(Arnolds Park)– Over a thousand people attended Sunday’s military appreciation day at the Arnolds Park Amusement Park.
Ron Dardis, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, was among them. He says the role the Iowa National Guard is playing in the war against terrorism continues to increase. And he expects the guard to be involved for years to come. Dardis says over six thousand members of the Iowa guard have been involved since September 11, 2001. Today, Dardis says they have about 30 units and about three thousand soldiers and airmen from Iowa deployed around the world.
Dardis adds the conditions under which the troops are operating are becoming more and more challenging. He says some Iowa soldiers have incurred casualties in the war. He talked about one soldier who’s humvee was blown up as he was riding in it in Baghdad. Specialist P.J. Jackson lost both legs as a result. He remains hospitalized. Another Iowa soldier lost his life last Thursday. Private First Class Kurchoff of Anamosa died of heatstroke. Dardis says his thoughts and prayers go out to those families.
Dardis described Iowa’s military members as “the best of the best”…and he says he couldn’t be more proud of what they’re doing.
Dardis also thanked the organizers and sponsors of Sunday’s Military Appreciation Day at Arnolds Park. Military members and their families were admitted free to the park and enjoyed free pizza and pop.
