In memory of one of Iowa’s finest military heroes, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marilyn Gabbard will be honored in Boone Saturday, May 6 at 10 a.m. at a dedication ceremony in the gallery of the Boone History Museums at 602 Story St. in Boone.
Gabbard was killed in a helicopter crash northeast of Baghdad in 2007. She was 46. The Boone native spent 27 years in the Iowa National Guard and was the highest-ranked enlisted woman in Iowa Guard history.
The dedication ceremony will unveil a new Boone History Museums exhibit, “Heroes of the Heartland.” In development since 2016, the exhibit will feature stories, artifacts and tributes to Boone County veterans and veterans of foreign wars.
Gabbard’s family members will be given honorary recognition at the ceremony along with Iowa National Guard. A number of state and local dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremony, including Adjutant General Timothy Orr of the Iowa National Guard.
An appreciation lunch will be provided to attending veterans by the Boone Elks Lodge 563, Boone History Museums, Fareway Food Stores, Hy-Vee and McDonalds.
“Marilyn Gabbard’s sacrifice and service continues to speak volumes to Ogden, Boone County, Iowa and the nation,” said Dolan Olson of the Boone Elks Lodge 563, which helped organize the memorial event.
Family and friends of Gabbard and members and veterans of the armed forces are encouraged to attend the dedication. For more information or to RSVP, call 515-432-1907.
