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

Welcome Home ceremonies will take place on two days: Saturday, March 7th, in both Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, and Thursday, March 12th, in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Sioux City. Ceremony times for March 12th will be announced at a later date. These events allow families, friends, and community members the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the Soldiers’ service.

Des Moines Welcome Home Ceremonies:
• Location: 132d Air Wing, Des Moines International Airport
• Address: 3100 McKinley Ave, Des Moines, IA 50321
• Date: Saturday, March 7th
• Ceremony Time: 1:45 p.m.

*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: Saturday, March 7th
• Ceremony Time: 1:45 p.m.

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. Media are strongly encouraged to attend and capture this momentous event.