Iowa Veterans Day on the Hill Draws 300 to Capitol; Officials Push for New Service Officer Excellence Program
Leaders highlight legislation to improve Iowa’s national ranking for veteran compensation benefits.
DES MOINES, Iowa – Jan. 21, 2026 – Approximately 300 veterans, advocates, and military leaders gathered at the Iowa State Capitol rotunda Wednesday for the annual Iowa Veterans Day on the Hill. The event connected the veteran community directly with lawmakers to advocate for legislative priorities, including a major new initiative to modernize how veterans access federal benefits.
The gathering featured remarks from state and military leadership, including Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer and Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs Commandant Todd Jacobus. The primary focus of this year's session was the introduction of the 2026 County Veteran Service Officer Excellence Program, legislation designed to bolster the support network for Iowa’s 178,000 veterans.
Iowa currently ranks 44th out of 53 states and territories in per capita annual veteran disability compensation. Currently, less than one-third of Iowa veterans are receiving VA benefits, and only six Iowa counties sit above the national average for per capita compensation.
Modernizing Veteran Support
Commandant Todd Jacobus outlined the urgent need to pass the County Veteran Service Officer Excellence Program Gov. Kim Reynolds proposed in her Condition of the State address Jan. 13th. The legislation aims to support County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs), who serve as the primary access point for veterans navigating complex US Department of Veterans Affairs systems.
"The easy way forward is to continue to do what we've always done. We are asking our elected officials to reinforce success," said Jacobus, Commandant of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs. "The bottom line is that the result of this legislation will increase benefits to those who are eligible through better connecting federal, state, and county partners."
Key components of the proposed legislation include:
- Recognizing Performance: Identifying and rewarding top-performing counties that successfully connect veterans with the claims they deserve.
- Statewide Education Coordinator: Creating a dedicated role responsible for training, mentoring, and developing newly hired county employees.
- Increased Support: Providing resources – chiefly universal software - to counties without altering local authority over staff or salaries.
A Bipartisan Commitment to Service
Speakers emphasized that veteran support remains a non-partisan issue in the Iowa Legislature. The event included a solemn tribute to Iowa National Guard Staff Sergeants William Nathaniel Howard and Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, who were killed in action in Syria just over one month ago. Officials noted that 1,800 Iowa soldiers and airmen are currently deployed to the Middle East.
"Strong veteran legislation is not charity. It's a fulfillment of a contract. A contract between our nation and those who stand ready to sacrifice everything in its defense," said Darlene McMartin, Chair of the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs. "The legislation before you represents an opportunity to turn gratitude into governance and respect into results."
Distinguished speakers at the event included:
- Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer
- Brig. Gen. William McClintock, Deputy Adjutant General, Iowa National Guard
- Brig. Gen. Kirk P. Dailey, Deputy Commanding General, 88th Readiness Division
- Sen. Jeff Reichman, Senate VA Committee Chair
- Sen. Bill Dotzler, Senate VA Committee Ranking Member
- Rep. Tom Determann, House VA Committee Chair
- Rep. Jerome Amos, House VA Committee Ranking Member
Call to Action: Veterans and Iowa residents are encouraged to contact their state legislators to voice support for the Veterans Trust Fund and the County Veteran Service Officer Excellence Program. To find your legislator on the Iowa Legislature's Find Your Legislators page, or learn more about veteran benefits, by visiting the IDVA web page.
About the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs: The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is a state agency dedicated to providing meaningful and compassionate assistance to Iowa’s veterans and their families. The IDVA manages the Iowa Veterans Cemetery and works in conjunction with County Veteran Service Officers to ensure veterans access the federal and state benefits they have earned.
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Media Contact: Karl Lettow, 641.750.8052 or karl.lettow@iowa.gov