HBI Community: Buchanan County

Home Base Iowa communities offer valuable incentives for veterans who relocate to their community. Please contact the community point of contact or county veteran director for more information.

• Six-month family membership to the Buchanan County Wellness Center for veterans who move to Buchanan County.
• Two-night’s free stay at the Rush Park Hotel in Independence while looking for employment or seeking a place to live.
• $300-$400 paid towards appraisal fees for VA Home Loans used for a first home purchase in the county.

The Home Base Iowa Act positions Iowa as a leader in respect, support and employment of veterans through a public-private partnership. The Iowa Legislature passed the Act in a broad bi-partisan manner and then Governor Terry E. Branstad signed it into law on Memorial Day, 2014. The Act contains the following incentives:

• Military Pensions exempt from state income tax
• $5,000 grant toward the purchase of a home
• Permissive veteran preference in employment
• Automatic in-state tuition at state universities and community colleges for qualified veterans and their dependents
• View the complete list state veteran benefits
• 100% disabled veterans can qualify to pay no property tax

Please contact the County Veterans Office or the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs for more information.

Home Base Iowa cities provide additional resources and discounts for veterans who relocate to these communities. The incentives stand alone or complement those offered by the county and state. All the cities listed have passed a city council resolution supporting the program, provide an incentive/welcome package, ensure 10 percent of eligible businesses are involved with Home Base Iowa and have the option to purchase Home Base Iowa signage.

IowaWORKS Centers

IowaWORKS Centers are committed to providing quality employment services to all military service members and their spouses. All veterans and their spouse may be eligible for priority service.  Please let a team member know upon check-in of your veteran status. IowaWORKS Centers provide a full range of job/career assistance. Individual services include:

• Career counseling and job search skills development
• Help locating employment and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities
• Academic skill testing and hands-on computer classes
• Creating resumes/cover letters and interview preparation

Iowa National Guard Services

The Warrior & Family Services Branch is a Joint Force initiative that provides assistance to all military families, regardless of branch or component, who find themselves beyond the support capability of active duty military facilities or their home units. The Warrior & Family Services Branch acts as a network that allows families to mutually support one another. By providing families with information, resources and support, the program strengthens both the unit and service members. To learn more about these services, visit the Warrior & Family Services page to learn more.

Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)

The Iowa ESGR team is comprised of approximately 106 dedicated volunteers and three full-time staff members prepared to engage, inform and support employers and reserve component members throughout the state. Iowa has a proud history of outstanding employer support for reserve component members. Today’s team continues this tradition through a strong emphasis on “prevention through education.” To learn more visit the Iowa ESGR.

Non-Profit Statewide Veteran Support Organizations

The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, war-time veteran organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is a community-service organization which has reached nearly three million members, men and women at almost 15,000 American Legion posts worldwide.  The American Legion Department of Iowa is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa.  The Department Service Office is located in the Federal Building in Des Moines, with an additional office located in the VA Medical Center in Iowa City. Visit the Iowa Legion or email: info@ialegion.org.

An Introduction to CHAMPs

Iowa's Certified Higher Academic Military Partners (CHAMPs) offer higher education incentives to qualified veterans, their spouses and dependents. Benefits include in-state tuition rates, on-campus support, credit for military courses and special financial considerations.

Hawkeye Community College

Hawkeye Community College has several outlying centers in Cedar Falls, Independence, Grundy County, Waverly and Waterloo. Their main campus is located just outside of Waterloo, Iowa. The mission of Hawkeye Community College is a globally informed community of successful lifelong learners. As a college they will provide focus, meaning and the skills necessary for qualified individuals to live competently in their communities.