Russ Saffell
Past State Commander 2019 - 2020 - Navy

Russell "Doc” Saffell served in the United States Navy as a Senior Maritime Special Purpose Force Corpsman in both Reconnaissance and Security Elements. He is an Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom I & II combat Veteran. He was medically retired from service in 2004.

Mr. Saffell recently served as the Veterans Fellow and Lead Policy Advisor on Military and Veterans Affairs to United States Senator Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, and currently serves as the President of the Iowa Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation 501(c)(3). Russell’s Background is primarily in Homeland Security, Counter-Terrorism, and Emergency Management, where he has more than 20 years of experience in these fields. Mr. Saffell is also the Past State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Iowa, and he currently serves as the State Adjutant (Chief Operating Officer). Russell also serves as an Adjunct Professor and is a Published Author of numerous articles. He also serves on the Board of Directors for several non-profit organizations and is the Director of Energy Security for the Homeland Security Foundation of America.

Mr. Saffell is a Life Member of the DAV (Chapter 20), and AMVETS (Post 2). He is also a member of the American Legion (Post 232), AMVET Riders, Iowa VFW Riders, American Legion Riders, Combat Vets Motorcycle Association, Acanthus Masonic Lodge No. 632 A. F. & A. M. (Past Master), Des Moines Scottish Rite Consistory, Ascalon Chapter of Royal Arch Masons (Past HP), Arcturus Council of Royal and Select Masters (Past IM), St. Aldemar Commandery of Knights Templar (Past Commander), York Rite College, Knights of the York Cross of Honor, Knight Masons, and Za-Ga-Zig Shriners. Mr. Saffell also serves as a newly promoted Captain in the Civil Air Patrol, as an Aerospace Education Officer in the Iowa Wing, Des Moines Composite Squadron, and as the Scoutmaster of Troop 43 (Urbandale) Boy Scouts of America.

Academically, Mr. Saffell holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management from Upper Iowa University; a Master of Professional Studies in Security and Safety Leadership (Counterterrorism), from the George Washington University in Washington, DC; a Doctoral Executive Certificate in Public Policy, from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, and is currently working to complete his Ph.D. in Economic Policy. Mr. Saffell also holds several Certifications and Training Certificates in the fields of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.