From the Capitol to You:

What a beautiful weekend it is promising to be for the North Iowa Band Festival! Three of my granddaughters are going to walk along with me this year in the parade, so be sure to give them a wave.

As I think about this Memorial Day and all the celebrations I am reminded of all the brave men and women that fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. Thursday’s Globe Gazette (May 27th) has an excellent editorial by Jim Shinn. You may even know some of the names he mentions. It was a very thoughtful and well written editorial. If you can, come out to the Elmwood Cemetery Monday at 9:30 for the memorial service. As Jim states in his last paragraph, “This year, take an hour off from the boat or camper and come down to the cemetery where we pay tribute to the more than 3,000 that gave some or gave all of their life for your freedom and way of life.”

I am especially proud of the Legislature’s accomplishments for our veterans this past session. You can read about them in the article below. Enjoy this Memorial Day weekend with family and friends! And remember to thank a vet!



My favorite WWII vet, Dad, 88 years young! Served in the Coast Guard escorting submarines in the Mediterranean.





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Iowa Meets Defense Department’s Priority List

Supporting military families was a priority of the Iowa Legislature in 2010. After the Governor signed the final pieces of legislation in April, Iowa became the first state in the nation to complete the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) top quality of life issues for military families regarding education, health care, employment, custody issues, and voting. Read More

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Iowa Assists Returning Veterans

In anticipation of 3,000 Iowa National Guard members being deployed this year, the Iowa Legislature took steps to ensure that when the service members return they can get the help they need and deserve. Read More

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So, Why Memorial Day?

Although most people know that Memorial Day is a time to honor those who died defending their country, few may know how the holiday began. It was first proclaimed in 1868, by General John Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic.

It was observed on May 30 of that year when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Hence, its first name, Decoration Day. Read More

Helping Iowa Military Families