HBI Community: Woodbury 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.

• Real Estate Assistance
  • VA Grants (Security National Bank & Wells Fargo) – Dream Makers (through Pentagon) is a 2 to 1 match grant with a maximum of $5,000 benefit towards purchase of home. Iowa Finance Authority offers a 5,000 grant with no match required.
  • MyPad Down Payment Assistance – Up to $14,999 for qualified low income individuals and families for down payment of a home. Call: (712) 279-6255 or apply at: www.sioux-city.org.
  • Sioux City Housing Authority (SCHA) has partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer Rental Assistance for homeless veterans. The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Voucher Program combines HUD Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Rental Assistance Program for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Veterans Affairs (VA) office. Any interested homeless veteran may contact the VA office directly at: (712) 255-3808.
  • Central housing site linked to Siouxland Chamber website listing all properties for sale, rent or lease in the area.
  • SCSB: $500 credit on closing costs for military members who purchase a primary home as a new resident of Woodbury County. (subject to credit approval, bank reserves the right to terminate the offer at anytime)
• Education Assistance
  • 185th ARW – Tuition assistance for traditional guard members who passed their physical test, living in Iowa and working towards a bachelor’s degree. Contact George Mendoza at: (712) 233-0535 for more information
  • Briar Cliff University (Brian Eben at: (712) 279-1628) and Morningside College (Karen Gagnon at: 1- 800-831-0806 ext. 5272) participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program offering matching funding to VA assistance for undergrad and graduate students.
  • St. Luke’s College of Nursing – Iowa National Guard Ed. Asst. Grant and matching funds to VA assistance (Yellow Ribbon Program).
  • University of Iowa Venture School – Master the startup process with our premier statewide Venture School, an innovative training program focused on real-world experimentation, customer discovery, and Lean LaunchPad methodologies. This program uses the official National Science Foundation I-Corps curriculum to help high-potential startups turn their ideas into reality. Woodbury County will provide (2) $500 scholarships for this program. Please contact John Engel at: john-engel@uiowa.edu for more information.
  • WITCC – SBDC assistance with business plan (Todd Rausch (712) 274-6454), IA state tuition assistance through National Guard, Federal tuition assistance for Army Reserve and classes at 185th. Contact Don Duzik at: (712) 274-6403 or Don.Duzik@witcc.edu. You can visit the website at www.witcc.edu/veterans.
• Transportation
  • Sioux City Transit – Veterans with a service-connected disability are eligible to ride the Sioux City Transit System's fixed route buses free. Eligible veterans must show the bus driver their photo identification issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which identifies a serviceconnected disability. The VA identification card which documents a service-connected disability is the only acceptable document that will be accepted.
• Entertainment/Attraction Venues
  • Abu Bekr Shrine Circus – $10 coupon to any show. (redeem at Abu Bekr Shrine Temple, 820 Nebraska St., Sioux City)
  • Long Lines Family Rec Center Climbing Wall – Reduced rate for veterans of $4/2 hrs. daily. Free climbing on Veteran’s Day for current/former members of military. Call: (712) 279-6250 for details (401 Gordon Dr., Sioux City)
  • MidAmerican Museum of Aviation & Transportation – $5.00 admission ($1 discount) for active military. (2600 Expedition Ct, Sioux City)
  • Milwaukee Railroad Museum – $4.00 admission ($1 discount) for active, retired and veterans (closed Jan-Feb). (3400 Sioux River Rd., Sioux City)
  • NAIA Basketball, Volleyball & Softball Championships – Reduced ticket price for veterans. Check with Tyson Events Center Box Office for details. www.tysoncenter.com. (401 Gordon Dr., Sioux City)
  • Sioux City Bandits Indoor Football – $5.00 off for active/retired/veteran and 1 extra ticket with ID. (401 Gordon Dr., Sioux City)
  • Sioux City Explorer’s Baseball – Military & Mini Mondays – active, retired and veterans and kids 12 and under are free; a $1.00 discount for active, retired and veterans other days. (3400 Line Dr., Sioux City)
  • Sioux City Musketeers Hockey – $10 ticket for veterans with military ID. (401 Gordon Dr., Sioux City)
  • Sioux City Symphony – 20% discount on any ticket ($15-$50). (518 Pierce St., Sioux City)
• Hotels
  • Hilton Garden Inn Sioux City Riverfront – Complimentary one night hotel stay through Hilton Honors to support veterans pursuing job opportunities (interviews, skills training, housing searches). If not pursuing job opportunities veterans will receive 15% off the best available rate. (1132 Larsen Park Rd., Sioux City
  • Candlewood Suites – Government rate available to veterans. (4720 Southern Hills Dr., Sioux City)
• Restaurants/Retail
  • 1ST Step Chiropractic & Wellness, Anna Fisher, DC – Offers 20% off Chiropractic Care for military members and dependents with military ID. www.1stepchiro.com (4016 Morningside Ave. Suite C, Sioux City)
  • Advance Auto Parts – Offers 10% discount. (3129 Gordon Dr. and 2201 Hamilton Blvd., Sioux City)
  • Advanced Computers – Offers a 10% discount on all labor with military ID. (712) 224-5555 (823 Gordon Dr., Sioux City)
  • Aeropostale, Southern Hills Mall – Offers a 10% discount. (4400 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Albrecht Cycle Shop – Offers 10% off retail bikes and accessories. With ID. (200 5th St., Sioux City)
  • American Eagle, Southern Hills Mall – Offers 10% with military ID. (4400 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Anytime Fitness – Offers $29.99/month membership fee for military. (3023 Hamilton Blvd. and 4700 Morningside Ave., Sioux City)
  • Arby’s – Offers 20% off (IN UNIFORM). (919 Gordon Dr. and 5800 Gordon Dr., Sioux City)
  • Art & Science Veterinary Services, Dr. Jeffrey D Bottger MS DVM – Offers 10% military discount. (1555 HWY 20, Sioux City)
  • AT&T Wireless – Offers 19% military discount with ID. (2935 Hamilton Blvd, Sioux City)
  • Bomgaars – Offers a 10% military discount. This will follow normal discounting procedures as there are some items that are non-discountable, period. Military members (active or retired) will get 10% off regular priced discountable goods or the cheaper price between a sale priced item or 10% off the regular price, whichever is cheaper but not both. Military members will need to request the discount and provide the cashier with a valid form of Military ID. This discount is only available for Military Personal with ID or Family Members with their Military Dependent ID. (1732 Hamilton Blvd. and 5901 Gordon Dr., Sioux City)
  • Batteries Plus – Offers 10% military discount. (3421 Singing Hills Blvd., Sioux City)
  • The Buckle, Southern Hills Mall – Offers 10% off with military ID. (4400 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, Lakeport Commons Shopping Center – Offers a 15% discount to any service member to include: Military, Police and Fire Department. (5001 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Burger King – Offers 10% off when you show your military ID. (90 Pierce St., 1724 Hamilton Blvd., and 4225 S. Lakeport, Sioux City)
  • Chick-fil-A – Offers 50% discount off meal purchase for military in uniform (INSIDE RESTAURANT ONLY). (4428 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Chili’s – Offers 10% everyday with military ID. (110 Nebraska St., Sioux City)
  • Cingular – Offers 19% for military
  • Computer Shop, Inc. – Offers a military discount. Fran Palmersheim, 712-293-0889/712-224- 2647 (2900 Gordon Dr., Sioux City)
  • Culver’s – Offers 10% in uniform, ask before ordering. (3102 Singing Hills Blvd., Sioux City)
  • Dunham’s Sports – Offers 15% discount with military ID. (5969 Gordon Dr., Sioux City)
  • El Fredo’s Pizza – Offers 15% discount with military ID. (523 W. 19th St., Sioux City)
  • El Tapatio – Offers 10% off when you show your military ID. (3400 Gordon Dr., Sioux City)
  • Eyemart Express, Lakeport Commons Shopping Center – Offers 10% on eyewear with military ID. (5001 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Foot Locker, Southern Hills Mall – Offers 20% discount with military ID. (4400 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Firestone CGR Tire – Offers 10% off service work with military ID. (4401 Harbor Dr., Sioux City)
  • Great Clips Salon – Offers 20% off products, 20% off military family haircuts. (3156 Signing Hills Blvd., Sioux City)
  • Greenberg’s Jewelers, Southern Hills Mall – Offers up to 10% off Jewelry Items, some restrictions apply. Must show military ID. (4400 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Helle Hometown Variety – Offers $2.00 off uniform cleaning; pick up your military club card for liquor purchases – after 10 stamps, get $10.00 refund. (300 1st St., Sergeant Bluff)
  • Hot Topic, Southern Hills Mall – AD only. (4400 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • JC Penney’s Hair Salon, Southern Hills Mall – Offers 15% discount for military members. (4400 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • K & A Roofing – Offers a 7% military discount – Free estimates/Bond insured. (Armando - 712-239-9134)
  • Kentucky Fried Chicken – Offers 10% discount (IN UNIFORM). (1500 Hamilton Blvd., 4301 Gordon Dr., and 3001 Singing Hills Blvd., Sioux City)
  • Long John Silvers/A&W – Offers 25% off with military ID. (4420 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Long Lines Wireless – Offers 20% discount. www.longlines.com (2515 Hamilton Blvd., Sioux City)
  • Lowes – Offers 10% military discount every day – you must ask for the discount and show ID before purchases are rung up. (5758 Sunnybrook Dr., Sioux City)
  • Mary Kay Cosmetics – Offers 10% for military members and dependents plus free delivery/shipping. Contacts: JeriKay Otto ph. (712) 539-1520, email- JeriKayOtto@marykay.com Jolene Otto ph. (712) 251-6833, email- tankertpr@wildblue.net
  • Maurices, Lakeport Commons Shopping Center – Offers 10% military discount, must show military ID. (5001 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Michaels Arts & Crafts Store, Lakeport Commons Shopping Center – Offers a military discount. (5001 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Nails and Toes etc. By Christy, in Klassic Klips – Offers 10% discount when you show military ID. (1113 Lewis Blvd, Sioux City)
  • O’Reilly Auto Parts – Ask about military discount. (900 W. 7th St., and 4137 Gordon Dr., Sioux City)
  • Pac Sun, Southern Hills Mall – Offers 10% with military ID. (4400 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Payless Shoes Source, Southern Hills Mall – Offers discount to current, retired and veterans with military ID. (4400 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Party City, Lakeport Commons Shopping Center – Offers 10% discount, show military ID. (5001 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Papa John's Pizza – Offers 30% military discount for your entire pizza order - delivery or pick up. Tell them you are military when you place your order & show ID. (407 S. Lewis Blvd., Sioux City)
  • Peak Performance Fitness Gear – Offers 15% with military ID. (4501 Southern Hills Dr. Suite 19, Sioux City)
  • Pearle Vision, Southern Hills Mall – Offers 25% discount with military ID. (4400 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Perkins Restaurant & Bakery – Offers 20% discount with military ID. (5925 Gordon Dr., Sioux City)
  • Pioneer Pickers Coins and Collectables – Offers 10% military discount. (408 4th St., Sgt. Bluff)
  • That Added Touch Massage – Offers $10 off, must show military ID. For appointments, call: (712) 253-1385 (2605 Floyd Blvd., Sioux City)
  • Transit Plaza Fitness – Offers military discounts to members and family of Armed Forces with military ID. $24.99 gym only. Add tanning for only $5 more. Couple 49.99 tanning only 5 for both. (2326 Transit Ave., Sioux City)
  • Sally’s Beauty Supply – Offers a military discount with ID. (3081 Floyd Blvd., Sioux City)
  • Salon Volume – Regular hair cut ($13.90) Military rate $10.00; Free Haircut with any perm or color. ($13.90 savings) Perms $59.00, Colors start at $35. Call Melissa Clarkson for appointment: (712)-301-8828. (423 South Rustin St., Sioux City)
  • Scuba Shak – Offers 10% off equipment purchase with ID. (405 S Lewis Blvd., Sioux City)
  • Sergeant Bluff EyeCare – Offers 30% discount on a complete pair of frames for military service members. (105 Gaul Dr., Sergeant Bluff)
  • Shoe Carnival, Lakeport Commons – Offers a 10% military discount ON TUESDAYS ONLY with military ID. (5001 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Signe Millard, L.M.T, massage therapist at His and Hers Hair –Offers one hour massages for $42.00, a savings of $8.00 off the regular price. Call 712-277-3030 to make an appointment. (Across the street from Miller Brothers Furniture - 3105 Hwy. 75 N., Sioux City)
  • Sports Clips, Lakeport Commons – Offers $2.00 off haircut with military ID. (5001 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Spencer Gifts, Southern Hills Mall – Offers a 10% discount. (4400 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Staber Meats – Call for market prices: (712) 277-4682. (930 Clark St., Sioux City)
  • Subway, Love’s Truck Stop – Offers 10% military discount on all purchases to military in uniform. (2525 Singing Hills Blvd., Sioux City)
  • Subway, Singing Hills Walmart – Offers 25% military discount for military in uniform. (3400 Singing Hills Blvd., Sioux City)
  • Texas Roadhouse, Lakeport Commons – Offers 10% discount (excludes alcohol) for service member’s meal only with valid military or dependent ID cards; not valid on $7.99 Early Dine meals served Mon-Thurs. (5130 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)
  • Tint Masters – Offers 10% off window tinting with military ID card. (623 Water St., Sioux City)
  • Verizon Wireless – Offers 15% discount. Call: 800-922-0204 or visit the website at www.verizonwireless.com.
  • Wendy’s – Sioux City, South Sioux City & Sioux Falls, SD – Offers 10% with military ID – ask before ordering.
  • White Tiger Martial Arts – Offers 10% discount plus a free month of instruction to any employee or family member (within the same household). (309 W. 26th St., and 3310 Line Dr., Sioux City)
  • Zales, Southern Hills Mall – Offers 10% discount. (4400 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City)

Home Base Iowa Statewide Veteran Incentives
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

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.

County Veteran Offices

These should be veterans first point of contact and every county has a Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and a County Veterans Director. These offices assist veterans with compensation/pensions, medical care, military records, grave markers and veteran home loans. Some counties also have dedicated funds to assist with temporary shelter/utilities, food/health supplies, medical/dental, job placement, counseling and transportation. Visit the County Veterans Office page and click on the county of residence.  

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.

Morningside College

Since 1894, we’ve been helping students become flexible, confident thinkers in an increasingly fast-paced world. And with our focus on cultivating a passion for lifelong learning, a dedication to ethical leadership and a desire for civic responsibility in each of our students. Morningside College has been ranked as one of the best liberal arts colleges in the Midwest every year over the past decade.

Unlike larger schools, you’re more than “just a face” at Morningside. Our campus is big enough to offer lots of opportunities, but small enough that you can actually make a difference. This environment is the perfect place to learn and grow, and to forge the friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

• For more information:
  • HBI CHAMPS Contact: Michelle Laughlin / 712.274.5493 / laughlinm@morningside.edu
  • Website: Morningside College Home Page

Western Iowa Tech Community College

Western Iowa Tech Community College has five campuses located in Mapleton, LeMars, Denison and Cherokee. The main campus is in Sioux City, Iowa. As a comprehensive community college, their mission is to provide quality education and to economically enhance the communities they serve.

• For more information:
  • Contact: 800.352.4649 / infor@witcc.edu
  • Website: WITCC Veterans Page