VFW Department of Iowa

10/22/2026

This Saturday is the dedication of the National Desert Storm War Memorial in Washington DC.

We have three Past State Commanders that served in Desert Storm: Tom Watters, Paul Arnold, Becky DirksHaugsted and current State Commander Robert Quinn. Past State Commander Michael Young served on the Board of Directors for this Memorial and will be attending the ceremony in DC.

You can watch the Dedication Ceremony for the National Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial this Saturday (24 October 2026), at the link below. The stream starts at 9AM Central, and the ceremony begins at 10AM Central.

he Dedication Ceremony for the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memor...

10/17/2026

Your VFW and VFW AUXILIARY OF IOWA members well represented at Big 10 Conference this weekend.

A great weekend for comaraderie and training. The conversations will extend from Big 10 back to the states and best practice and examples.

Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW
VFW Auxiliary-National Organization

10/15/2026

The VFW Department of Iowa and our Auxiliary right now! When you know, you know!

Big 10 here we come!

10/13/2026

Due to the huge effort involved in planning and coordination, our event will be much smaller scale and open to veterans only, not the public. It is rescheduled for Friday, October 16th 4p-8p) and Saturday, October 17 (8a-4p). Please see flyer for complete information.

10/12/2026

We will have representation present to talk about all opportunities available to VFW members and their families, as well as support available to veterans. We will also have information on VFW Combat Tested Gaming and those events for next year as we grow Iowa followers.

Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW
VFW Auxiliary-National Organization
VFW AUXILIARY OF IOWA

10/10/2026

The deadline for entries to local posts for Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy is quickly approaching!

If you or your student need help with the application process, reach out to your local post.

Don't know how to contact your local post or don't know where your local post is? We can help with that! Message this page or email [email protected], and we can get you in contact with a post before the deadline!

10/06/2026

🇺🇸 CENTRAL IOWA — LET’S SHOW UP FOR OUR VETERANS! 🇺🇸

Thank you Hy-Vee for supporting Iowa Veterans and Sponosring this first Freedom Flight in Des Moines in years.

More than 70 veterans will begin an incredibly special journey to Washington, D.C., as part of the Hy-Vee Central Iowa Honor Flight this afternoon.

🇺🇸 Tonight, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, bring the kids, bring your neighbors—and LINE THE STREETS as these heroes make their way to their send-off celebration in West Des Moines. 🇺🇸

📍 Where: Sidewalks along 60th Street and Westown Parkway near Hy-Vee’s Ron Pearson Center
⏰ When: Be in place by 5:30 p.m.; buses are expected between 5:00–5:45 p.m.

Let’s give them the send-off they deserve.

Wednesday Oct 7, 2026, let’s PACK the Airport and receive our veterans from Washington surrounded by gratitude, pride and a whole lot of Iowa love.

10/04/2026

Yesterday Carol Whitmore received a flag to honor a veteran. Where family would normally stand, she stood in.

We will always honor those forgotten and help to say their name and provide assistance in laying these Veterans to rest for a final time.

Thank you The Final Salute and their team of volunteers and all those that wanted to be present yesterday to show support with the final ride to the Iowa Veterans Cemetery Van Meter

What a humbling experience and service.

Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW
VFW Auxiliary-National Organization

10/04/2026

16 unclaimed remains received their final resting location at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery Van Meter
Thanks to The Final Salute and their volunteers.

Final Salute held its eighth annual service honoring 16 unclaimed veterans, marking a milestone of 100 veterans and spouses laid to rest by the organization since 2018. Story🔗below.

10/04/2026

16 unclaimed remains received their final resting location at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery Van Meter
Thanks to the The Final Salute and their volunteers.

Sixteen unclaimed veterans were laid to rest at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in a Final Salute burial, featuring a military helicopter transport and a community tribute. FULL STORY⬇️