Iowa State to honor fallen alumni at annual Gold Star Hall Ceremony
November 04, 2025
AMES, Iowa – Four Iowa State alumni who died while serving their country in wartime will be honored during this year’s Gold Star Hall Ceremony. The event will begin at 4:15 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, in the Memorial Union Durham Great Hall.
“These names represent more than military ranks and hometowns – they are stories of courage, sacrifice and lives deeply loved. We welcome their families and friends to join us in honoring not only their service, but the legacy they leave behind,” said Lana Seiler, Gold Star Hall committee member.
Since the Memorial Union’s opening in 1928, the names of Iowa Staters who died in World War I have been etched into its walls. Over time, additional names from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the USS Liberty, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan have been engraved in Gold Star Hall, making it a lasting memorial that reflects the building’s purpose of honoring Iowa State students who served and sacrificed.
“The Gold Star Hall connects our current students with our former students. It’s a living memorial that reminds us we are all part of the ISU community,” Seiler said.
Chad Garland, director of the Memorial Union, will deliver remarks during the ceremony, along with Sean Reeder, vice president for operations and finance, and student veteran Brandon Culwell. Iowa State President Wendy Wintersteen will provide pre-recorded remarks. A student choir will sing the national anthem, and a student string quartet will perform before and after the event.
A family member or representative of each honoree will receive a coin from the Memorial Union thanking them for their loved one’s service. A reception following the ceremony display stories and artifacts representing their lives. This event is free and open to the public.
University Museums will host a Veteran’s Day guided art walk from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 11, beginning at the Gold Star Hall in the Memorial Union.
Gold Star Hall Ceremony Honorees
Eugene Armstrong
Years at ISU: 1936-40 Eugene Armstrong was a decorated World War II Army officer and Iowa State alumnus who died at age 25 when his observation plane was shot down during the Battle of Anzio in Italy.
Years at ISU: 1956-61 Capt. David Myers was killed in Vietnam on November 20, 1968, when his helicopter was shot down during Operation Meade River—a mission he hoped would be his last before returning home to his wife and four children.
Years at ISU: 1961-65 Capt. Myron Poock, an Army officer, was killed in Vietnam in July 1967 when enemy forces attacked a village cultural event with a grenade, making him the sole American casualty of the incident.
Years at ISU: 1937-42 Thomas Smith of Boone died at age 25 when the Navy airship he was aboard crashed into Catalina Island due to foggy conditions and a navigation error, and he was killed by a fuel tank explosion while investigating the crash site.
