November 9th, 2022

WATERLOO TECHNICAL SOCIETY

Wednesday 9th November, 2022

Cedar Falls Pizza Ranch, 4302 University Avenue, Suite B 

while our usual location, the Lifestyle Inn Lounge and Conference Center, is being renovated.

Military Defense with Tour at National Guard Armory 

The Iowa Army National Guard was originally formed in 1838. The Militia Act of 1903 organized the various state militias into the present National Guard system. The 133d Infantry Regiment, formerly the 2nd Iowa Volunteer Infantry, served as part of the 67th Infantry Brigade, 34th Division, during World War I. The 67th Infantry Brigade was disbanded in February 1919, but formed again in 1921, still as part of the 34th Division. From 1921 to 1942, it was part of the Guard in Iowa, comprising the 168th Infantry Regiment.

The Iowa Air National Guard origins date to the formation of the 132d Fighter Group at Des Moines Municipal Airport, Des Moines, receiving federal recognition on 23 August 1946. It was equipped with F-51D Mustangs and its mission was the air defense of the state. In addition, the 174th Fighter Squadron was formed at Sioux Gateway Airport, Sioux City, receiving federal recognition on 23 August 1946. 18 September 1947, however, is considered the Iowa Air National Guard’s official birth concurrent with the establishment of the United States Air Force as a separate branch of the United States military under the National Security Act.

Soldiers and Airmen of the Iowa National Guard have participated in every major conflict in which the United States has been engaged. In addition to combat service, many Iowa Guard Soldiers and Airmen have assisted their communities in times of emergency, most recently such as responding to COVID-19 and to a devastating derecho that struck Iowa in August of 2020.

Tour Guides: Major Klint Knutson and CW4 Lee Boss will join us at pizza ranch for dinner.   Afterwards, they will say a few words (no formal presentation), before we all depart for the National Guard facility.

The facility is located at to 2245  W Big Rock Rd. There we will enter the facility and Klint and Lee will discuss their helicopters. They have UH-60 Black Hawk and UH-72 Lakota helicopters for our viewing.   One helicopter is partially disassembled for a frame inspection/update. 

This is our last topic for this season.