Madison County

Founded in 1851, Madison County was named after the fourth President of the United States, James Madison. Madison County's biggest claim to fame is the birthplace of John Wayne. Visitors can check out his old home and the museum in Winterset, Iowa. Madison County Covered Bridges are also a big part of the area. The county is known for its covered bridges and festivals held throughout the year.
Date of HBI Establishment: August 2017
Website: Madison County
Contact: Thaddeus Smith / tsmith@madisoncoia.us / 515-462-4680
Cities: About Home Base Iowa Cities, West Des Moines, Winterset

About Home Base Iowa Cities

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.

Click on the other tabs to view veteran resources, higher educational institutions and all county and statewide incentives.

West Des Moines

Home Base Iowa (HBI) 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.

In West Des Moines, incentives include:

Home Base Iowa Community Established: September 2015

Winterset

Home Base Iowa (HBI) 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.

In Winterset, incentives include:

  • Welcome call from Community Greetings with a bag of information about various attractions and services, as well as promotional items and gifts from over 40 local businesses.
  • A community tour by the Madison County Chamber of Commerce.
  • Madison County Veteran Affairs offers a local contact to help with your transition to civilian life and help you with your VA benefits.
  • The Madison County Development Group can link Veterans with a broad range of services from consulting services for entrepreneurs wanting to start their own businesses to revolving loans for startups, capital purchases or building improvements.
  • The Madison County Assessor can help Veterans obtain eligible property tax exemptions from a basic military exemption to a 100% exemption for Veterans with full service related disability.
  • $10 Discount when registering for a Parks & Rec program.
  • Free admission at the Winterset Aquatic Center on July 4th.
  • One free daily pass at the Winterset Aquatic Center.
  • Free camping stay at Winterset City Park.
  • $50 discount on building permit fee for construction of a new home.
  • Free dog license for one year, free license for service dog.

Home Base Iowa Community Established: August 2017

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.

Madison County Veteran Incentives

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.

  • Welcome call from Community Greetings with a bag of information about various attractions and services, as well as promotional items and gifts from over 40 local businesses.
  • A community tour by the Madison County Chamber of Commerce.
  • Madison County Veteran Affairs offers a local contact to help with your transition to civilian life and help you with your VA benefits.
  • The Madison County Development Group can link Veterans with a broad range of services from consulting services for entrepreneurs wanting to start their own businesses to revolving loans for startups, capital purchases or building improvements.
  • The Madison County Assessor can help Veterans obtain eligible property tax exemptions from a basic military exemption to a 100% exemption for Veterans with full service related disability.

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:

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