Iowa National Guard to honor 1,800 Iowa soldiers being deployed to the Middle East

JOHNSTON, Iowa (KCRG) – The Iowa National Guard is honoring 1,800 Iowa soldiers who are being deployed to the Middle East for Operation Inherent Resolve.

The Iowa National Guard will hold 24 send-off ceremonies across the state from May 28-30.

The ceremonies will provide Iowans the chance to show support for service members and their families.

All are welcome to attend.

“These send-offs are a vital tradition,” said Major General Stephen Osborn, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard. “They represent not only the courage and dedication of our soldiers but also the unwavering support of the communities that stand behind them. We encourage Iowans to attend, show their gratitude, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our troops as they embark on this important mission.”

Ceremonies are being held in several eastern Iowa towns, including:

• Dubuque (133 IN A Co) – Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. at the Dubuque Armory, 5001 Old Highway Road
• Iowa City (133 IN B Co) – Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Melrose Readiness Center, 4540 Melrose Road
• Davenport (133 IN D Co) – Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. at the Davenport Armory, 5300 W Kimberly Road
• Waterloo (133 IN HHC & G Co) – Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at Cedar Falls High School, 2701 W 27th Street, Cedar Falls
• Mt. Pleasant (224 BEB A Co) – Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at the Theatre Museum of Repertoire Americana, 405 E Thresher Road
• Cedar Rapids (224 BEB C Co) – Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at the Cedar Rapids Armory, 1500 Wright Brothers Boulevard
• Davenport (224 BEB HHC, B & E Co) – Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at the Mississippi Fairgrounds Speedway, 2815 W Locust Street
• Cedar Rapids (334 BSB HHC, A & B Co) – Friday at 5:00 p.m. at the Cedar Rapids Armory, 1500 Wright Brothers Boulevard

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