Iowa National Guard

?? This Thanksgiving season, we’re grateful for Iowa National Guard Service Members who serve in more ways than one—defending our freedoms while cultivating the land that sustains us all. ???? Senior Master Sgt. Bobby Shepherd Sr. exemplifies this spirit of dual service. Since 1956, the Shepherd family has proudly worn the Iowa Air National Guard uniform while staying deeply connected to their Iowa farming roots. ?? Today, Senior Master Sgt. Shepherd carries on that legacy alongside his two sons. From feeding cows at sunrise to maintaining vehicles at the 132d Wing, his dedication to both his family farm and our nation is a powerful reminder of the values we cherish. ???? (U.S. Air National Guard video by Spc. Armani Wilson and Master Sgt. Michael Kelly) #IowaAirNationalGuard #IowaFarmer #Thanksgiving

Last Friday, the Iowa National Guard welcomed the Honorable Drilon Zogaj, Chief of Consular Mission for Kosovo, for his first official meeting with Guard leadership. During his visit, Zogaj toured Camp Dodge and observed Kosovo Security Force training alongside the 1-133d Infantry Regiment. The visit highlighted the strong ties between Iowa and Kosovo through the State Partnership Program, fostering collaboration and mutual readiness. We are pleased to welcome Zogaj to our state as we continue to build upon our partnership with Kosovo. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Annalise Guckenberger)

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, our commitment to readiness remains steadfast. Always Ready, no matter the season. ?? #IowaNationalGuard #AlwaysReady (U.S. Army National Guard graphic by Staff Sgt. Annalise Guckenberger)

Congratulations to the 2024 Army National Guard Best Squad for earning the prestigious Granite Charge award! ?? The award was presented by Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James J. Mingus and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer during the 2024 Association of the United States Army's annual expo in Washington, D.C. This honor recognizes the squad's outstanding achievement in winning the final event of the U.S. Army's Best Squad Competition, held at the National Mall. Check out Iowa’s very own Staff Sgt. Peterson leading the Army National Guard squad in action! https://lnkd.in/gzXUW8cT #BestSquad #ArmyGuard #AUSA2024 (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Curtis Loter and U.S. Army video by Sgt. Daniel Hernandez)

It's National Coffee Day! ?? Don't let Command Sergeant Major Strasser catch you sleeping on the job- make sure you've got a cup of "joe"! ?? #Coffee #AlwaysReady

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a crucial time to remind ourselves and others that no one has to face their struggles alone. It's important to check in on friends and loved ones, offer a listening ear, and share resources that can truly make a difference. Together, we can break the stigma around mental health and encourage seeking help when needed. Remember, reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Your life matters, and you are never alone. If you need support, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling 988, and Veterans can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1 or texting 838255. For more information, visit: https://lnkd.in/g34UvZyw

Members of the Iowa National Guard, including Deputy Adjutant General William McClintock, had the opportunity to meet with the Honorable Zogaj, the new head of the consular mission at the Consulate of the Republic of Kosovo in Des Moines. We are pleased to welcome Zogaj and his family to our state as we continue to build upon our Sister State Partnership with Kosovo. We also welcomed representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce, along with guests from Kosovo, who are learning about clean energy across the United States, including Iowa. Despite their busy schedule, they made time to explore the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge. #partnership | #spp | #NationalGuard (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Annalise Guckenberger)

Kosovo Security Force Commander Lt. Gen. Bashkim Jashari hosted Iowa National Guard leaders Brig. Gen. Mark Kappelmann, director of the joint staff, and Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Strasser, command senior enlisted leader, this week to further strengthen the enduring partnership between the two forces. The leaders discussed ongoing cooperation and future engagements aligned with the strategic goals of the State Partnership Program between Kosovo and Iowa, reinforcing commitment to security and shared values. #AlwaysReady #StrongerTogether #StatePartnershipProgram The National Guard Association of the United States | Forca e Siguris? s? Kosov?s

On this Patriot Day, we remember the lives lost, the heroes who responded, and the resilience of our nation. The Iowa National Guard honors the bravery and sacrifice of those who protect our freedom every day. ???? #NeverForget #PatriotDay #AlwaysReady

Saturday's #CyHawk game at Kinnick Stadium was one for the books! We were honored to be part of the action, featuring a spectacular four-bird flyover, and a warm welcome for the aircrew as they took the field. Shoutout to our friends at the University of Iowa Army ROTC for their role in handing off the game ball and proudly presenting the colors! ???? See all the ??: https://lnkd.in/gkapUUfQ (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Spc. Armani Wilson) #GoGuard #Hawkeyes #Cyclones #iowanationalguard