Commander’s Membership Message
May 19, 2026
Past Detachment Commander
Dale Hildebaugh
The Detachment of Iowa regrets to announce the death of Past Detachment Commander Dale Hildebaugh on April 29, 2026.
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 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 Department Convention
July 17-19, 2026
Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport & Conference Center
Stars, Stripes, Spirt 5K
May 16
Gray’s Lake Park, Des Moines
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.
Contact your Representative Today!
SF2466 has passed through the House Appropriations Committee. The American Legion of Iowa remains registered in opposition to the bill.
Amendment H-8341 would address most of The American Legion of Iowa’s concerns with the bill.
Let your Representative know – The American Legion of Iowa will change our opposition to the bill, but ONLY IF AMENDMENT H-8341 IS ADOPTED!
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.
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.
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
Recent News & Updates
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Commander’s Membership Message
Legion family, As we enter the home stretch of our Legion year, it is time to look squarely at the numbers and remember exactly why we wear the cap. Right … Read more
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Past Detachment Commander Dale Hidlebaugh
The Detachment of Iowa regrets to announce the death of Past Detachment Commander Dale Hidlebaugh on April 29, 2026. Dale G. Hidlebaugh, 73, of Muscatine, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, April … Read more
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Commander’s Membership Message
Legionnaires, As we move forward in this membership year, I want to speak directly to the value of what it means to be a member of the American Legion. Membership … Read more