About Us
What is Homebase Arkansas?
Home Base Arkansas is a program dedicated to connecting veterans and transitioning service members with job opportunities, incentives, information and resources, and opportunities unique to Arkansas. We recognize the value service members bring to communities and support qualified veterans looking for career or educational opportunities. The state of Arkansas is highly committed to helping veterans and transitioning service members find a place to call home in Arkansas.
Background of Home Base Arkansas
The Home Base Arkansas program was put forward by Col. (Ret.) Robert “Gator” Ator, who serves as the Director of Military Affairs for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. He recognized the need to support veterans and transitioning service members as they find a place to call home and to connect them with the opportunities available in Arkansas. Col. Ator’s experience at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission put him in a unique position to create a resource for service members that bridges the gap between skilled service members and Arkansas employers seeking qualified workers.
Current Environment for Service Members
Nationally, there are approximately 200,000 service members that transition out of the military every year. Arkansas recognizes the wide variety of skills service members and their families provide to communities. Arkansas needs skilled workers due to the increased capital investment and growth of existing Arkansas companies. Additionally, Arkansas has a consistently low unemployment rate which positions service members to fill the need for qualified employees.