The Final Salute

02/28/2026

I cannot say it enough! This community is the best! Between us and the amazing listening community of Simon Conway we SHOW UP!

Jack Hayes died and his only family member could not attend the service, so people from around Iowa showed up to stand in.

02/28/2026

Today we pause to pray for the brave men and women serving our country and our allies around the world as tensions rise following the strikes in Iran.

We pray for protection over every service member, wisdom for leaders making difficult decisions, and comfort for families waiting at home.

May peace prevail, and may those standing on the front lines feel the strength, courage, and support of a grateful nation. 🇺🇸🙏

02/28/2026

Thank you Iowa 🇺🇸❤️

Check out ’s video.

02/27/2026

Wow!!!

I am continually humbled by this community. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who showed up for the service for Jack Hayes. Thank you to Holm Funeral Home for the beautiful service.

Pulling up and seeing hundreds of people at the cemetery was incredible. 🇺🇸

02/27/2026

02/25/2026

While this is not a Final Salute service we want to share and encourage the public to SHOW UP!! We know it is short notice- but we were notified today of this veteran who’s only surviving family member is a brother who lives in a different state and it’s not able to travel due to his health and age.

Please share and attend if you are able!

Jack Dean Hayes, 90, died at the Keokuk County Heath Center in Sigourney. He was born May 22, 1935, to Robert and Edna (Osborn) Hayes in Berwyn, Illinois. He graduated from high school in Illinois, and he attended college studying the pipe organ. Jack served in the United States Army serving from April 4, 1959 – October 3, 1959, and served in the National Guard until 1964. He was a member of the Sigourney Christian Church and an active member of the Republican party.

02/25/2026

We love being invited to speak and share about our passion!

We have a really special meeting coming up, and I truly hope you’ll join us.

📅 Wednesday, March 4
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Norwoodville Community Center | Des Moines

We’ll be hearing from Lanae Stovers with Final Salute.

Final Salute is making sure veterans who don’t have family still receive the dignity, have their stories told, and receive the honors they deserve.

This is exactly why I love what we do in Exchange — we get to learn about organizations that are making a difference and ask how we can show up in meaningful ways.

If you’ve been wanting to attend a meeting, this would be a great one. Guests are always welcome.

02/22/2026

There is someone who had reached out to us in regards to a nursing honor guard. I cannot find it and would love to connect!

If you are that person please reach out again!

-Lanae

02/21/2026

Let us help you!

Send us a message or give us a call!

02/21/2026

Remember when we told you about Allen? His military records took quite a while to locate and once we did we found out that he served in the Marine reserves, which unfortunately does not make him eligible for burial at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

However- we are so thankful for the 6 years he gave and he will be honorably laid to rest on Saturday April 25th along side our Civilian Unclaimed Burial. He will receive a folded flag and taps- and we hope that while this service looks a little different that the veteran community will show up and help us honor Allen🇺🇸

Every veteran that we honor at the Final Salute has a unique story - and why it is so important to tell it. Allen was born in Ceder Falls and after high school joined the Marine Corps.

He lived quite the life and enjoyed sky diving, hang gliding and was a hot air balloon pilot. At the age of 64 in 2004 he passed away at home. Years later after the death of his brother, and family was cleaning out his belongings they found Allen's urn. Unsure of what to do- the family reached out to us- asking if we could help honor his military service all these years later. Of course we said yes.

Allen will be laid to rest on October 3rd along side his brothers and sisters in arms.