Home Base Arkansas attracts out-of-state veterans to The Natural State
Like many veterans, when Missouri native Mason Bennett was honorably discharged, he found himself wondering what to do next. The 25-year-old stayed in Virginia to work as a military contractor, but the high cost of living was a deterrent. He moved to Alabama, near family members, to pursue a degree in business management. But an unscheduled trip to Arkansas changed the trajectory of his life.
"The car I bought when I joined the Army was being held together by bubble gum and YouTube videos. It was time to buy a new one, and I had to fly to Little Rock to pick it up," Bennett said.
As he was driving around the city, it suddenly occurred to him why people find Arkansas so appealing. "I saw family homes and people going about their business while living the American dream," Bennett added.
Bennett felt at peace here, and that's when he reached out to his former Army Staff Sergeant, who had also relocated to Little Rock.
Dustin Singer, the Military and Veterans Affairs Liaison with the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA), was hired to recruit veterans to Arkansas through the Home-Base Arkansas Program.
"Being put in charge of building the Home Base Arkansas program has allowed me to keep living out the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Creed and the Army values beyond my time in uniform," Singer said. "I've been given a new mission—one that puts others first—and I get to carry it out by helping my community and my fellow veterans find purpose, stability, and a way forward."
For Singer, his work is a bit more personal. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army and served as Bennett's squad leader. Helping troops is something he has always taken pride in.
"Helping him transition back to Arkansas wasn't just part of the job; it was a responsibility I welcomed. Being able to guide him into a stable career and a new chapter of life here was exactly what leadership is supposed to look like after the uniform comes off."
Bennett served with Singer in the elite 3rd Infantry Regiment, also known as "The Old Guard," which is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the United States Army. The unit provides burial honors at Arlington National Cemetery. During his four-year enlistment, Private Bennett participated in 1800 military burial services.
Singer joined ADVA in January, so it wasn't that long ago when he was also searching for a civilian job after his military service. During his short tenure, he has successfully placed dozens of transitioning service members in employment through Home Base Arkansas.
The program is the brainchild of ADVA Secretary Robert Ator II, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and C-130 pilot.
"Home Base Arkansas was designed to meet veterans where they are," Ator said. "Veterans already bring a unique set of soft skills to the civilian workplace, which is attractive to potential employers."
The program has taken off, helping Bennett land a new job by relocating from Alabama to Arkansas. He found a job as a guard with the Arkansas Department of Corrections (DOC). Bennett essentially served in the Old Guard for the U.S. Army and now has a bright future as a guard with the DOC.
Bennett comes from a long line of family members who served our country. His grandfather, Willis Millsap, served in World War II. His dad, Brent Bennett, served in the U.S. Army, and his uncle, Gorman Bennett, also served in the Army.
(Pictured from L to R: Willis Millsap, Brent Bennett, Gorman Bennett, Mason Bennett)
As for Mason, following a brief four-week initial training period, he will be assigned a mentor for additional training before becoming a fully accredited Corporal with the DOC.
"I fell in love with the Natural State. Dustin was telling me about Arkansas, and he mentioned the Home Base program. I didn't really know what to think of it until I got the job interview," Bennett said.
He is very passionate about law enforcement because his older brother is a police officer. "Now I'm excited to start my new career here and start my new life."
The Home Base Arkansas website offers additional resources for veterans, including benefits, employment opportunities, education, and relocation services.
Story by Mark Woodall