On Thursday in Sioux City, our community gathered to welcome home soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, who recently returned from deployment in the Middle East as part of Operation Inherent Resolve.
These servicemen and servicewomen, based in Sioux City, Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids, spent months working alongside coalition and regional partners to reduce the capabilities of ISIS in Iraq and Syria and help make the region safer. Earlier this month, the first group of soldiers — about 50 members of the brigade — returned to Sioux City as part of their phased return home.
Moments like this are a powerful reminder that supporting our veterans doesn’t end when their deployment does. It means continuing to show up — in our communities and in our policies.
That’s why earlier this session, I introduced SF 2246, legislation to continue funding programs that help Iowa veterans achieve homeownership. These programs have helped veterans and their families put down roots, build stability, and access housing opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
The strong demand for these programs shows just how important they are for veterans across our state. As more veterans take advantage of these opportunities, the funding is being utilized quickly — and that means we need to make sure the program can continue to meet that need.
For many veterans, the transition back to civilian life comes with real challenges, including finding safe, affordable housing. Programs like this are one way Iowa can keep faith with the people who served our country.
As we welcome these soldiers home to Sioux City, I hope we can also recommit ourselves to making sure the support they’ve earned remains a priority in our state.