Loebsack Tours Oskaloosa Armory

Congressman Dave Loebsack (left) and Col. John Perkins (right) talk about the changes that have taken place at the Oskaloosa National Guard Armory.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The seasons are changing and a winter chill was in the air on Saturday, and the mission of the Iowa Army National Guard has been changing as well, going from a reserve force to a more strategic portion of the U.S. Military.

U.S. Congressman Dave Loebsack stopped in Oskaloosa on Saturday to tour the Iowa National Guard readiness center, often referred to as armory.

Col. John Perkins said that the recent upgrades and overhaul of the Oskaloosa facility was a combination of state and federal dollars.

Perkins said that the tour enabled them to show Loebsack how those dollars were used, and that with the cooperation between the state and federal government we “can get great facilities for the operational readiness of the national guard.”

Another point for the tour was to show the changes that have taken place since the armory in Oskaloosa was first constructed. “Our equipment is twice the size. Our soldiers are much busier. The inclusion of energy efficiency and new technology in the armory is something I wanted to show the congressman,” added Perkins.

The mission of the Oskaloosa unit has always been maintaince, but it’s no longer just turning wrenches, but now includes maintaining night vision devices, electronics for missile systems, complex radios, and complex vehicles that are much larger. “It has changed, but still the same,” explained Perkins.

“The Iowa National Guard is very proud of this unit here in Oskaloosa,” said Perkins. “We appreciate the community support because these soldiers are very busy.”

Congressman Dave Loebsack said that his visit on Saturday was important because the national guard has become necessary as part of the “strategic force”.

“We see this with the multiple deployments of many of our guard units from Iowa,” said Loebsack. “They have to be prepared to go overseas at a moment’s notice if need be.”

“These facilities are really important, not only for keeping their readiness at the highest level possible in the event they have to be deployed overseas to one of the combat zones, but also all the equipment, in this case this particular unit, takes care of,” said Loebsack.

“They can’t do their missions, if called upon overseas, if where they are and where they train and work are inadequate,” explained Loebsack. “It’s very critical.”