Linn County

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 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

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.

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.

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.

Located in the city of Cedar Rapids, Kirkwood Community College identifies community needs; provides accessible, quality education and training; and promotes opportunities for lifelong learning. Kirkwood Community College is dedicated to helping veterans seek and achieve higher education.

• For more information:
  • HBI CHAMPS Contact: Ramona Taylor / 319-398-4962 / ramona.taylor@kirkwood.edu
  • Website: Kirkwood Community College Veterans Page

Mount Mercy University is a four-year liberal arts University in Cedar Rapids. Mount Mercy is a Catholic University providing student-focused baccalaureate and graduate education in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy. As a Catholic university founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Mount Mercy welcomes women and men of all beliefs to join them in their pursuit of baccalaureate and graduate education and service.

• For more information:
  • Contact: 319.363.8213 / webmaster@mtmercy.edu
  • Website: Mount Mercy University Veterans Page

Purdue Global is a world-class university within a world-class public university system. When it comes to balancing a career, family, and school, we know that flexibility is key. That's why we put you in control of your education, offering innovative learning options that let you choose what, how, and where you learn. As a CHAMPS institution here in Iowa, our advisors work closely with you to understand your personal learning needs. They also evaluate your academic, professional, or military experiences to give you credit for what you already know. 

Campus locations in Mason City, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, Davenport and Des Moines. 

• For more information:
  • Contact: 866-210-5233 / Militaryfinance@purdueglobal.edu
  • Website: Purdue Global University Veteran Webpage

Since 1857, Upper Iowa University has been preparing students to succeed—in the classroom and in the world. That rich history, coupled with a student-centered mission, has created a springboard for UIU to become a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced study.

From our Fayette Campus to our undergraduate and graduate online programs, to our 25 U.S. Centers, including Centers in Cedar Rapids,  Des Moines, the Quad Cities, and Waterloo.  UIU has the people in place to help you succeed.

• For more information: 
  • HBI CHAMPS Contact: Dawn Novak / 563.425.5400 / novakd@uiu.edu
  • Website: UIU Veterans Page

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.

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