The Iowa Military Veterans Band was originally conceived to perform one concert for the dedication of the Iowa World War II Memorial at the Iowa State Capitol, but the audience at that November 10, 1996, concert encouraged the band to continue. The band membership today is over 100 men and women — all U. S. military veterans.

According to a study by the Des Moines Library, this band is the first one of its kind in America. It is composed of veterans who have served on extended active duty in any branch and who are accomplished musicians. Many served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam in combat or combat support units. The primary mission is to support Iowa military veterans, their organizations, the state of Iowa, and to honor national holidays.

In addition, the band seeks to promote the music of John Philip Sousa, Karl King, Meredith Willson, George M. Cohan, Irving Berlin and other great American composers. All concerts of this band are free to the general public.

The band incurs administrative expenses and is dependent on the generosity of Iowa businesses and patriotic individuals to operate. To date, no tax dollars have been used to support the activities of the band. The band is a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization and is organized under Chapter 504A of Iowa Code.

2012 Iowa Military Veterans Band Interview

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