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Military and Veterans

Did you know nearly 40% of Iowa employers prefer to hire veterans (Home Base Iowa)? Greater Des Moines (DSM) is dedicated to the continued support of active military and courageous veterans. From job resources to relocation assistance, DSM is an inclusive place for local servicemen and women — whether veterans, activity duty military or reservists. Companies like Wells Fargo, Bankers Trust and Nationwide have pledged their companies to provide welcoming amenities and resources for their veteran employees.

Virtual Tour Information Packet Career Center

Veteran Flag

What The Partnership Provides to Military and Their Families

The Partnership’s role in assisting servicemen and women is to help the region become ambassadors for inclusion. Leadership in service translates to leadership in business.

  • Career Center – The Partnership’s Career Center is a resource for candidates to search and apply for career opportunities. Find more info on the find a job page and post your resume today!
  • Relocation Assistance – The Partnership has all the info you and your family need to help ease your move. Learn more and request a packet of information about DSM to be delivered directly to you on the relocate here page.
  • Trailing Spouse Job Assistance – The Partnership can assist with spouse job placements. Find more info on the talent development resources page.
  • Welcome to DSM USA Receptions – Attend a Welcome to DSM USA reception to meet other residents new to the region. Find more info on The Partnership’s events page.

Additional Services for Vets and Military

In DSM, there are several resources available for uniformed heroes. This comprehensive list focuses on inclusive organizations, specifically for military persons.

Military and Veterans in DSM USA

Bunker Labs DSM — Bunker Labs’ mission is to ensure the military-connected community has the network, tools, and opportunities to start their own business. They exist to close the ecosystem access gap for the military-connected community, which they do by providing an array of programs that connect, equip and inspire the entire community of entrepreneurs regardless of where they are on their journey. Twenty-five percent of transitioning service members want to start a business, and they need places inside their community where they can connect with the people, resources, and support. Bunker Labs DSM is here for them, and they do it all for free!

Camp Dodge — Camp Dodge is the Iowa National Guard base in DSM and offers many amenities including veteran's affairs, facility rental, Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, youth programs, family support resources and more.

Department of Labor VETS — VETS serve America's veterans and separating service members by preparing them for meaningful careers, providing employment resources and expertise and protecting their employment rights.

ESGR – Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves — This Department of Defense program assists in the resolution of conflicts between service members and their civilian employers arising from an employee’s military commitment.

Federally Employed Women — Federally Employed Women (FEW) is a private organization founded after Executive Order 11375, which added sex discrimination to the list of prohibited discrimination, was issued. Although E.O. 11375 was important, there were women who wanted to ensure there would always be an organization dedicated to promoting equality for women in the federal workforce. FEW is a way for military women to play a leadership role in promoting legislation and communicating and advocating for women’s issues in an ever-changing government infrastructure.

Home Base Iowa — With several Home Base Iowa (HBI) communities within The Partnership’s service area, this one-of-a-kind program provides veterans and transitioning service members and their families with HBI resources, including employment, education and/or continued service. Learn more about the services and programs available in the counties and communities in DSM and Iowa on the Home Base Iowa website.

Iowa American Legion — Along with placing high importance on quality of life for children and teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship, caring for veterans and their families is of the utmost importance to the American Legion family.

Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs – Benefits, Resources — Recognizing and honoring Iowa’s vets and their families, the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs and Iowa Veterans Cemetery provides benefits and support to service members through partnerships with Iowa Veterans Home, the Iowa Workforce Veterans Employment Division, the Iowa National Guard and others. Learn more about state benefits — from homeownership assistance and property tax exemption to tuition assistance and scholarships — as well as additional resources available for you.

Iowa Veterans of Foreign Wars — The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is responsible for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans, expanding education benefits to active-duty service members, developing the Veterans Administration, a national cemetery system and contributing to volunteerism in the community. VFW in Iowa has been helping veterans since 1921.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) serves as a foundation for serving and honoring America’s veterans. Services for veterans include assistance with benefits, education, home loans, insurance and health resources and jobs. For family members and spouses, the VA assists with CHAMPVA (family members insurance), burials and memorials.

VA Central Iowa Health Care — Operating a Veterans Health Administration in DSM, the VA Central Iowa Health Care System provides medical/surgical services, post-traumatic stress treatment and rehabilitation services.

Veterans Center – Counseling Services — Counseling services are authorized for a three-year period beginning on the date of a Veteran’s return. These services are available to Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation New Dawn (OND) and their immediate families.

Veteran Employment Services — Veterans can connect with local Iowa WORKS Centers for employment and career planning services.

For a comprehensive list of resources available to veterans, active duty military and reservists in DSM, The Partnership sponsors INclusion magazine which includes a guide of available tools and programs.