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On May 25, 1999, Governor Thomas
J. Vilsack signed Senate File 462 into Law.
There are several provisions which benefit
soldiers and airmen of the Iowa National Guard. These provisions are
outlined below, but may be found in detail in the Public Law.
- Definition of Veteran: Effective 1 July
1999 veteran status is obtained when a resident of the State of
Iowa served in the armed forces of the United States at any time
during a conflict and was discharged under honorable
conditions. Inclusive dates are listed in the Public
Law. Former members of the Iowa National Guard who served at
least twenty years (20) in the Iowa National Guard after January
28, 1973, and who were discharged under honorable conditions are
qualified for this benefit. However, a member of the Iowa
National Guard who was activated for federal duty, other than
training, for a minimum aggregate of ninety days (90), and was
discharged under honorable conditions or was retired under Title X
of the United States Code shall be included as a veteran.
- Specific benefits to which persons meeting
veterans status are entitled:
- Markers for Graves (Section 35B.16, Iowa
Code 1999). The county commission of veterans affairs may
furnish a suitable and appropriate metal marker for the grave of
each veteran, as defined in section 35.1, who is buried within the
limits of the county. The expenses shall be paid from any
funds raised as provided in this chapter. The surviving
family members obtain the marker by notifying the funeral
directors, who contact the County Veterans Affairs personnel.
- Legion of Merit Special Plates (Section
321.34, Iowa Code 1999). The owner of a motor vehicle who
has been awarded the legion of merit may, upon written application
to the department and presentation of satisfactory proof of the
award of the legion of merit, as established by the Congress of
the United States, order special registration plates with a legion
of merit process emblem. Applications may be obtained from
the Department of Transportation licensing offices, or by
contacting the Commission of Veterans Affairs.
- Preferences (Section 400.10, Iowa Code
1999). In all examinations and appointments under this
chapter, those who are citizens and residents of this state, and
meet the above definition of "veteran" shall have five
points added to the veteran's grade or score attained in
qualifying examinations for appointment to positions.
Qualifying veterans should annotate veteran status on government
application forms and be prepared to show appropriate supporting
documentation.
- Military Service Tax Credit (Section
426A.2, Iowa Code 1999). Veterans, as defined above, are
entitled to military service tax credit. The following
information comes directly from the amendment: "The
moneys shall be apportioned each year so as to replace all or a
portion of the tax which would be due on property eligible for
military service tax exemption in the state, if the the property
were subject to taxation, the amount of the credit to be not more
than six dollars and ninety-two cents per thousand dollars of
assessed value of property which would be subject to the tax,
except for the military service tax exemption."
Veterans wishing to apply for this benefit should contact the
County Assessor's Office in the county in which they reside.
This exemption takes effect on 1 January 2000. The following
documents should be accepted at the County Assessors Office as
proof of qualifying service.
- Department of Defense Form 214
(Certificate of Release of Discharge from Active Duty with
inclusive dates matching those listed in the public law.
- National Guard Bureau From 22
(Report of Separation and Record of Service), documenting 20 years
of service in the Iowa National Guard after 28 January 1973.
- The point of contact at this headquarters is
Captain Todd Jacobus, Plans & Actions Branch Manager, who may be
reached at 1-800-294-6607 ext. 4414 or by fax at (515)
252-4656. The point of contact at the Iowa Commission of
Veterans Affairs is Mr. Jon Schneider, Executive Officer, who may be
reached at (515) 242-5331, or by fax at (515) 242-5659.
RESERVE COMPONENTS AND NATIONAL GUARD
Iowa's National Guard and Reserve Components offer
financial aid programs to support educational pursuits of their members,
such as the Montgomery GI Bill and selective scholarships.
Interested guard and reserve members are also provided assistance in
their efforts to gain college credit for military schooling.
Qualified veterans from all military services may be eligible for
membership in the Iowa Army/Air National Guard, as well as all reserve
Components located in Iowa. |
