As we recognize those who died in military service this Memorial Day weekend, Louisa County will be celebrating veterans and the county’s designation as a Home Base Iowa community this Friday.

Home Base Iowa’s mission is to provide veterans and transitioning service members and their families with opportunities and benefits for a successful transition in the state. Louisa Development Group Executive Director Angela Shipley and Louisa County Veterans Affairs Director Adam Caudle have been creating incentives for veterans to reside in the county as part of the Home Base Iowa program. Caudle mentions some of the incentives, “Incentives are currently being provided by local banks, for example they can get a break on their APR (annual percentage rate), for example in addition some banks are offering a freebie on the appraisal. I know the Wapello and Columbus Junction community pools are offering a free membership for one year for a family, just for an example.”

Caudle shares how a Home Base Iowa designation benefits a community, “Anytime that you can get veterans to come back home or move to your community you’re talking about getting folks that are well respected. They’ve served their country honorably, they’re go-to folks, they’re reliable, they’re professional, and they’re going to enhance any community that they become a part of.”

The county is hosting a ceremony to recognize their Home Base Iowa designation and dedicate their freedom rock this Friday at 11 a.m. near the intersection of Highways 61 and 92 near Grandview.