Alaska@Work:
Phil Ayers
Veteran U.S. Marine Corps, Anchorage
June 14, 2021
Period of service:
November 1986 to January 2008
Stationed:
Camp Pendleton, Quantico, Okinawa, Iraq
What did you do in the service?
"Built, repaired sniper rifles"
1986-1990: Ground infantry weapons repairman
1990-2005: Built and maintained sniper rifles and special operations weapons
2005-2008: Ordnance maintenance chief, anti-terrorism training officer, anti-terrorism officer and force protection officer
"Additionally, I retired the rank of Master Sergeant."
Current occupation:
Local veteran employer representative, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Is your current job related to what you did in the military service?
"The only way it is related, is the aspect managing people and customers."
Why did you choose the service?
"I was raised during a time where patriotism was the norm, and I had a desire to serve my country. I had always enjoyed being a U.S. Marine. Being a Marine is not a job, it is a way of life."
What did you learn from your service?
"Integrity, Loyalty, Dependability, Bearing, Initiative, Tact, Unselfishness. To a Marine, these not just words, these are principles we live by."
Since being out of the service, how has DOLWD's veteran services helped you?
"When I was looking for a job, one of the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program specialists (DVOPs) who is no longer with Alaska DOLWD assisted me in preparing for an interview as an employment services technician. Subsequently I was offered the local veteran employer representative position. The role I have now I would categorize as the best role I have had, except for when I was a Marine."
What is your overall opinion of the veteran services you received?
"The resume and interview preparation I received from DOLWD Veteran Services was outstanding. Without that I would not be doing what I do."
What advice would you give other veterans just getting out of service or looking for work?
"The single most important thing they can do is contact a veteran representative at their local Alaska job center. We are here to serve our veterans."
How has the pandemic affected your work?
"Currently I am back in the office, however working from home was more difficult, due to lack of recourses you have in the office verses what you have home."
What are your future plans?
"Continue to serve the veterans of Alaska. There is not a better role that I would want to have. There are a lot of veterans who need assistance. It is my pleasure to get them a better role in life to increase their quality of life. We need to support and render any assistance to veterans and their families."
