CAMP DODGE - COL Paul Groteluschen, son of Joyce Groteluschen of Audubon and the late William Groteluschen and a 1983 graduate of Audubon High School has retired from the Iowa Army National Guard.
Retirement ceremonies were held at Camp Dodge in Johnston on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Attending from this area was his mother Joyce and numerous cousins who grew up in Audubon.
Presiding Officer was BG Mark Kappelmann, Director of the Joint Staff, Iowa ARNG and Master of Ceremonies was LTC George Mosby, Deputy Chief of Staff, Iowa ARNG.
Col. Paul Groteluschen began his distinguished career with the Iowa Army National Guard in May of 1985, enlisting with the 1-168th IN BN in Council Bluffs. He served with distinction as an enlisted Soldier for eleven years, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class, before being directly commissioned as a Lieutenant in July 1996.
Throughout his careeer, COL Groteluschen has consistently demonstrated leadership and taken on roles of increasing responsibility. Initially starting as a Pharmacy Officer, he eventually commanded the Iowa AMEDD Unit, the 109th Medical Battalion, and the 195th Regiment. His strategic expertise was further highlighted by two deployments as the Senior Strategy and Plans Advisor with the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team in Kosovo (2018 & 2024), where he advised the Ministry for the Kosovo Security Force. He is completing his distinguished career as the Director of the Organizational Inspection Program for the Iowa ARNG.
COL Groteluschen’s commitment to professional development is evident in his extensive military education, including completion of the U.S. Army War College, Command and General Staff College and numerous other leadership courses. He is highly decorated, earning multiple Defense Meritorious Service Medals, Meritorious Service Medals and a range of awards recognizing his dedication and service to both the state of Iowa and the Nation.
Alongside his military career, COL Groteluschen has served as a pharmacist since 1994, currently as the Director of Pharmacy at Story County Medical Center. He and his wife, Lori, reside in Urbandale with their sons, Hunter and Peyton.
