(Arnolds Park)– More than 1,100 members of the Iowa National Guard and Reserves, along with some from outside the state, attended the annual Guard and Reserves Appreciation day Sunday at the Arnolds Park Amusement Park.
Colonel Doug Pierce of Norwalk, Deputy Adjutant General of the Iowa Air National Guard, was the keynote speaker. He spoke of the public’s appreciation being expressed to troops returning from deployment.
In speaking with reporters following his address, Colonel Pierce talked about the heavy deployment of Iowa National Guard and Reserve members in the war against terrorism and Iraq.
Colonel Pierce said he doesn’t believe the deployment of Iowa’s Guard and Reserve members is being overextended. But he says it’s causing some real problems for employers in the Employer Support Program.
And while it may come as a surprise, Colonel Pierce says the heavy deployment has not had an adverse effect on recruiting.
The annual Guard and Reserves Appreciation Day at Arnolds Park got its start in the mid 1990’s as a way to thank National Guard members for all they did in the lakes area during the 1993 flood.
Plaques recognizing area businesses and individuals for their support of the Guard and Reserve Appreciation Day were also presented during Sunday’s ceremony.
