Tymeson

“I’d like to thank the community of Marshalltown and the great support that we have received from the citizens.”

Iowa Veterans Home Commandant Jodi Tymeson is set to depart the position she’s held since 2013, and she is set to return as director of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs starting May 1.

“We have, for some time now, had an interim director after Director Bob King left,” said Iowa Governor’s Office Communications Director Ben Hammes of the move. “The governor and lieutenant governor have been very pleased with Jodi in her work as commandant at the Iowa Veterans Home, and are thrilled that she’s going to continue serving Iowans by leading the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs again.”

Tymeson said she’s enjoyed working with community entities during her time as commandant.

“I want to give a special thank you to the police and fire department and emergency management for the training that they have provided us,” she said.

Local leaders reflected on the move announced Thursday afternoon.

“Well first of all I want to wish her well in her new appointment,” said state Rep. Mark Smith, D-Marshalltown. “And I want to thank her for her service as commandant.”

He added that he hopes the new commandant will reach out to younger veterans, such as those who saw action in Iraq or Afghanistan and who may be in need of residential care, or are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder or substance abuse issues.

“We have opened up the position for the commandant at the veterans home, and we’ll be filling that in short order,” Hammes said, adding there is currently no definite timetable on the replacement process.

Smith said he hopes the appointment of a new commandant acts as a call to examine the admissions process at the IVH.

“I thank Commandant Tymeson for her service at the Iowa Veterans Home and hope that the firsthand knowledge of veterans’ needs that she gained there helps guide her in her new position,” said American Legion Post 46 Commander Randy Kessler. “I hope her successor is a well-though-out decision and is someone that is a true champion of veterans’ rights and welfare.

Tymeson’s first tenure at the Department of Veterans Affairs began in 2010 and lasted until 2013 with her appointment to the IVH by Gov. Terry Branstad. She served as a Republican member of the Iowa House from 2001-10.

Additionally, she served in the Iowa Army National Guard from 1974-2007.

“It’s been such an honor to serve as the commandant here at the veterans home,” Tymeson said. “I’m excited to continue being able to serve Iowa’s veterans in a different capacity.”

The state has already started advertising the soon-to-be vacant post at the IVH, directing interested applicants to a state of Iowa career website and noting the position’s salary range is from $82,240 to $128,890.