and activities within the veterans’ center. “We felt it was important to have someone onsite every day to better support our veterans and families,” said Benning. “We are so fortunate to have found Sara, who is an Iraq veteran.”


The WAvP is thought to be the first attempt to bring separate veterans organizations together under one roof in the state of Iowa. “When we first started discussing this facility we figured that we’d research what others had done in the past and avoid any pitfalls they encountered,” said Benning. “We were absolutely amazed when we couldn’t find one facility like this in iowa, let alone the United States.” Today, the WAVP is a working model for other communities to utilize.


He encourages others to get involved and sup- port their local veterans’ organizations. “Support your employees who are involved with veterans’ organizations by giving them adequate time off to be part of honor guards and so forth,” stressed Benning. “in addition, keep in mind that there are a lot of veterans’ activities taking place in every community and businesses can play a huge part in that effort, not only in terms of dollars donated, but hours volunteered by their employees as well.”


Benning leads by example, volunteering countless hours with AMVETS and the WAVP. “While volun- teering and serving on the board does take up a lot of my time, it’s a labor of love. One that I’m honored to do.”


For additional information about the WAVP, visit WaverlyVets.us.


May/June | The Retailer Magazine | 23


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