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As our nation celebrates 250 years of American independence in 2026, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is proud to continue spotlighting the Marines whose stories shape not just the history of the Marine Corps but the very fabric of American society. Through our Marines Across America campaign, we are honoring the service, leadership, and lasting contributions of Marines in all 50 states.
Today, we turn our focus to Iowa, a state rich with Marine Corps pride and powerful stories of post-service impact.
Dustin Peterson
Director, Linn County Veteran Services | Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Dustin Peterson is a retired Master Gunnery Sergeant who dedicated 24 years to the United States Marine Corps, building a career centered on leadership, mentorship, and ensuring Marines successfully transitioned back to civilian life.
Since 2022, Peterson has served as Director of Linn County Veteran Services, where he leads efforts to connect veterans and their families with benefits, healthcare, employment opportunities, and community resources. Under his leadership, the department expanded outreach initiatives, including the creation of the Linn County Veteran Network, strengthening support and job connections for veterans across the county.
Peterson’s work reflects his long-held commitment to advocacy and transition support, rooted in Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment. A native of Iowa, he continues to live in Cedar Rapids, where he remains a trusted leader and advocate for veterans throughout the community.
Corporal Michael Young
Marine Veteran Advocate | Des Moines, Iowa
Submitted by: Kevin Sadaj
Michael is a dedicated administrator of the Marine Somalia Veterans Association, a group founded in 2009 to support fellow Marines and strengthen veteran connections. He consistently invests time and energy into the organization, helping ensure that Somalia-era veterans remain supported and remembered.
Beyond this role, Michael has taken on leadership positions within the VFW in Iowa, where he continues to advocate for veterans through fundraisers, community engagement, and outreach initiatives. His media savvy has been especially impactful, helping raise awareness and resources for veteran-focused causes.
Through steady service and commitment, Michael continues to honor Marine Corps values by supporting veterans and strengthening his local community.
Michael Young
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran | Veteran Advocate & Community Leader | Des Moines, Iowa
Submitted by: Anonymous
Michael Young’s life of service began when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1990, serving four years with assignments in Okinawa, Japan, Camp Pendleton, and a deployment to Operation Restore Hope in Mogadishu, Somalia in 1992.
Since leaving active duty, Young has embraced a philosophy of “Continuing to Serve,” dedicating himself to veteran advocacy and community leadership. He has served on numerous boards, helped co-found the Iowa VFW Foundation, and remains deeply involved in veteran service organizations, including leadership roles within the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine Somalia Veterans Association, and the Marine Corps League.
Young achieved All-State and All-American recognition as both a VFW Post Commander and District Commander and currently serves as the 2024–2025 Iowa VFW State Commander, where he champions community engagement and service among veterans statewide.
A lifelong Iowan, Young lives in Des Moines with his wife Kristy and their three adult children. He holds degrees in leadership studies and business management and continues to serve his community professionally and personally, reflecting the enduring values instilled by his Marine Corps service.
Continuing the Mission in 2026
As the United States marks America’s 250th anniversary, these stories are a vivid reminder that the legacy of the Marine Corps is etched not only in history books, but in the communities where Marines live, lead, and serve every day.
The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is honored to amplify these voices as part of our Marines Across America campaign—now integrated into our America250 efforts—to showcase how Marines have shaped America for 250 years.
👉 Help us continue sharing these stories and preserving the rich legacy of the Marine Corps. Your support allows us to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations.
About Marines Across America and America250
As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, Marines Across America honors the legacy of those who have served in the United States Marine Corps and the impact they’ve made—on and off the battlefield—for 250 years. This special storytelling series, part of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s ongoing efforts to preserve Marine Corps history, highlights Marines from across the country whose service and continued contributions embody the values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Through personal stories, career reflections, and community leadership, these Marines represent the enduring spirit of service that has shaped America since 1775. As we commemorate America250, we invite you to help us preserve this living history. Your support ensures that the stories of Marines—past, present, and future—will be shared with future generations.
