Military Veterans Welcomed To Home Base Oskaloosa

Oskaloosa and Mahaska County officially became a Home Base Iowa community on Monday.

Oskaloosa, Iowa, – On the historic bandstand, dignitaries from the county and city government joined Lt. Governor Adam Gregg in designating Mahaska County and Oskaloosa as a Home Base Iowa community.

Besides the normal dignitaries, employers were there to learn more about the program, and what benefits are available to those who qualify.

Mahaska County Agriculture & Rural Development Program Director Deann De Groot opened up the program. “We are excited that Mahaska County and the city of Oskaloosa are now part of the state-wide initiative.”

De Groot says there has been “great support from the business community” and looks to continue building on the success so far “in seeing the value in hiring qualified veterans in our area.”

De Groot said that many incentives are in place to attract veterans to the area, including housing, banking and quality of life incentives, “to help veterans transition here.”

De Groot said that she will be the contact person for the program in Mahaska County and Oskaloosa.

Mahaska County Supervisor Willie Van Weelden welcomed those in attendance, saying “I think this is a great opportunity.”

Van Weelden said that recent economic indicators put the community in a good position to attract veterans to the area. “As a veteran, I think it’s a great opportunity for guys returning from service.”

“I think veterans in the last few years are getting the recognition that was due [to] them,” added Van Weelden. “Very happy to be a part of this.”

Oskaloosa Mayor Dave Krutzfeldt said that “it is truly an honor to be recognized as an Iowa Home Base Community.”

Krutzfeldt highlighted some of the incentives that are in place for veterans interested in coming to Oskaloosa.

Including low interest and zero percent interest first time home buyers loans. Three area hotels have deeply discounted hotel rates for veterans evaluating the community.

Bank Iowa is also discounting closing costs for a home by $500.00, as well as a year rental of a lock box.

Various organizations are offering 1 year free memberships, and tram and bus rides around the community for those visiting.

Krutzfeldt said the offers are not only in place to incentivize veterans to move to the community but to “also to recognize and show some respect for the contribution they’ve made in serving our country.”

“Know this. Oskaloosa wants and needs veterans,” says Krutzfeldt. “Not only because we want to grow our population, but because we know that veterans are the right kind of people to have as citizens in Oskaloosa.”

“While Oskaloosa is thankful to be designated as a Home Base Iowa community, please understand, we do so knowing that the community is the real beneficiary here,” added Krutzfeldt. “It is with great pride and pleasure, and a little bit of greed, that we become a Home Base Iowa Community.”

Iowa’s new Lt. Governor Adam Gregg was the next to speak.

Gregg says that he was part of the original think-tank to help develop the Home Base Iowa program while he was serving on then Governor Branstad’s staff.

“Mahaska County and the city of Oskaloosa have worked very hard to earn this designation,” says Gregg.

Over 20 area business are onboard with the initiative, which is well above the requirement to be designated a Home Base community.

Gregg said when the Home Base Iowa program was being designed, they wanted each community to have the ability to innovate the incentive packages that best work for them “to highlight what each community brings to the table, and the different things that are unique about each community.”

Gregg said that the home ownership incentives are something that “jumped out” and believes they are things veterans will be looking for when making a decision about where they are going to live after their life in the service.

“Finding a good job”, is something Gregg says many veterans are looking for when they leave the service. “That’s what Mahaska County and Oskaloosa can offer to veterans.

Home Base Iowa now has over 70 communities, with nearly 1600 businesses who have pledged to hire over 8000 veterans.

Gregg credits Gen. Timothy Orr with the Iowa National Guard, who saw a reduction in the numbers of active duty personnel on the horizon and would be looking for a place to join the civilian world.

In Iowa, a skilled workforce shortage where jobs are available, but not people with the right skills to fill those positions. “We thought maybe there’s a way to match those up. Match veterans with the positions that are open here,” said Gregg.

“It’s a big deal, and it’s a meaningful thing for this community,” added Gregg.