Veterans cite reasons for supporting Josh Turek for Senate - The Gazette

Veterans cite reasons for supporting Josh Turek for Senate – The Gazette

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Veterans Convene in Des Moines to Back Turek and Question Iran War Strategy

Seven Iowa veterans gathered at the UAW Local 450 hall in Des Moines on a Thursday morning to endorse Josh Turek, the Democratic candidate for Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat, while pressing deep concerns over the ongoing war in Iran, The Gazette reported.

Turek was originally scheduled to lead the roundtable discussion but missed the event due to an unspecified family emergency. Steve Warnstadt, a veteran, former state legislator, and educator, stepped in to facilitate the conversation as the campaign heads toward the November 3 election, where Turek and Republican U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson are competing for the seat being vacated by retiring Republican U.S. Joni Ernst, according to All Politics Now.

Questioning Strategic Objectives in an Eight-Month Conflict

Eight months into the military engagement with Iran, the participating veterans focused heavily on what they described as an unclear end goal. While acknowledging that the initial mission aimed to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, the group questioned whether that justification still applies.

“The mission isn’t there anymore, it’s tit for tat,” Justin Smith said during the discussion, calling the current trajectory unsustainable. Warnstadt added from his perspective as a former military commander that asking individuals to make the ultimate sacrifice without a clearly defined objective is unacceptable. Service members and their families deserve clear guidance on why such sacrifices remain necessary.

Concerns Over Congressional Oversight and VA Access Gaps

Beyond the battlefield objectives, the roundtable addressed perceived gaps in transparency and congressional oversight. Participants argued that the conflict lacks proper authorization under Article I of the Constitution.

Veterans cite reasons for supporting Josh Turek for Senate - The Gazette
Photo: allpoliticsnow.com

“We don’t have good oversight at all,” Dan Tallon said, adding that participants harbor serious doubts regarding the accuracy of reported injury figures. Jim Romar emphasized that demanding accountability does not equate to undermining the armed forces, noting that questioning unnecessary actions and diplomatic strains with allies falls squarely under constitutional oversight.

The conversation also turned to the home front, specifically examining accessibility hurdles within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Romar pointed out that returning veterans often face multiday waiting periods just to receive a callback for assistance.

The war never leaves us. We carry the scar of war physically and mentally. And that’s what the VA is supposed to do. — Marc Hall, Army veteran

Hall noted that many veterans remain unaware of available VA resources, a situation exacerbated by strains within Iowa’s broader mental health system. The group agreed that the agency suffers from resource shortages and a lack of systemic accountability.

Expanding Coalition and Legislative Background

The Thursday roundtable follows the formal launch of the “Veterans for Turek” coalition on May 6, 2026, an initiative chaired by Marine and Army veteran Nathan Sage, as reported by Turek4Iowa. The coalition has since expanded to 37 members, incorporating recent endorsements from figures such as former U.S. Tom Harkin, a Navy veteran, alongside additional service members from across the state.

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Turek, a state representative from Council Bluffs, has frequently highlighted his personal connection to military families. Born with spina bifida resulting from his father John’s exposure to Agent Orange during 22 months of service in Vietnam, Turek has relied on VA healthcare for most of his life. In the Iowa House, his legislative record includes backing measures such as the veterans trust fund legislation, the homeowner assistance program for servicemembers, and bipartisan efforts to protect Iowa National Guardsmen from being deployed into active combat without a congressional declaration of war.

As the November 3 election approaches, the newly expanded coalition continues to campaign on reshaping federal policy regarding overseas conflicts and strengthening support systems for veterans returning to civilian life.

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