OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, 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 General Manager Justin McIntyre helped cut the ribbon on 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.”
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.
Facebook-friendly version: Offutt AFB Exchange makes its mark as the first Exchange to offer resources to Veterans and their families with the Veterans Resource Center. Learn more:
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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 54th-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In the last 10 years, your Exchange benefit has provided $3.7 billion in earnings for critical military Quality-of-Life programs. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.
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Media Notes:
For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Keiana Holleman at 214-312-6514 or [email protected].
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