11/6/2026
FAYETTE, IOWA – Upper Iowa University (UIU) invites the public to attend its annual Veterans Day program on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 12:15 p.m. The program will be held in the Student Center ballrooms on UIU’s Fayette Campus and will feature United States Air Force veteran, John Hintz as the keynote speaker.
The Fayette American Legion Post 339 will present the colors as part of the program. Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to enjoy a complimentary lunch and fellowship.
John Hintz
Hintz, a native of Oelwein, Iowa, has dedicated much of his life to service, both in the military and through his work supporting fellow veterans. A 1964 graduate of Oelwein High School, he attended Northwest Missouri State College before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1967.
After completing training as an inventory management specialist, Hintz was stationed at Mather Air Force Base in California before deploying to Pleiku, Vietnam, in 1969. During his nearly yearlong deployment, he supported U.S. Air Force personnel and Army Special Forces by coordinating essential supplies and equipment. His assignment placed him in an area frequently subjected to enemy attacks. He completed his military service at George Air Force Base in California before returning to Iowa.
Following his military service, Hintz spent 30 years working in the insurance industry while continuing his education. He earned his degree from Upper Iowa University in 2000, further strengthening his connection to the institution.
Hintz later continued his commitment to serving others through his work at the VA hospital and as executive director of Veterans Affairs for Fayette County. In that role, he assisted veterans and their families in navigating benefits, accessing resources and receiving the support they had earned through their service.
Drawing on his military experiences and years of advocating for veterans, Hintz offers a meaningful perspective on sacrifice, resilience and the importance of recognizing those who have served our country.
Hintz and his wife, Kathy, reside in Oelwein. They have three children, Justin, Jeremy and Melissa, who live with their families in Colorado, Oregon and Texas.
Upper Iowa University welcomes veterans, their families, community members and the public to join in this annual opportunity to recognize and honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.