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Still Serving Iowa Veterans: A Podcast For & About You ... the Iowa Vet!
Hosted by Carlene Hall and Darlene McMartin, this show connects Iowa's veteran community to the resources, services, and support they deserve; keeping veterans & their families informed and empowered.
As Commissioners of Veterans Affairs, our top priority is advocating for Iowa’s nearly 178,000 veterans and their families. Whether we are protecting earned benefits, expanding healthcare access, or modernizing state programs, our focus remains on ensuring every Iowa veteran receives the care and support they have earned.
Back to topProtecting Veterans from "Claim Sharks" in Care Facilities
One of our most urgent consumer protection efforts involves combating predatory, for-profit "claim shark" organizations (such as Patriot Angels or Guardian Angels) operating across Iowa’s long-term care facilities. These companies charge veterans up to $1,500—or take a percentage of their ongoing disability compensation—to file VA benefit applications.
We want to emphasize to all families and administrators that accredited County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) provide these exact claim-filing services 100% free of charge. To circumvent current laws prohibiting unaccredited fees, some entities bill the care facility directly, which then passes the cost along to the resident. The Commission is working closely with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), and healthcare associations to educate administrators, raise awareness, and review potential statutory revisions.
Back to topModernizing Veteran Dental Care & Trust Fund Access
We are working alongside statewide oral health advocates to streamline how veterans access emergency financial relief through the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund (IVTF). Currently, state guidelines require veterans to obtain two separate, in-person dental treatment quotes before receiving trust fund approval—creating a significant barrier for rural veterans facing a shortage of local dental providers.
To resolve this, we are evaluating modernized protocols—including teledentistry consultations and a volunteer network of vetted dentists to review treatment plans remotely. By eliminating unnecessary travel and accelerating approval times, we can help veterans achieve essential dental readiness while protecting taxpayer dollars against inflated treatment costs.
Back to topEmpowering Iowa's Women Veterans
Iowa is home to over 16,000 women veterans, yet only about 4,500 are currently enrolled in VA healthcare services. Through the Iowa Women Veterans Program—supported by volunteer coordinators and county veteran service officers—we are actively expanding outreach to connect female service members with gender-specific care, benefits, and peer networks. Key initiatives include our annual Women Veterans Meet & Greet events and active participation in statewide gatherings like the DAV Women Veterans Conference.
Amplifying Veteran Stories: Still Serving Iowa Veterans Podcast
Our weekly video podcast, Still Serving Iowa Veterans, continues to reach thousands of viewers across the state. Reaching a diverse audience across all age demographics, the show spotlights WWII and Korean War heroes, features local quilting guilds presenting Quilts of Valor, covers mental health initiatives like Horses Help equine therapy, and warns against predatory benefit schemes.
Our goal is to interview every County Veteran Service Officer in Iowa to highlight the vital work happening across all 99 counties. Be sure to catch our weekly "In Case You Didn't Know" segments on Facebook for quick updates on state benefits, veteran courts, and national park passes.
Statewide Legislative & Service Priorities
During our quarterly proceedings, the Commission reaffirmed key legislative priorities aimed at improving service delivery across the state. While Iowa veterans currently draw $1.1 billion annually in federal compensation, our state has historically ranked near the bottom nationally in per-capita benefit drawdown.
We remain committed to supporting modernized, transparent claims systems that equip county offices with standardized tools, credentialing support, and digital tracking—ensuring consistency whether a veteran files a claim in a rural county or a major metro area.
Commission Leadership Transitions
Finally, we want to express our deepest gratitude to outgoing Commissioners Elizabeth Ledvina (American Legion, serving since 2015 and former Chair) and Lt. Col. George Mosby (Iowa National Guard, serving since 2021) for their years of dedicated advocacy on behalf of Iowa veterans.
We also warmly welcome our newly appointed Commissioners: Becky Dirks Haugsted (VFW), Randall Johnson (American Legion), LTC Joel Sage (Iowa National Guard), and Dave Wilkins (AMVETS).
Thank you to all of our county commissioners, service officers, and community partners for your tireless work. It is an honor to serve alongside you.
Darlene McMartin
Chair, Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs
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Next Commission Meeting:
October 7, 2026, at 10:00 am | Iowa Veterans Home, Marshalltown.
For more information on benefits or to find your local CVSO, visit dva.iowa.gov.
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