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Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds received the Harry S. Truman Award, the association’s highest honor, Sunday, during the 148th General Conference & Exhibition in Indianapolis.
The award recognizes individuals who have made sustained contributions of exceptional and far-reaching magnitude to the defense and security of the United States in a manner worthy of national recognition.
“As commander in chief of the Iowa National Guard for more than nine years, Gov. Kim Reynolds has rendered exceptionally distinguished service to the National Guard, the Department of Defense and the nation,” said Lt. Col. Seana Eason, the chair of the NGAUS awards committee.
Reynolds is a co-recipient of this year's award with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., who received the honor at her Capitol Hill office last month.
The Iowa National Guard Officers Association nominated Reynolds for the Truman Award. Army Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Osborn, the adjutant general of Iowa, endorsed the nomination. Reynolds has served as Iowa's governor since 2017.
“Under her visionary leadership, the Iowa National Guard has consistently stood as one of the most operational, ready and respected forces in our nation,” Osborn said.
Osborn cited Reynolds' support for veterans, retirees and military families, including state funding for the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, military tax breaks, homeownership assistance and workforce employment initiatives.
He also described Reynolds as a strong friend of the Guard, saying her leadership reflects a commitment to understanding the training, skills and sacrifices of service members and their families.
Reynolds has demonstrated that commitment by supporting families of the fallen, personally presenting Purple Hearts to wounded service members and re-enlisting Soldiers in theater.
Over the past nine years, Reynolds has championed more than $40 million for Iowa National Guard education, recruiting and retention programs.
Those efforts have helped the Iowa National Guard reach 102% strength and maintain an 85% retention rate.
“Today, with less than 1% of Americans stepping forward to serve our country, and while that choice is rare, its impact is powerful,” Reynolds told conference attendees.
“No one understands that better than the people in this room,” she added. “So, while I am truly honored to accept this award, my deepest gratitude belongs to you for stepping forward to answer the call.”
The Truman Award features 13 pewter sculpted minutemen representing the 13 original colonies.
It is named for Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, who served in World War I as a member of the Missouri Guard.
Past recipients include presidents, members of Congress, governors and senior general officers.
A list of all 2026 individual and unit award recipients can be found here.
—By Michael Metz
