River Valley Veterans Network

08/20/2026

We had a great evening of conversations and laughter at Alluvial Brewing Company tonight.... Thank you to Piece&Freedom Bakery for sponsoring the food and the amazing baked dessert!!!

There are some great employment opportunities in Central Iowa, so reach out if we can help Veterans and Guard/Reserve Members make a connection...

Thank to V.E.T.S. (Veterans evolution training school) for coming all the way across Iowa from Illinois to hang with us. They are an amazing organization!

Ames Regional Economic Alliance | Story County, Iowa | IowaWorks for Veterans | Reserve Component Transition Assistance Advisor Program | Senator Chuck Grassley

08/18/2026

What an amazing past few days!

Ruck Iowa in Ames on Saturday - Iowa State Fair on Monday - Network gathering on Wednesday at Alluvial Brewing Company, 19th at 6pm - with sponsor Piece&Freedom Bakery!!

Thank you to Visiting Angels Ames, IA and American Legion Family of Ames, IA Post 37 for the rest stops and Cornbred for the amazing lunch!

Come join us tomorrow at Alluvial for camaraderie and resource sharing!

Quilts of Valor, Iowa | Quilts of Valor Foundation | Discover Ames | Downtown Ames | The Ames Tribune | Ames Regional Economic Alliance | Story County, Iowa

08/14/2026

Reminder about our event at Alluvial Brewing Company on August 19th! 6pm to 8pm! Thank you to Piece&Freedom Bakery for arranging food and snacks!

Invite the company you work for as there will be resources available for them to use. If you are a job seeker, come with your questions and ready to talk what you are looking for. To those who are seeking camaraderie and support, this will be a great location to laugh and share with your fellow Veterans...

Discover Ames | Ames Regional Economic Alliance | Story County, Iowa | City of Ames - City Government | The Ames Tribune | We Are Iowa Local 5 News

08/06/2026

Sharing with the group... Great opportunity available...

The U.S. DOT has launched this new initiative and website to fast track more Veterans into the trucking industry. Iowa has been an early adopted of many of these things laid out in this initiative to include waiving driving and written tests. But this website is pretty thorough and includes a lot of good information that can be shared with Veteran customers.

07/29/2026

Veterans, Employers, and Community Leaders — Join Us!

The River Valley Veterans Network is gathering again on August 19th, 6–8 PM at Alluvial Brewing Company in Ames, hosted by our friends at Piece&Freedom Bakery — a Ukrainian women‑owned business bringing incredible food and heart to the evening.

Our July event at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center brought together Veterans, Guard/Reserve Members, and employers for meaningful conversations about resources, opportunities, and community engagement. The energy was inspiring, and the Gateway’s new renovations looked spectacular!

This month, we’re keeping that momentum going.
Come connect with Veterans supporting Veterans, explore employment and partnership opportunities, and meet Central Iowa employers who value service, leadership, and teamwork.

Free food, great conversation, and a welcoming environment — all designed to strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive.

Help to spread the word by sharing the post and joining our Facebook!

📍 Alluvial Brewing, 3715 W 190th St, Ames
🕕 Wednesday, August 19th | 6–8 PM

Let’s keep driving forward — together.

Ames Regional Economic Alliance | Boone County Chamber | Story City Greater Chamber Connection, a Main Street Partner | SHRM Central Iowa | Story County, Iowa | IowaWORKS | IowaWorks for Veterans | Discover Ames | Iowa Brewers Guild | Iowa Business Council | Iowa Economic Development Authority

| | |

07/27/2026

Help spread the word about Ruck Iowa - August 15th in Ames!!

I had a great conversation with Lou about Ruck Iowa and what Veterans should expect. I look forward to seeing many of you there!

Frank Sposeto III

We Are Iowa Local 5 News | Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs | Iowa National Guard | Story County, Iowa | Iowa State Daily | Military-Affiliated Student Center at Iowa State University | IowaWorks for Veterans

Veteran Frank Sposeto explains why events organized by Ruck Iowa, like the Ames Veterans Hike, is so important to the wellbeing of those who have served.

07/23/2026

The Clear Lake Ruck Iowa is coming up quick!!!

It’s hike week! Make sure to RSVP online so we can prepare for all participants 🤗 www.ruckiowa.com

07/20/2026

Ames Veterans Hike – August 15, 2026

Lace up and join Ruck Iowa for a relaxed, easy‑going hike through the heart of Ames! This event is open to Veterans of all ages and abilities — a chance to reconnect, share stories, and enjoy good company in a welcoming environment.

No special gear needed, just bring yourself and your spirit of camaraderie. We’ll walk together, laugh together, and celebrate the bonds that make our Veteran community strong.

📍 Southeast Recreation Complex, Ames, IA
🕙 Check‑In: 10:00 AM
🚶‍♂️ Step‑Off: 11:30 AM
🏁 Event Ends: 5:00 PM

Register online at www.ruckiowa.com and help spread the word!
Let’s make this a day of connection, support, and shared stories for Veterans across Iowa.

— Frank Sposeto III
Commissioner, Story County Veteran Affairs
Founder, River Valley Veterans Network


6th District American Legion Family of Iowa | Story County, Iowa | Boone County, Iowa | Discover Ames | Downtown Ames | Military-Affiliated Student Center at Iowa State University | Iowa State Daily | Iowa State Army ROTC, Cyclone Battalion | Iowa State University | DMACC Boone Community

07/17/2026

Great Ruck Iowa events coming up! get them onto your calendars!!! Hope to see many of you at the Ames Hike!!!

Frank