Legislative Update
In an extremely rare procedural move, SF 2466, the Governor’s and IDVA’s veteran services bill, was referred to the House Appropriations Committee after dying before the second funnel in the House Veterans Affairs Committee, keeping the bill alive this session.
Stars, Stripes, Spirt 5K
May 16
Gray’s Lake Park, Des Moines
Discount registration deadline is April 15.
District Conferences
District Conferences are a great opportunity for anyone seeking to learn more about The American Legion or wanting to get more involved. For information, click the link below.
Department Media Awards
The Department Media and Communications Committee hosts an annual Media Contest in four categories: single sheet newsletter, multiple sheet newsletter, electronic newsletter, and website/social media.
All submissions are due April 30, 2026, and publication must have occurred between May 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026.
Leadership School
Friday, Saturday, Sunday – May 29-31, 2026
The Department Leadership School will be held at the Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport. The school will run on Friday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Registration deadline is May 15.
2026 Department Convention
July 17-19, 2026
Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport & Conference Center
National Legion College
November 15-20, 2026
National American Legion College is a transformative six-day experience designed to cultivate servant leaders who will strengthen The American Legion’s mission of service.
The Department of Iowa will send up to two applicants each year.
Application deadline is July 1.
2026 National Convention
The National Convention will be held August 28-September 3, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky.
For more information and registration forms, click the link below.
Registration deadline is June 15
National Vice Commander to Visit Iowa March 16-19
Jerry Landkamer was elected as a national vice commander of The American Legion on Aug. 28, 2025, during the 106th National Convention in Tampa, FL.
To view his scheduled visits in Iowa, click on the link below.
Job Opening
The Department of Iowa is currently seeking applicants for the position of Programs Director.
Interest applicants should submit an application and resumé.
For additional information, click the link below.
Veterans Day Message:
Commander Darrin Alderson
Christmas Open House
December 5, 2025
3:00 – 6:00 pm
Department Headquarters
Past Department Commander
Larry Swann
The Department of Iowa regrets to announce the death of Past Department Commander Larry Swann on December 8, 2025.
2026 National Regional Information Conference
January 31, 2026
Marriott East
7202 East 21st St
Indianapolis, IN 46219
Veterans Day at the Capitol
January 21, 2026
2026 Department Mid-Winter Conference
February 13-15, 2026
Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport & Conference Center
Commander’s Membership Message
January 12, 2026
Recent News & Updates
-
Update: SF 2466 Referred to Appropriations
In an extremely rare procedural move, SF 2466, the Governor’s and IDVA’s veteran services bill, was referred to the House Appropriations Committee after dying before the second funnel in the … Read more
-
Stars, Stripes, Spirit 5K
The Stars Stripes Spirit 5k will be held on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, at Gray’s Lake Park in Des Moines. There will be a 5K Walk/Run and a … Read more
-
Update: SF 2466 Does Not Advance
SF 2466 did not advance out of the House Veterans Affairs Committee today! Great work and thanks to all who contacted your legislators to make this happen. It made a … Read more