(Johnston, Iowa) – Approximately 250 Soldiers from two Iowa Army National Guard companies based in Mason City and Iowa City are preparing to mobilize to Poland in 2022 as these units come into their “mission year” as part of the U.S. Army’s current force generation cycle. The 1133rd Transportation Company, headquartered in Mason City, and the 209th Medical Company Area Support, headquartered in Iowa City, were selected to support federal mobilization missions by the Department of Defense and the National Guard Bureau. These units will support Operation Atlantic Resolve and NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence mission which enables the U.S. to provide deterrence to adversaries while supporting our NATO partners.

The 1133rd Transportation Company will transport equipment and supplies, while the 209th Medical Company will provide field hospital health service support. Maj. Gen. Ben Corell, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, made the initial announcement during the annual Condition of the Guard address in January. In 2020, personnel from the 1133rd Transportation Company and the 209th Medical Company aided in COVID-19 response efforts throughout Iowa. These Soldiers assisted with the transportation of personal protective equipment, COVID-19 testing site operations, and contact tracing.

The 1133rd Transportation Company was last activated into federal service in 2008 to support Operations Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and the global war on terrorism.  The 209th Medical Company deployed to Iraq in 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Then in 2005, the 209th Medical Company was activated in response to Hurricane Katrina.

The Iowa National Guard is working on scheduling send-off ceremonies, which will be announced at a later date.

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a combat veteran, joined fellow member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), in leading an effort to honor Gold Star Families. The bipartisan bill, the Gold Star Families Day Act, would dedicate the last Monday in September as a federal holiday in observance and recognition of the sacrifice that all Gold Star Family members make when a father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter or other loved one dies in service to the nation.

“For the countless American families spanning generations who have given and sacrificed so much to defend our nation and protect our freedoms and way of life, our country is eternally grateful to you. As a combat veteran, I’m honored to join with my colleague Senator Warren in leading the Senate on this measure to recognize the sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters of the fallen who solemnly and proudly display the Gold Star,” said Senator Ernst.

“Gold Star Families make incredible sacrifices for our country, and that’s why I’m introducing Gold Star Families Day Act with Senator Ernst – to honor and respect the painful sacrifice that continually lives with the families of our fallen heroes,” said Senator Warren.

(Radio Iowa) – A longtime venue for live theater performances in eastern Iowa has shut its doors for good. After more than 50 years of staging shows, a letter posted on the Old Creamery Theatre website says the facility in Amana has permanently closed. The letter blames “financial pressures amid the COVID-19 pandemic.”

What was billed as Iowa’s Premiere Professional Theatre Company shut down temporarily in March of 2020 and reopened for roadshows in the fall and winter of 2021. While there was some federal funding injected, it wasn’t enough to keep the theater afloat. The venue opened in 1971 in Garrison before moving to Amana.

(Radio Iowa) – Officials with the Iowa D-N-R are asking for help in finding the person who shot a bald eagle recently in eastern Iowa. A news release issued Thursday said the eagle was discovered almost a month ago in southeastern Cedar Rapids. The call came in January 9th about an injured eagle along the Cedar River near the Sac and Fox Trail. The bird was captured and taken to a local wildlife rehabilitator where the gunshot wound was discovered during an exam.

Due to the severity of the injuries, the eagle was euthanized. Anyone with information about the shooting can call the state TIP or Turn In Poachers hotline at 800-532-2020.

(Radio Iowa) – A small group in the Iowa House is working on a bill that would tax the liquid used in electronic cigarettes at or near the same rate as combustible cigarettes. Representative Ann Meyer of Fort Dodge says she’s concerned about the kids who’re using E-cigarettes. “I know that these systems were developed to stop smoking. I don’t think the kids in our high schools and middle schools are trying to stop smoking. This is the product they start with,” Meyer says. “Nicotine does have bad effects on the brain. We know that.”

People who buy vaping products in Iowa pay the state sales tax, but people who buy a pack of rolled cigarettes pay a far higher tobacco tax. Opponents of a new tax on vaping liquid says it’s a healthier alternative to combustible cigarettes and should not be taxed like tobacco because there’s no tobacco in it. Representative Steven Holt of Denison introduced the bill to spark a conversation about the products. Holt says his wife, who is a teacher, sees kids at school vaping with things that look like markers and other items that are really an E-cigarettes in disguise. “I think it’s very concerning that kids are vaping at young ages and it may or may not be better than tobacco in the long run,” Holt says. “I’m not sure we know that.”

Holt says he also understands some people use the product to stop smoking cigarettes and that’s something to be weighed as the debate continues. The bill stalled in the legislature last year, but has cleared a House subcommittee this week.