Two former soldiers were the keynote speakers at the Iowa Veterans Home Memorial Day ceremony yesterday — Sgt. Major Todd Eipperle and Garry Brandenburg.

Eipperle, a 1982 Marshalltown High School graduate, joined the Iowa National Guard the following year and retired in October 2023. He served as command chief signal NCO for Enduring Freedom and Spartan Shield in Kuwait, and was sent on three combat deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Jordan and Kuwait. Eipperle’s service in Afghanistan resulted in him earning a Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge. He also received a Presidential Coin from former President Barack Obama.

Upon reaching the podium, Eipperle told the packed room Memorial Day is usually difficult for him, and his voice broke at times during his speech.

“As I was sitting here, listening to the national anthem, I got a little choked up,” he said. “You might have to bear with me, because this hits very close to home for me.”

Eipperle said Memorial Day is intended to recognize the service of fallen American soldiers who paid the price of the nation’s wars.

“They stood watch over America’s peace,” he said. “We’re grateful to all veterans and all who have fought for our freedom.”

Eipperle said everyone gives thanks for the millions of Americans who make the nation strong and are examples of service and sacrifice. The fallen veterans consist of many generations and numerous backgrounds, and all contribute to the greatness of America, he added.

“As we raise our flag and the bugle sounds ‘Taps,'” Eipperle said, pausing. “We remember the men and women of America’s armed forces who served a great cause. They followed a great tradition, handed down to them by American veterans. Public ceremonies and private prayers give thanks for the freedom we enjoy because of their sacrifice and willingness to serve.”

He used a quote which was close to his heart – “Our whole nation honors every patriot who replaced duty and country for their own lives.”

Brandenburg, the T-R’s longtime Outdoors Today columnist and retired director of the Marshall County Conservation Board, enlisted in the US Air Force after graduating in 1963 from Waverly-Shell Rock High School. He provided missile maintenance for F-101 Voodoo jet aircraft before being sent to Thailand. There, Brandenburg worked on F-105 Thunderchiefs and F-4 Phantoms. He finished his service at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Box Elder, SD in 1967.

Brandenburg told the crowd he enlisted because he liked the idea of helping defend the freedom of the United States. Memorial Day is to honor veterans, families and friends and thank them, he said. Brandenburg provided a brief history of the national holiday.

“Memorial Day was begun on May 30, 1868 as a decoration day,” he said. “People set flowers on graves of family members, of those who served in the military. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day as a national holiday to honor veterans and give thanks and to celebrate veterans for their bravery and willingness to serve, and if necessary, put their life on the line.”

Brandenburg also provided a brief history of various locations he served in, such as Thailand and Guam. He was sent to the former on a temporary assignment during his last year, and added that the 212-square-mile island was hot and rainy.

“Regardless of the weather, we had a job to do and we did it,” Brandenburg said. “We had to get the assembly line process going for 3,000 bombs per day, seven days a week, months on end so the B-52s could fly their missions.”

He also spoke about travels after his service, including a 2016 trip to Europe to see his son who also served in the Air Force. The famous World War II Battle of the Bulge took place near a location Brandenburg visited, and he reflected on standing in the shadow of heroes.

“The legacy of all American service members, young men and women, all willing to serve their country, push back against all enemies foreign and domestic, remains a hallmark of the USA today,” Brandenburg said. “May God grant them now and in the future, the strength to persevere, the vitality and commitment to win as they defend freedom. We honor today all past, present and future American soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen who stand solidly in the shadows of their footsteps.”

During the ceremony, the Marshalltown Municipal Band provided the music, playing the “Star Spangled Banner,” the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and songs for the military branches.

Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.