JOINT FORCE HEADQUARTERS – DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa National Guard, today (Tuesday) announced the remaining three official Welcome Home ceremonies for the group of approximately 575 Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division who are the most recent returning from deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

These Soldiers recently began a phased return to the United States following successful mission completion overseas, where they worked alongside coalition and regional partners to significantly reduce the capabilities of ISIS in Iraq and Syria, helping make the region safer.

These Welcome Home ceremonies will take place on Thursday, March 12th in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Sioux City. This allows families, friends, and community members the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the Soldiers’ service.

DETAILS:

Des Moines Welcome Home Ceremony:

• Location: 132d Air Wing, Des Moines International Airport
• Address: 3100 McKinley Ave, Des Moines, IA 50321
• Date/Ceremony Start Time: Thursday, March 12th at 2 PM
• This ceremony is not open to the public

Cedar Rapids Welcome Home Ceremony:
• Location: Cedar Rapids Armory
• Address: 1500 Wright Brothers Blvd W, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
• Date/Ceremony Start Time: Thursday, March 12th at 4:45 PM

Sioux City Welcome Home Ceremony:
• Location: Sioux City Airport
• Address: 2430 Leavenworth Ave, Sioux City, IA 51111 (map attached)
• Date/Ceremony Start Time: Thursday, March 12th at 12:00 PM

These ceremonies mark an important moment for Iowa communities to welcome home Soldiers who have served overseas in support of national security objectives. While some Soldiers have returned earlier as part of a phased redeployment, others
remain deployed to complete essential mission requirements, including partner support and base security. This phased return is based on mission needs, personnel requirements, and transportation availability.

Help us give our hometown heroes the powerful welcome home they have earned.