Allamakee County Veterans attend annual Day on the Hill

by Jason Meyer

The day began like so many before: up early in the cold and dark of the morning, a quick shower and shave, and a fast breakfast, all before falling in and taking a seat on the transport by a designated time.
Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen alike, all gathered again for a joint mission. Not a typical mission their training had prepared them for; rather, this was a mission of diplomacy, of exercising their rights and freedoms afforded by their service in upholding democracy, to protect their hard-earned benefits, and to expand the protections and incentives of those yet serving in hopes of creating a welcoming environment when they finally return home.
This was Veterans Day on the Hill.

THE EVENT
The annual event, held Wednesday, January 20 this year, is an opportunity for Veterans and their spouses to interact with their Representatives and Senators at the Capitol in Des Moines, and an opportunity to explore the programs and benefits of various service organizations and other vendors in the Capitol Rotunda.
Additionally, the day featured a short program with speakers ranging from Governor Terry Branstad – a Korean-era Veteran – to Major General Timothy Orr, the Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard. The focus of the program was a sincere thanks to the Veterans in attendance, a remembrance of the fallen, and a highlight of the programs and services the State has in place and in the works to make Iowa a Veteran-friendly state.
Though less than ideal, in terms of cooperating weather conditions, the date of the annual event is chosen with purpose.
“This date is selected because it is soon after the gaveling in of the new legislature,” said Robert C. King, Colonel, Iowa National Guard (Retired), the Executive Director of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs. “It provides an opportunity for the Department, Commission, Veterans Coalition, veterans service organizations, and veterans and families to meet and discuss matters affecting veterans with their elected officials and legislators. It would be much less effective if we waited until more temperate conditions in April and May when the legislature is about to adjourn.”

DWINDLING, YET
FAITHFUL REPRESENTATION
Braving the cold, a charter bus set out from Lansing at 4:20 a.m., picking up 18 Veterans and spouses from Allamakee County in Lansing and Waukon, 17 from Winneshiek County in Decorah and Calmar, and four from Buchanan County in Independence. Allamakee County Veterans Affairs Director Heather Homewood, herself a veteran, noted this year was not the strongest showing, but a good turnout nonetheless.
“Compared to last year the overall attendance (from the local area) is a little more, but the numbers from the last three to four years are down quite a bit,” she shared. “When I first started going on this trip the bus would be full. When we were scheduling people before the trip we would have to turn some away.”
The opinion was shared by Representative Patti Ruff (D - District 56) and Senator Michael Breitbach (R - District 28), both of whom have attended four Veterans Day on the Hill events, that the attendance appeared low as a whole.
“A few years back we did cancel because of weather,” recalled Homewood. “And, we also had a charter bus not show up one year. For the most part we try and make an appearance every year."
Having worked for Allamakee County Veterans Affairs for over ten years, Homewood, along with fellow veteran and Allamakee County Veterans Affairs Administrative Assistant Amy Kauten, have attended nearly every year.
At 18 from Allamakee County it may seem the legislators heard from and met with a respectable contingent of Veterans, but 18 represents only 1-1/2 percent of the county’s Veteran population, and 1/8 of a percent of the county’s total population.
“The biggest challenge is that this falls on a work day for many people. It is also a long day and a long ride,” said Homewood. “The weather can also be a concern to many, as well as getting up early in the morning and driving in the dark to meet the bus.”

VETERANS' CONCERNS
Each year the Veterans in attendance bring to the attention of their representatives certain legislative priorities of the Iowa Veterans Council Coalition, the Iowa Department of the American Legion, and other issues of interest. This year topics included continued support of various Veterans programs including the Iowa Veterans Home and the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund, an increase in the Military Property Tax Exemption, a figure that hasn’t been adjusted in decades, a comprehensive review of Veterans’ Preference in Iowa, and civilian licensure and certification  reciprocation for military training.
“I think the request for increasing the property tax exemption is one that has potential to move forward,” said Rep. Ruff. “It really is difficult to gauge how the session will move legislation and which bills will get shelved. I spoke with a member of the Veterans Committee, and it is too early to tell what will move.”
Her sentiment was shared by Sen. Breitbach. “I’m hoping we can see that adjusted to the $5,000 requested amount,” he echoed. “I’m not on the Veterans Committee but will watch closely for legislation coming out of committee.”
The cross-aisle support for Veterans seems a common theme among the legislators at all levels of government, in both word and deed.
“I always enjoy the Veterans involvement at the Capitol. I know many Veterans can’t come for various reasons, which is why I look forward to meeting with many of them when I am back home,” said Senator Breitbach. “There are many Veterans that are clients, friends, employees, and family. I speak to them frequently, which is what spearheaded my bill last year to correct legislation passed in 2014 for the disabled veterans property tax credit.”
Rep. Ruff added, “What I take away (from the event) is one of complete gratitude to all the veterans who have served this country. I can only imagine the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom. I take away the message that we can and should do more for our veteran community.”

THE IMPACT
“As long as I have been going, our representatives seem to have a genuine interest in Veterans issues,” stated Homewood. “They tend to ask questions to better understand the topics discussed.”
She continued, noting the event has an impact on her office through the Veterans served, “It impacts the benefits they are entitled to and can help them in learning about these benefits, new or proposed, and network with others about issues that affect them and other Veterans.”
“More importantly,” continued Homewood, “this event gives the Veterans and their spouses or widows a chance to voice their opinions about Veterans issues and proposed legislation to our representatives. This gives them a chance to have face-to-face conversation about the State Veterans Council Coalition’s and America Legion’s initiatives and gain the needed support for these issues.”
The event has also created a lasting legacy thanks to the fervor of Iowa’s Veterans by generating discussion on current and new issues facing the group. It has led to the creation of the County Veterans Affairs Allocation Fund, the creation of the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund, property tax exemptions for 100% disabled Veterans, the creation of a new State Veteran’s Cemetery, and more since its inception.
Undoubtedly a worthwhile cause, the event will need continued support in the future from all Iowa Veterans, including those here in Allamakee County.