Council Bluffs Business Alliance Champions Local Air Guard Unit’s Mission

In a strong show of community and economic solidarity, prominent business leaders from the Council Bluffs and greater Siouxland region are rallying public support for the Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing. The call to action underscores the unit’s dual role as both a critical national defense asset and a cornerstone of the local economy.

The 185th, based just across the river at the Sioux Gateway Airport, is more than a military installation; it is a vital economic engine for our bi-state community. Business advocates are highlighting the wing’s significant contribution, which includes providing over 1,000 high-quality jobs and injecting millions of dollars annually into the regional economy through payroll, contracts, and local spending.

“Supporting the 185th is an investment in our own backyard,” stated a local Chamber of Commerce representative. “The skilled technicians, pilots, and support personnel who serve there are our neighbors, customers, and community volunteers. Their mission’s stability directly impacts the health of our local businesses and the resilience of our workforce.”

The business coalition’s initiative aims to educate residents and policymakers on the importance of securing ongoing federal funding and mission assignments for the unit. They argue that a robust 185th ensures not only national security but also the technological and economic vitality of the Council Bluffs area, fostering an environment that can attract and retain other skilled industries.

As debates over national defense budgets continue in Washington, Council Bluffs leaders are making it clear: the 185th Air Refueling Wing is indispensable to the fabric and future prosperity of the entire Siouxland region.