A member of the Iowa national guard, who was not retired, and was otherwise qualified for any state service award or for state appointment or promotion to a higher grade or rank as provided in this chapter, and who was unable to receive such award or appointment or promotion by reason of death, is eligible for posthumous grant of the award of state appointment or promotion to a higher grade or rank. The adjutant general shall present the award or evidence of the state appointment or promotion to the next of kin of the deceased member.
Iowa Code § 29A.77