JOINT FORCE HEADQUARTERS – DES MOINES, Iowa, 28 May 2026 – The Iowa National Guard will host two welcome home ceremonies this Saturday, May 30th, honoring approximately 200 Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, returning from deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. The Soldiers represent the final major group returning home following their mission in the Middle East, where they served alongside coalition and regional partners in ongoing efforts to reduce the capabilities of ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
The Iowa National Guard invites communities, families, and supporters to join in recognizing the service and sacrifice of these Soldiers during the following ceremonies:
Council Bluffs Welcome Home Ceremony– 45 Soldiers- Open to the Public
3:30 PM – Ceremony Begins Iowa National Guard Armory
2415 E Kanesville Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Des Moines Welcome Home Ceremony- 135 Soldiers
12 PM – Scheduled Plane Arrival
12:30 PM – Ceremony Begins 132d Air Wing
3100 McKinley Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50321
Due to airport security requirements, the Des Moines ceremony at the 132d Wing is not open to the general public.
As we welcome these Soldiers home, we also continue to keep the nearly 200 Iowa National Guard Airmen currently deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Epic Fury in our thoughts and prayers. The Iowa National Guard remains grateful for the continued support shown to our Soldiers, Airmen, and military families throughout these deployments and homecomings.
