Families of the Fallen

11/02/2026

Today we remember Sergeant Anthony "Tony" Beminio with the Des Moines Police Department and Officer Justin Martin with the Urbandale Police Department, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Ten years ago today on November 2, 2016 Tony and Justin were both shot and killed from an ambush while sitting in their patrol cars.

Tony and Justin were both humble men who were honored and dedicated to protect and serve the community.

Today, we ask that you keep their families, friends, and fellow officers in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you Tony and Justin, RIP brothers.

10/28/2026

Today we honor the selfless service of first responders who risk their lives to serve and protect.

10/23/2026

Check out Kampha Sourivong and all of the other Iowa National Guard’s fallen service members tributes on the Iowa National Guard YouTube page 🇺🇸

Kampha Butch Sourivong:

Sergeant Kampha B. Sourivong is honored as part of the Iowa Nationa...

10/23/2026

Check out Joshua Knowles and all of the other Iowa National Guard’s fallen service members tributes on the Iowa National Guard YouTube page 🇺🇸

Joshua Lincoln Knowels:

Specialist Joshua Lincoln Knowles is honored as part of the Iowa Na...

10/20/2026

Today we remember Trooper Ted Benda. On October 14, 2021, Trooper Benda was in route to assist another agency with a wanted subject when he was involved in a single vehicle crash. On October 20, 2021 he passed from his injuries. Trooper Benda was a dedicated law enforcement officer with the Iowa State Patrol.

He was a loving husband, father, son, and brother. Even after Ted’s death, he continued his public service through being an organ and tissue donor and will continue to live on in the lives of his recipients.

We will never forget your sacrifice Trooper Ted Benda.

10/17/2026

A HUGE shout out to the Garner VFW Post 5515 for hosting our Operation Winter Gear drive. We had a very good turnout!

If you missed us and have donations, send us a message and we'll arrange to pick them up.

Thank you to ALL of you who donated!!!

10/03/2026

Operation Winter Gear 2026 drive is set for October 17th, 1100 to 1300 (11:00am-1:00pm) at the Garner VFW Post 5515, 315 Center Ave. Garner, Iowa.

Every year, all items that are collected are distributed throughout Iowa and Minnesota, as and where it is needed. Your donations are greatly appreciated by the Veterans that receive them.

As of January 2026 there were a reported 170 homeless Vets in Iowa. As of March 2026 there were a reported 150 homeless Vets in Minnesota. Both of these numbers are estimated based on counts from select counties and areas. From previous reading, reports and information from these estimates are more than likely to be 50% higher.

The gear that is collected is also passed on to low income Veterans and their families, as donations allow.

If you don't have any items to donate, please consider a cash donation. Needed items we do not receive are purchased from local stores. We hope to see you October 17th!

09/30/2026

20 years ago today Sgt. Kampha Sourivong died while serving his country in the United States Army in Iraq.

Kampha was a loyal and loving son, friend and soldier.

Thank you Sgt. Kampha Sourivong for your sacrifice and for your honorable service to the United States of America. May your memory live on. Rest in peace.

09/29/2026

Sergeant First Class Andrew Mark Frakes tragically lost his life in a training accident in Nevada on September 22, 2026.

He was raised in Forest City, Iowa–a small, tight-knit community. He began his Army career as an Infantry Officer with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Polk, Louisiana, before serving with 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in Savannah, Georgia. In June 2020, he resigned his commission and enlisted as an Infantryman, continuing to serve with the Ranger Regiment as a Team Leader and Squad Leader. In October 2023, he was assigned to the United States Army Special Operations Command in North Carolina. His service took him on multiple combat deployments across the Middle East and Africa.

Please show your support and gratitude to the Frakes family.

Please join us in supporting the Frakes Family following the unexpected and tragic passing of Sergeant First Class Andrew Mark Frakes, who lost his life in a training accident in Nevada on September 22, 2026.

09/13/2026

In the early morning hours on September 13, 2013, Officer Jamie Buenting was shot and killed by a subject involved in a standoff with police. Buenting was an officer with the Rockwell City Police Department for eight years and had served in law enforcement for a total of 12 years.

Officer Jamie Buenting made the ultimate sacrifice and lost his life while selflessly protecting others. Prayers to your family. Your memory will live on and you will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.