Offutt Air Force Base BX Enhances Support for Veterans and Families with New Resource Center

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) and military leaders welcomed a new resource center for local service members, family members, and military Veterans at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 31. The Exchange partnered with the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) to provide the first-ever location at an Exchange.

“As we work to grow Nebraska and the Good Life, the service members stationed at Offutt and their families are exactly who we want to attract and retain in the state,” said Pillen. “These are men and women who have dedicated themselves to the service of our country, have developed exceptional skills and discipline, and bring so much to our community. It’s wonderful that we can support them through this resource center.”

Exchange Mid Central Region Vice President Scott Bonner and Offutt General Manager Justin McIntyre helped celebrate the new offering.

“The Exchange is proud to be part of this innovative partnership with NDVA,” said McIntyre. “The resource center will provide support to the military community at Offutt in a convenient format, making it easier for those who have served to access their hard-earned benefits and find new opportunities. This is another demonstrable example of the Exchange’s ongoing commitment to serving those who serve.”

Celebrating the opening of the new Offutt AFB resource center are, from left: From left: Exchange Mid-Central Region Vice President Scott Bonner; Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director John Hilgert; Gov. Jim Pillen; and 55th Wing Commander Col. Mark Howard.

Designed to support active-duty service members and their families stationed at Offutt AFB, the center also serves to encourage Veterans to settle and build their futures in Nebraska. The Nebraska Resource Center offers a variety of services and resources, including:

• Veterans’ Benefits Assistance: Accredited Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) from NDVA provide support with state and federal benefit applications, appeals and eligibility reviews.
• Employment and Licensing Resources: The center connects Veterans with job opportunities, occupational licensure information and guidance on Nebraska’s tax reforms.
• Housing and Lifestyle Guidance: Center staff offer information on transitional and permanent housing options, recreational activities and resources for dependents and spouses.
• The Nebraska Resource Center’s VSO will also play an integral role in the base’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP), helping service members navigate their transition to civilian life by ensuring they receive all entitled benefits and services.

“Whatever point you are at in your military career —whether you’ve just arrived at Offutt, are discharging next week, or have been out for a few years—the Nebraska Resource Center has something to offer you and your family,” said NDVA Director John Hilgert. “Think of it as an interactive rolodex guiding you on everything from getting military license plates to finding a hunting spot in the Panhandle.”

The Nebraska Resource Center is the result of a collaborative effort between NDVA and the Exchange with additional support from the Greater Omaha Chamber, VFW Department of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska.

For more information on NDVA and the services available to Nebraska’s veterans and their families, please visit veterans.nebraska.gov. Learn more about the Exchange’s benefit for Veterans at https://aafes.media/paveterans.

A sign at the entrance to the Nebraska Resource Center shows just some of its services.

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