s), Riverside, IA, Chuck Geertz, 563-357-4923, [email protected]. Note: All proceeds go to benefit veterans in ERO Life Skills Program. Games, food, beer tent, blues band, great fun for family. Go to www.englishriveroutfitters.org & check for the flyer posted at the bottom of the homepage as well as more info about ERO.

♦ Flag Day Community Picnic and Concert, 14 June 2014, 4:30 – 8:00 pm, Centennial Park, 1255 Warrior Lane, Waukee, (Dallas Co) IA, Cindy DePond, 515-402-7870, www.WaukeeArts.org, [email protected]. Note: The United States Air Force Band of Mid- America – Shades of Blue Ensemble – will perform traditional swing, bebop, modern jazz, vocal selections, and patriotic selections. The American Legion will be cooking hamburgers and hot dogs. There will be a picnic decorating contest: bring out the red, white and blue & bring your most patriotic decorations to your picnic. Gift basket for best decorated.

♦ VVA Chapter 490 General Meeting, 17 June 2014, 7:00 pm, PVA Meeting Room, 3703½ Douglas Ave, Des Moines (Polk Co), IA, Roger Elliott, 515-360-4245, [email protected]. Everyone is welcome. Bring your spouse and/or a friend.

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♦ Howard D. Ver Steegh VFW Post 5242 monthly meeting, 17 June 2014, 7:30 pm, Pella VFW, Pella Memorial Building, 829 Broadway, Pella (Marion Co), IA 50219, Patrick Stark, Post 5242 Adjutant, 641-780-9929, [email protected]. Note: Post 5242 meets each third Tuesday of the month.

♦ PVA of America Iowa Chapter National Trap Shoot Competition, 27-29 June 2014, Otter Creek Sportsman’s Club, 9001 Milburn Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, (Linn Co), IA 52402, David Graham, 660-868-0097 or Kenny Lloyd, 515-570-1402, [email protected]. Note: Competition open to all shooters sitting or standing, veteran and nonveteran. Host hotel is the Marriot, 1200 Collins Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402, 319-393-6600.

♦ VFW Post 9668 Monthly Meeting, Urbandale/Johnston VFW, 30 June 2014, 7:00 pm, VFW Department of Iowa State Headquarters, 3601 Beaver Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310 (Polk Co.), Robert Forbes, Post 9668 Commander, 515-778-6165, [email protected].

♦ Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs Quarterly Meeting, 9 July 2014, 10:00 am, Iowa Gold Star Museum, 7105 NW 70th Ave., Camp Dodge, Johnston, IA 50131 (Polk Co.), Mari Mielke, 515-727-3440, [email protected].

♦ English River Outfitters “Veterans First Annual Bike Jamboree”, 11 July 2014 – 12 July 2014, first event beings Friday at 6 pm, Camander’s Bar & Grill, 206 E Washington St., Brighton, IA 52540, Chuck Geertz, 563-357-4923, [email protected]. Note: All proceeds go to benefit veterans in ERO Life Skills Program. Please visit www.englishriveroutfitters.org and check for the flyer poster at the bottom of the home page for more information about ERO.

♦ 3rd Annual Shoot for Heroes, 14 June 2014, 9:00 am, Big springs shooting Complex, Searsboro, IA, Ernie Traugh, Cedar Valley Outfitters, Marion, IA, 319-447-6140, [email protected] or [email protected]. Note: Proceeds to go to Support the Wounded Warrior Foundation: www.shootforheroes.org.

♦ VVA Chapter 490 General Meeting, 15 July 2014, 7:00 pm, PVA Meeting Room, 3703½ Douglas Ave, Des Moines (Polk Co), IA, Roger Elliott, 515-360-4245, [email protected]. Everyone is welcome. Bring your spouse and/or a friend.

♦ Howard D. Ver Steegh VFW Post 5242 monthly meeting, 15 July 2014, 7:30 pm, Pella VFW, Pella Memorial Building, 829 Broadway, Pella (Marion Co), IA 50219, Patrick Stark, Post 5242 Adjutant, 641-780-9929, [email protected]. Note: Post 5242 meets each third Tuesday of the month.

♦ Hoggin’ for Heroes II Motorcycle Run, 19 July 2014, 10:30 - ?, Starting at J&P Cycles in Anamosa, IA and riding to Washington, IA, Michelle Reuss, 319-621-7878, [email protected]. Note: Pork dinner and dance in Washington at the end of the ride. A family friendly evening event.

♦ 2014 National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars FW, 19-23 Jul 2014, St. Louis, MO.

♦ Midwest Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference, 25-26 July 2014, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Cartwright Hall, , 2621 Carpenter Avenue, Des Moines (Polk Co), IA 50311, Ed Cox, 515-661-8459, [email protected]. Note: Agenda and topics are extensive – visit http://iowafarmerveteran.org/midwest-farmer-veteran-coalition-conference for additional information.

♦ Here’s to the Heroes: Veterans Appreciation Concert, 28 June 2014, Joe Sheldon Park, Humboldt (Humboldt Co) IA, gates open at 4:30 pm; opening ceremony @5:30 pm; “Brass 5” (Army National Guard Band) @5:45 pm, Dwight Lindquist, event coordinator, 515-576-7479. Note: FREE – no admission. Warm up band – Ken Kugel & the Mudpuppies; Main Event Band – Ricky Lynn Gregg.

♦ 2014 Iowa Paralyzed Veterans Red, White, & Blue Golf Outing, 2 August 2014, tee times being at 1:00 pm; check-in time is 11:45 – 12:45, River Valley Golf Course, 22927 Valley View Trail, Adel, IA 50003, Kim Gould, 515-669-8746, [email protected]. Note: Entry fee for 4-person team is $300.00. Fee includes 18 holes of golf, cart, prizes & meal. Limited to the first 35 teams paid. Call for info on sponsorship opportunities.

♦ VFW Post 9668 Monthly Meeting, 4 August 2014, Urbandale/Johnston VFW, 7:00 pm, VFW Department of Iowa State Headquarters, 3601 Beaver Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310 (Polk Co.), Robert Forbes, Post 9668 Commander, 515-778-6165, [email protected].

♦ Veterans Parade, 11 August 2014, 11:00 am, Iowa State Fairgrounds.

♦ Joining Community Forces (JCF) meeting, 14 August 2014, 8:30 am – 11:30 am, Gold Star Museum, Camp Dodge, 7105 NW 70th Ave, Johnston, IA (Polk Co.), Sondra VanDerPol, MPSC Contractor & Family Assistance Center Coordinator, 515-252-4758,

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[email protected]. Note: Joining Community Forces (JCF) is a meeting designed to connect veteran & military services to improve communication between services for the best treatment and benefit of service members & their families. All meetings begin at 8:30 am with coffee, registration, and networking; discussion of topics & issues begins at 9:00 am.

♦ Iowa National Guard 29th Annual Alumni Day, 16 Aug 2014, Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center, 7105 NW 70th Ave., Johnston, IA 50131 (Polk Co.), COL Timothy Glynn, 800-294-6607 ext 4360.

♦ VVA Chapter 490 General Meeting, 19 August 2014, 7:00 pm, PVA Meeting Room, 3703½ Douglas Ave, Des Moines (Polk Co), IA, Roger Elliott, 515-360-4245, [email protected]. Everyone is welcome. Bring your spouse and/or a friend.

♦ Howard D. Ver Steegh VFW Post 5242 monthly meeting, 19 August 2014, 7:30 pm, Pella VFW, Pella Memorial Building, 829 Broadway, Pella (Marion Co), IA 50219, Patrick Stark, Post 5242 Adjutant, 641-780-9929, [email protected]. Note: Post 5242 meets each third Tuesday of the month.

♦ Retiree Appreciation Day, 28 August 2014, Registration 8:00 am, Meadows, 2014 Meadows Hotel, Altoona, IA, Russ Eggers, 515-277-6113, [email protected].

♦ Labor Day, Federal Holiday, 1 Sept 2014 (First Monday in September annually)

♦ Homeless Veterans Stand Down, September 5-7, 5:00 pm (9-5-14) – 12:00 pm (9-7-14), Des Moines Capitol grounds @ East 13th and Walnut, Des Moines, IA, Kimberly Neal, 515-699-5999 ext. 4036. Note: All military veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Need a ride? – during Stand Down operating hours, you may contact: 515-669-8637. Support services offered: meals & clothing, HIV testing, military chaplains, legal information, VA claims, Vet Center, haircuts, medical screenings, employment assistance. Sponsored by AMVETS, American Legion, DAV, and VFW.

♦ VFW Post 9668 Monthly Meeting, Urbandale/Johnston VFW, 8 Sept 2014, 7:00 pm, VFW Department of Iowa State Headquarters, 3601 Beaver Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310 (Polk Co.), Robert Forbes, Post 9668 Commander, 515-778-6165, [email protected]. Note: Delayed date due to Labor Day.

♦ VVA Chapter 490 General Meeting, 16 Sept 2014, 7:00 pm, PVA Meeting Room, 3703½ Douglas Ave, Des Moines (Polk Co), IA, Roger Elliott, 515-360-4245, [email protected]. Everyone is welcome. Bring your spouse and/or a friend.

♦ Howard D. Ver Steegh VFW Post 5242 monthly meeting, 16 September 2014, 7:30 pm, Pella VFW, Pella Memorial Building, 829 Broadway, Pella (Marion Co), IA 50219, Patrick Stark, Post 5242 Adjutant, 641-780-9929, [email protected]. Note: Post 5242 meets each third Tuesday of the month.

♦ Stand Down 2014 for Homeless Veterans, 18-19-20 Sept 2014, Registration Hours: Thursday 18 Sept 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Friday 19 Sept 7:00 am – Noon, Q.C.C.A. Expo Center, 2621 4th Ave, Rock Island, 61021. To donate: 309-269-2012 Mike Malmstrom; to volunteer: 309-593-4400 Gloria Menzer, [email protected]; To support: 563-370-1779 Sarah Oliver. Note: Veterans status verified at check-in. Services: Food, clothing, haircuts, showers, medical, eye testing, human services, legal aid, employment assistance, hearing van, social security, VAC’s Vet Center, shelter referrals, disability claims, housing authority & more! Homeless Veterans welcome overnight.

♦ National POW-MIA Recognition Day, 19 Sept 2014 (3rd Friday of September annually), Gold Star Museum, 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 7105 NW 70th Ave., Johnston, IA (Polk Co), 515-252-4531

♦ Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs Quarterly Meeting, 1 Oct 2014, 10:00 am, Iowa Veterans Home, 1301 Summit St., Marshalltown, IA 50158 (Marshall Co.), Mari Mielke, 515-727-3440, [email protected].

♦ 34th Infantry Division Association Reunion, 3-4 Oct 2014, Stoney Creek Inn, 5291 Stoney Creek Ct, Johnston (Polk Co), IA 50131, POC LTC (Ret) Michael Musel, Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dodge, Johnston, IA, 515-252-4531. Note: Reunion open to all present and former members of the Division, or members of units that carry the 34th Infantry Division Lineage.

♦ Women of Warriors Weekend Retreat – Save the Date: 3-5 Oct 2014, Omaha, Neb. Presented by the Brain Injury Association of Nebraska & the Veterans Brain Injury Task Force, 402-423-2463, [email protected]. Note: Registration opens August 22, 2014: www.biane.org/event.

♦ United States Army Warrant Officer Association (USAWOA) Annual Meeting of the Members, 6-10 Oct 2014, Sheraton West Des Moines, 1800 50th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266 (Polk Co.), CW5(R) Marv Peters, 319-389-3698, [email protected]. Note: Awards banquet will be held 10 Oct 2014.

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♦ VFW Post 9668 Monthly Meeting, Urbandale/Johnston VFW, 6 Oct 2014, 7:00 pm, VFW Department of Iowa State Headquarters, 3601 Beaver Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310 (Polk Co.), Robert Forbes, Post 9668 Commander, 515-778-6165, [email protected].

♦ VVA Chapter 490 General Meeting, 21 Oct 2014, 7:00 pm, PVA Meeting Room, 3703½ Douglas Ave, Des Moines (Polk Co), IA, Roger Elliott, 515-360-4245, [email protected]. Everyone is welcome. Bring your spouse and/or a friend.

♦ Howard D. Ver Steegh VFW Post 5242 monthly meeting, 21 Oct 2014, 7:30 pm, Pella VFW, Pella Memorial Building, 829 Broadway, Pella (Marion Co), IA 50219, Patrick Stark, Post 5242 Adjutant, 641-780-9929, [email protected]. Note: Post 5242 meets each third Tuesday of the month.

♦ 2014 Association of the United States Army NATIONAL Conference, 13-15 Oct 2014, Washington DC, http://www.ausa.org

♦ VFW Post 9668 Monthly Meeting, Urbandale/Johnston VFW, 3 Nov 2014, 7:00 pm, VFW Department of Iowa State Headquarters, 3601 Beaver Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310 (Polk Co.), Robert Forbes, Post 9668 Commander, 515-778-6165, [email protected].

♦ 2014 Dallas County Veterans Fair & Benefits Open House, 1 Nov 2014, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, American Legion Post 403/Veterans Reception Center, 910 Main St, Van Meter, IA (Dallas Co), 50261, Ed Vos, Dallas county Veterans Affairs, 515-993-5809, [email protected]. Note: Open house forum – no formal presentations.

♦ Veterans Day, Tuesday, 11 Nov 2014

♦ Davenport Veterans Day Parade, 11 Nov 2014, 10:00 am, 4th & Western Scott County parking lots (start of parade route), Davenport (Scott), IA, Bob Brooks, Jr., 563-322-2905, [email protected].

♦ Gold Star Hall Ceremony, 11 Nov 2014, 3:15 pm, Iowa State University, Great Hall of Memorial Union, 2229 Lincoln Way, Ames (Story Co), IA, Jim Olberding, Gold Star Hall Committeeman, 515-292-9776, [email protected]. Note: This year Charles King from Muscatine will be honored. (He died during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Air Force Cross – the nation’s highest award for valor). Also honored will be Jerry Converse from Boone; he died in the Israeli attack on the USS Liberty on June 8, 1967 during the Six-Day War between Israel & its Arab neighbors. In addition, one or two WWII individuals will also be honored; their names will be released soon.

♦ Joining Community Forces (JCF) meeting, 13 Nov 2014, 8:30 am – 11:30 am, Council Bluffs Army National Guard Armory, 2415 Kanesville Blvd., Council Bluffs, IA (Pottawattamie Co.), Sondra VanDerPol, MPSC Contractor & Family Assistance Center Coordinator, 515-252-4758, [email protected]. Note: Joining Community Forces (JCF) is a meeting designed to connect veteran & military services to improve communication between services for the best treatment and benefit of service members & their families. All meetings begin at 8:30 am with coffee, registration, and networking; discussion of topics & issues begins at 9:00 am.

♦ VVA Chapter 490 General Meeting, 18 Nov 2014, 7:00 pm, PVA Meeting Room, 3703½ Douglas Ave, Des Moines (Polk Co), IA, Roger Elliott, 515-360-4245, [email protected]. Everyone is welcome. Bring your spouse and/or a friend.

♦ Howard D. Ver Steegh VFW Post 5242 monthly meeting, 18 Nov 2-14, 7:30 pm, Pella VFW, Pella Memorial Building, 829 Broadway, Pella (Marion Co), IA 50219, Patrick Stark, Post 5242 Adjutant, 641-780-9929, [email protected]. Note: Post 5242 meets each third Tuesday of the month.

♦ VFW Post 9668 Monthly Meeting, Urbandale/Johnston VFW, 1 Dec 2014, 7:00 pm, VFW Department of Iowa State Headquarters, 3601 Beaver Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310 (Polk Co.), Robert Forbes, Post 9668 Commander, 515-778-6165, [email protected].

♦ Pearl Harbor Day, 73rd Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 Dec 2014 (December 7, 1941).

♦ VVA Chapter 490 General Meeting, 16 Dec 2014, 7:00 pm, PVA Meeting Room, 3703½ Douglas Ave, Des Moines (Polk Co), IA, Roger Elliott, 515-360-4245, [email protected]. Everyone is welcome. Bring your spouse and/or a friend.

♦ Howard D. Ver Steegh VFW Post 5242 monthly meeting, 16 Dec 2014, 7:30 pm, Pella VFW, Pella Memorial Building, 829 Broadway, Pella (Marion Co), IA 50219, Patrick Stark, Post 5242 Adjutant, 641-780-9929, [email protected]. Note: Post 5242 meets each third Tuesday of the month.

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2015

♦ Student Veterans of America’s 7th Annual National Conference, 8-10 January 2015, La Cantera Hill Country Resort, San Antonio, Texas, 1625 K Street NW, Suite 320, Washington D.C. 20006, 202-223-4710. Note: Registration for the conference will be available as the conference date nears.

♦ Vets Day on the Hill, 21 January 2015, Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines, (Polk Co.) IA.

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