Still Serving Iowa Veterans

06/17/2026

In Case you didn’t know
The community is invited to join Kevin Dill at The Purple Bridge Event on Saturday, July 11 at 5:00 PM at the 4th Street Bridge.

This special event recognizes Kevin Dill and Tammy Gehrke Dill and includes a commemorative bridge lighting and community tribute. Community members are encouraged to wear purple and purchase a Kevin Dill “We Still Matter” commemorative t-shirt. Proceeds from shirt sales support local veteran and community programs.

T-shirts can be ordered here:
kevindill2026.itemorder.com

Event Details:
Saturday, July 11
5:00 PM
4th Street Bridge
Wear purple and join the tribute.

06/15/2026

Sharing this from the River Valley Veterans Network — our June event is this Wednesday, June 17th at Torrent Brewing in Ames. Veterans, Guard, Reserve, spouses, supporters, and community partners are all welcome. Companies looking to support or hire Veterans are invited too.

Also worth adding to your calendar: Irreverent Warriors Des Moines on July 11th and Ruck Iowa on July 25th in Clear Lake. Veterans supporting Veterans is how these organizations thrive.

Frank Sposeto III
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-sposeto-iii/

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EMx4BdyQ8/

Reminder for the River Valley Veterans Network June event — our June collective is this Wednesday, June 17th at Torrent Brewing Company in Ames. Veterans, Guard, Reserve, spouses, supporters, and community partners are all welcome to join us for connection, conversation, and camaraderie. Companies looking to support or hire Veterans are invited to attend as well.

There are more Veteran camaraderie events coming up — Irreverent Warriors Iowa – Des Moines on July 11th and Ruck Iowa on July 25th in Clear Lake. Veterans supporting Veterans is where these organizations thrive.

IW Iowa: irreverentwarriors.com

Ruck Iowa: ruckowa.com

See you Wednesday and have a look at the other upcoming events!!

Discover Ames | Greater Des Moines Partnership | Ames Regional Economic Alliance | Irreverent Warriors | Chris Cournoyer | Magic Matt's Cleaning | Iowa National Guard Warrior and Family Services Branch | Adjutant General of Iowa | Iowa National Guard | Story County, Iowa

06/15/2026

More than 15,000 women veterans call Iowa home, yet many remain unaware of the benefits, resources, and support available to them.

In this episode of *Still Serving Iowa Veterans*, Carlene Hall and Darlene McMartin sit down with **Jenni Olson** and **Joella Perry** following the inaugural Iowa Women Veterans Program event to discuss why this organization was created and the impact it's already making.

Topics include:
• The first Iowa Women Veterans Program event
• Building connections among women veterans
• Accessing VA benefits and resources
• Common misconceptions about eligibility
• Why mentorship and camaraderie matter
• Future events and opportunities across Iowa

The conversation highlights the unique experiences of women who served and the growing effort to ensure they have a voice, a network, and access to the benefits they've earned.

Whether you're a woman veteran, family member, service officer, or supporter, this episode shines a light on an important and long-overdue mission.

Made possible by the Iowa Veterans Foundation and our sponsors.

06/14/2026

JUNE 14, 2026
In celebration of Flag Day.

06/12/2026

What should you do when an American flag becomes worn, torn, or no longer fit for display?

In this special Flag Day episode of *Still Serving Iowa Veterans*, Darlene
McMartin Dave Jacobsen (both US Veterans) demonstrate a respectful flag retirement ceremony and explain proper flag etiquette when it comes time to retire Old Glory.

In this episode you'll learn:
• How to properly retire an American flag
• The difference between cotton and nylon flags
• Why flag retirement ceremonies matter
• Ways to teach children respect for the American flag
• Resources available for proper flag disposal

Whether you're preparing for Flag Day, caring for a worn flag at home, or teaching the next generation about patriotism and respect, this episode provides practical guidance and meaningful traditions that honor our nation's flag.

If you have a flag that needs to be retired, many veterans organizations, VFW posts, American Legion posts, and community groups can help ensure it is disposed of properly and respectfully.

Made possible by the Iowa Veterans Foundation and our sponsors.

06/10/2026

In Case You Didn’t Know:
National Women Veterans Day is observed each year on June 12 to honor the service, sacrifice, and contributions of women who have served in the United States military. The date commemorates the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act on June 12, 1948, by President Harry S. Truman, which granted women the right to serve as permanent, regular members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Why It Matters

* Women have served in every American conflict since the nation’s founding.
* Today, women veterans are one of the fastest-growing segments of the veteran population.
* The day recognizes both the achievements of women veterans and the unique challenges they have faced during and after military service.

* More than 2 million women veterans live in the United States and Puerto Rico.
* Women are among the fastest-growing populations served by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The 1st Women Veterans Program event is this Friday night in Des Moines Iowa. All information is located on the flyer. Women Veterans unite for information and camaraderie.

06/05/2026

Why do veterans continue to gather long after their military service has ended?

In this episode of *Still Serving Iowa Veterans*, Carlene Hall and Darlene McMartin explore the importance of veteran camaraderie, community, and connection. From local coffee groups and service organizations to statewide veteran events, they discuss why gathering with fellow veterans remains such an important part of life after service.

This episode includes:
• The value of veteran friendships and shared experiences
• Why World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, and modern-era veterans continue to connect
• Resources available through County Veteran Service Officers
• The importance of filing claims and staying informed about benefits
• A moving reading of the poem **"Why Veterans Unite"**

Whether you're a veteran, family member, caregiver, or supporter, this conversation highlights the lasting bonds created through military service and why those connections matter for generations.

Made possible by the Iowa Veterans Foundation and our sponsors.

Connect with us:
📘 Still Serving Iowa Veterans on Facebook
🇺🇸 Iowa Veterans Foundation

06/03/2026

IN CASE YOU DIDN’T KNOW

2026 Veterans Day at the Iowa State Fair Parade Celebrates America 250:

The 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 or the button below. The parade is planned for the traditional route (main concourse south of the Grandstand) at the Iowa State Fair Grounds.

06/02/2026