Greater Omaha Chamber Partners with the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs for Nebraska Resource Center

OMAHA, Neb., Aug 9, 2024 - The Greater Omaha Chamber announced today it is partnering with the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs (NDVA) to create the "Nebraska Resource Center," an outreach and support hub for active military, veterans and their families.

The Nebraska Resource Center's goal will be to connect military members, veterans and their families with veteran benefits and services, employment and career opportunities in the state, as well as other resources to support them while in Nebraska.

"We want everyone who comes here through Offutt to make Nebraska their home during and after their service to our nation," said Randy Norwood, assistant vice president of military affairs and strategic partnership for the Greater Omaha Chamber. "Having a helpful outreach and support center will create a welcome space that offers access to a wide range of services so they can take full advantage of everything the military and our community can offer them."

The Nebraska Resource Center will be staffed with an accredited veteran service officer (VSO) who can connect Nebraska's newest veterans with the state and federal benefits and services they have earned. This includes reviewing service records, determining eligibility, assisting in the completion and submittal of forms, advising on appeals, and more. Beyond veteran and dependent benefits, the VSO will be able to provide resources on employment opportunities, details on occupational licensure and tax reforms in the state, ideas for recreational and leisure activities throughout Nebraska, and much more.

"We want this to be the type of place you can go to get any question answered, whether you want to know how to file a claim for tinnitus or where to find the nearest fishing hole," said NDVA Director John Hilgert. "While our service members may not choose where they get stationed, we want them to choose Nebraska when they leave the service. Our goal is to show them the incredible value of Offutt and Nebraska, make their time here enjoyable, and encourage them to stay after their military career."

NDVA has partnered with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) to conveniently locate the Nebraska Resource Center at a storefront in the Offutt Base Exchange. Additional supporting organizations include the VFW Department of Nebraska, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Offutt Advisory Council. NDVA is working to have the space open to the public by the end of August with an official ribbon cutting ceremony in late 2024 to early 2025.

The Greater Omaha Chamber is honored to connect with military partners as part of its coordinated economic development efforts.

"This partnership allows our community to serve those who have served us. Not only are we proud of the important national security work being done at Offutt, but the base is also the largest employer in our area as well," said Heath Mello, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. "The Nebraska Resource Center will get our military families the resources they deserve, while helping our greater Omaha area develop this talent pipeline and strengthen our overall economic development."