DES MOINES, Iowa – In response to the events at the Capitol in January, the National Guard mobilized and deployed over 26,000 National Guardsmen to D.C. The Iowa National Guard deployed approximately 260 Soldiers and Airmen to that mission. The National Guard used fiscal year 2021 funding to pay for this response. By reallocating resources, it ensured Soldiers and Airmen who volunteered for this mission were paid. However, this caused a nearly $521 million deficit against the National Guards budget.
With the delay in reimbursement to the National Guard, the Iowa National Guard had to make difficult decisions to ensure members’ readiness remained a top priority. Due to this shortfall in funding, the following community engagements in August are now canceled.
The Iowa National Guard Trench Run scheduled for August 16, 2021, is canceled. This event is a challenging 10-kilometer adventure run that takes participants through Camp Dodge’s wooded training areas, rolling hills, streams, and prairies. The Iowa National Guard is currently working on plans to reschedule this event for next year and the reimbursement process for those who have already registered for the event this year. For updates regarding reimbursement and rescheduling, please visit here.
Additionally, the Iowa National Guard Alumni Day scheduled on August 7, 2021, is canceled. This event provides benefit briefings; retirement services updates and promotes social activities and camaraderie. Iowa National Guard Alumni can find retirement and benefits services information visit here.
The Iowa National Guard looks forward to hosting both events next year around the August timeframe.
