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Filmmaker Jeremy Glazier explains the documentary to the audience.
From left to right: Kalona Historical Village managing director, Nancy Roth, John Roetlin, Ron Romine, Jim Miller, Jerry Combs and filmmaker, Jeremy Glazier. From left to right: Kalona Historical Village managing director, Nancy Roth, John Roetlin, Ron Romine, Jim Miller, Jerry Combs and filmmaker, Jeremy Glazier.
Episode 3214 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how Iowa Vietnam Vets were honored at Kalona. The story is titled: “From Iowa & Back” connects Kalona audience with Iowa’s Vietnam veterans and appeared on The News website. The story was submitted by J.J. Peters.
Peters reported that The Kalona Historical Village Society hosted a Feb. 22 screening of From Iowa & Back, a documentary honoring Iowa veterans who served during the Vietnam War. Created by Jeremy Glazier and presented by Brucemore Artisan Studio, the film stands as a powerful tribute to a generation defined by courage, endurance and quiet resilience.
Before the film, Glazier explained his mission: to ensure these veterans’ voices are heard and their sacrifices remembered. Many were drafted through the lottery system, while others volunteered out of a sense of duty. Whether by choice or obligation, they answered their country’s call without hesitation. They left Iowa farms and small towns for the dense jungles of Vietnam, where they faced constant danger, grueling conditions and the daily reality of death. They endured weeks without basic comforts, counted down the days of 12-month tours and carried the emotional weight of losing brothers-in-arms.
Yet their greatness was perhaps most evident after they returned home. Unlike veterans of previous wars, they came back to a divided nation and, at times, open hostility. Many were warned to arrive quietly and not respond to insults. Even so, they built families, careers and communities. They persevered through post-traumatic stress, limited job prospects and years without proper recognition. One veteran did not hear the words “Welcome Home” until 2012.
The documentary closes by affirming that the Vietnam Veteran generation embodies humility, sacrifice and steadfast patriotism. More than 50 years later, their legacy remains one of strength under pressure — a testament to service carried out with honor despite extraordinary challenges.
Listen to Episode 3214 and discover more about how Iowa Vietnam Vets were honored at Kalona.
