That’s how Gina Chandler, Director of Veteran’s Services for the Arkansas Department of Veteran’s Affairs, describes her post-military life in The Natural State.
“When you’re here, you feel like you’re part of a family. Arkansas makes you feel at home.”
Gina knows what she’s talking about. A progeny of military life, not only has Gina served in the U.S. Air Force, both of her grandfathers, her mother, her father, and her two brothers have served. She grew up on bases all around the world – but not in Arkansas – and yet it was a trip to Arkansas to visit friends at Little Rock Air Force Base that led her to choose Arkansas as her home base when her military service ended.
“Veterans thrive here in Arkansas, Gina explains. “You have the freedom to be your authentic self here.”
Arkansas, with its beauty and natural surroundings, reminded her of when she was a child at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. These days, one of her favorite places to hang out on her days off is at Ron Coleman Mining in Jessieville digging for quartz crystals.
“It’s just a peaceful place where you can spend the day in the natural beauty of the state.”
Why should veterans choose Arkansas?
Life in The Natural State is an easy transition for veterans. From hunting to fishing to biking to digging for crystals, outdoor life abounds, drawing residents from both urban and rural areas into the state’s beautiful vistas.
“We have it all!” Gina said.
Other benefits for military personnel include:
- Access to installations and military medical care
- Low cost of living
- Favorable state tax policies
- Licensure portability
- Free tuition at state colleges and universities
Veterans cementing their final PCS can check out Home Base Arkansas, a website that provides information about unique career opportunities, relocation resources, and benefits available in Arkansas that ease the transition out of uniform. Whether you need help launching your career with the jobs database or finding the best educational and housing resources for your family, Arkansas is ready to help smooth your transition. And, when you’re ready to take that natural plunge, be sure and check out the VA Home Loan program that can make your destiny even more affordable. Another great resource is the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs.
Don’t take our word for it, just check out Gina Chandler’s story or talk to one of the many other veterans who are living out their dreams in The Natural State.
After Gina Chandler’s service in the military, she worked for various organizations performing customer service and case management. She joined the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs in 2008 as a State Veteran Service Officer. As an accredited service officer for 13 service organizations, she tried over 500 cases for veterans and their spouses at the Board of Veterans Appeals.
In 2015, she was promoted to the Director for Veterans Services. As director, she was responsible for implementing the first District Offices across Arkansas. She opened eight offices in two years.