If you are a veteran in Iowa, or you love someone who served, this episode is your starting point.

In this episode of Still Serving Iowa Veterans, host Carlene Hall walks through the major state and federal resources available right here in Iowa. From the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs to the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund, Home Base Iowa, ForTheVeteran.com, federal VA hospitals, Vet Centers, and community programs, this episode simplifies what can often feel overwhelming.

Most importantly, Carlene explains why your County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) should always be your first call. Every county in Iowa has one, and they are trained to help you navigate claims, disability ratings, education benefits, healthcare enrollment, appeals, emergency assistance, and more.

Resources covered include:
• Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs
• County Veteran Service Offices (CVSOs)
• Iowa Veterans Trust Fund
• Home Base Iowa
• ForTheVeteran.com
• Veterans Group of Iowa
• VA Hospitals in Des Moines and Sioux City
• Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)
• Vet Centers for counseling and readjustment

If this episode helps you, please share it with another veteran. Sometimes the hardest part is simply knowing where to begin.

Still Serving Iowa Veterans is hosted by Carlene Hall and Darlene McMartin and is proudly sponsored by the Iowa Veterans Foundation, which works to support veterans and military families across the state of Iowa.

Thank you to our sponsors:
Iowa Veterans Foundation
Full Metal Junket
Drake Roller

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Specialist Dane Moyer is finally home in Iowa after serving overseas in Erbil, Syria. In this heartfelt episode of Still Serving Iowa Veterans, host Carlene Hall welcomes Dane back alongside his proud mom, Chris, for a powerful homecoming conversation.

Dane shares what it was like actively working on vehicles during missions overseas, what he learned from the experience, and how it feels to be back on Iowa soil. Chris reflects on life as a military mom and the emotional weight of deployment, especially after years as a Marine Corps family.

These moments remind us that service does not end when the uniform comes off. It lives in families, communities, and the quiet strength it takes to support those who serve.

Still Serving Iowa Veterans is hosted by Carlene Hall and Darlene McMartin and proudly sponsored by the Iowa Veterans Foundation, supporting veterans and military families across the state.

🇺🇸 Welcome home, Dane. And thank you for your service.

If you believe in honoring those who serve, subscribe and follow along as we continue sharing the stories of Iowa’s veterans and military families.

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In this episode of Still Serving Iowa Veterans, Carlene Hall and Darlene McMartin shine a light on the realities, challenges, and leadership of women veterans in Iowa.

Women have served in every era of American history, from the Revolutionary War to modern combat operations. Yet many still face unique obstacles when transitioning home, including higher rates of homelessness, divorce, mental health challenges, and lack of recognition for their service.

This episode explores:
• The unique needs of women veterans
• Why advocacy and support groups matter
• The importance of camaraderie and safe community spaces
• Tri-State Women Warriors and their mission
• Coping skills, resilience training, and preventive support
• The Women’s Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Women veterans are not new. They are leaders, commanders, advocates, and history-makers. And their service deserves to be seen, acknowledged, and supported.

If you are a woman veteran in Iowa, we encourage you to:
• Connect with local advocacy groups
• Register with the Women’s Veterans Memorial
• Seek out community and support resources

Special thanks to:
• Iowa Veterans Foundation – Title Sponsor
• Full Metal Junket – Supporting Sponsor

Subscribe and follow as we continue highlighting resources, leadership, and real conversations that impact Iowa veterans and their families.

In this episode of Still Serving Iowa Veterans, hosts Carlene Hall and Darlene McMartin discuss the return of Iowa National Guard soldiers from deployment and what comes next for service members, families, and communities.

Featuring an in-depth interview with Lt. Col. George Mosby of the Iowa National Guard and the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs, this episode covers:
• The phased return of 250 soldiers from Operation Inherent Resolve
• Post-deployment transition and mental health support
• Veterans benefits including GI Bill and state programs
• How Iowa supports soldiers before, during, and after deployment
• Why strong community involvement is critical to long-term success

This episode offers transparency, leadership insight, and practical information for veterans, families, and supporters across Iowa.

🎖️ Sponsored by:
• Iowa Veterans Foundation
• Full Metal Junket – Iowa’s elite junk removal service

📌 Stay connected, subscribe, and follow along as we continue highlighting resources and stories that support Iowa’s veterans and National Guard members.

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