Our Mission
The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs stands as a voice and an advocate for Iowa veterans and their families. We are dedicated to ensuring Iowa veterans, their dependents, and their survivors receive the full measure of county, state, and federal benefits to which they are entitled. To that end, veterans are treated with compassion, integrity, dignity, and accountability.
About Us
To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan. - Abraham Lincoln
Iowa wants every veteran to make a successful transition back into civilian life and community. The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs is here to help all veterans obtain services and benefits that they and their families are entitled to.
The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs and Iowa Veterans Cemetery recognize and honor Iowa’s veterans and their families by providing the highest quality programs, services, and benefits. Each of Iowa’s 99 counties has a Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and a County Director. We urge veterans to visit their county office as their first point of contact.
Our Department oversees the first federally funded, state-owned and operated veterans cemetery in Iowa. The Iowa Veterans Cemetery operates under United States Department of Veterans Affairs operational standards. Learn about Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
The Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs was created to provide recommendations to the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs and supervise the Iowa Veterans Home. Each of the 11 commissioners is appointed by the Governor for a four-year term. Organizations represented include:
- Iowa National Guard
- Reserve Officers Association
- American Legion
- American Veterans
- Disabled American Veterans
- Iowa Association of County Commissioners and Veteran Services Officers
- The Military Order of the Purple Heart
- Paralyzed Veterans of America
- Veterans of Foreign Wars
- Vietnam Veterans of America
- An 'at large' member who is knowledgeable in the general field of veterans affairs
Every Iowa county has a County Commission of Veterans Affairs appointed by the county’s Board of Supervisors. Its duties are defined by Iowa Code chapter 35B. Duties include ensuring interment in a suitable cemetery for any veteran, spouse, or child if the person died without the ability to pay funeral expenses.
The Iowa Veterans Home is the third largest state-owned facility for veterans in the nation. Located in Marshalltown, Iowa, it provides personalized physical and medical care, rehabilitative care, and mental health care along with many other services. Learn more about the Iowa Veterans Home.
The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs partners with the Iowa Veterans Home, the Iowa Workforce Veterans Employment Division, the Iowa National Guard, the Federal VA medical centers and community-based VA clinics located across the state, and many veteran service organizations in Iowa.
On behalf of all Iowans, thank you for your service and dedication to our country. Welcome home.