Webster County

Situated at the northeast crossroads of US Hwy 20 and Hwy 169, Fort Dodge is part of the Des Moines River Valley of North Central Iowa.  Enjoy family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, and entertainment opportunities in an intimate, small-town atmosphere.  A thriving community of residents call Fort Dodge home due to an abundance of dynamic employment opportunities and family-oriented, quality of life amenities. With low housing costs, a robust retail center, and unique recreational possibilities, the Greater Fort Dodge region boasts a small-town lifestyle with plenty of room to succeed, grow, and play.

Date of HBI Establishment: March 2015
Website: Webster County
Contact: Dan Lewandowski (Webster County Veteran Affairs) or Jefferson Fosbender (Economic Development Director) / wcva@webstercountyia.org or Jefferson@greaterfortdodge.com / Dan: 515-573-1479 Jefferson: 515-227-7124
Cities: About Home Base Iowa Cities

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.

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.

Iowa Central Community College

Located in Fort Dodge, Iowa with satellite campuses in Webster City and Storm Lake, Iowa Central Community College is a two year institution and is home to a little over 6,000 enrolled students. Iowa Central Community College provides quality educational opportunities in the classroom and outside of the classroom. For all they serve, Iowa Central Community College strives to be the premier learning community, and college of choice, preparing the best citizens and workers for our region and beyond.

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.

HOME BASE IOWA INCENTIVE PACKAGE

FORT DODGE /WEBSTER COUNTY

City of Fort Dodge

  • 5 – years 100% tax abatement on the first $75,000 on a new home or home improvement

Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance

  • Veterans may enjoy a personalized, guided tour of the community (by a veteran when available) courtesy of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Ambassador team.
  • Veterans who are new to the community may also enjoy a Welcome Bag full of Growth Alliance gear and resources from around the community.
  • Resume Distribution—If veterans or their family members submit a resume to the Growth Alliance, a staff member will offer assistance on resume building and distribution among Growth Alliance member businesses.

Iowa Central Community College

  • Resident Tuition for veterans AND immediate family members.
  • One-on-One assistance with GI paperwork and official VA certification.
  • Veterans are recognized at ICCC graduation by wearing Red, White, and Blue cords.
  • $5 off of your monthly membership at the ICCC Rec Center.
  • Annual Veterans Day Program
  • Free admission to all ICCC Campus Activities – sports, musicals, plays, etc., with a valid military ID
  • For all other inquiries about assistance with book rentals, school supplies and available scholarship applications, please do not hesitate to contact the Assistant Registrar and VA Certifying Official, Sarah Ramthun: (515)-574-1021; ramthun_s@iowacentral.edu

Community Foundation Grants

  • Up to $100 Reimbursement towards one night stay at a Webster County Home Base Iowa hotel – for veterans who are visiting the region for a job interview or community tour.
  • Up to $50 Reimbursement toward a meal from a Webster County Home Base Iowa restaurant – for veterans who are visiting the region for a job interview or community tour.

Please show your military ID to qualify for the above incentives.

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.