ALASKA—Alaska has long served as a beacon for those seeking adventure and a closer relationship with nature. That might be one reason that, in its fifth year of offering veterans career development opportunities in Alaska through an innovative national program, there has been a more than 200% increase in the number of individuals interested in traveling to the 49th state for an 11-month internship. Finding meaningful employment can be challenging for some veterans working to reintegrate into civilian life.

The region is working with VetsWork, an AmeriCorps-supported program for veterans interested in public lands and natural resource management. The program equips veterans with the necessary skills, resources and experience to succeed in these types of positions in the civilian sector.
The program not only helps veterans create successful careers in these industries but also promotes sustainable practices. It protects the environment for future generations. Overall, the VetsWork program is an indispensable initiative for supporting veterans and promoting natural resources, and its momentum in Alaska is evidence of its efficacy.

VetsWork has been an increasingly positive effect in the region, with skilled and dedicated veterans obtaining jobs that match their experience and desire for a continued service career.

The number of interns assigned to various positions has consistently gone up from three in 2019 to 11 in 2023. The program has enabled veterans assigned to Alaska to contribute their skills and knowledge to initiatives such as habitat restoration, invasive species management and wildlife monitoring. Veterans have rediscovered a sense of mission and purpose after leaving the military by working on projects that safeguard Alaska's resources.

Marine Corps veteran Tyler Sendek is one of 11 Alaska interns this year. He left the military in 2018 after spending five years in the infantry. Immediately after separating, he contemplated what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. During his enlistment, whether he was on field exercises or deployments, he spent a lot of his time “living outdoors.” Little did he know those experiences would be a stepping stone to another journey in the future.

Denise Wolvin, a natural resources specialist in the Tongass National Forest, knows the VetsWork program. She mentors Sendek, who is her fourth intern in the program. “There are so many components of our work to focus on,” Wolvin said. “It’s really satisfying to open doors for people and help them find something they care about.”

The number of veterans securing full-time positions in Alaska after internships is encouraging. The Alaska Region has been a part of the organization for five years, and in 2022, three participants transitioned into permanent employment. This is the most hired permanently from the program since the Alaska Region partnered with the organization.

VetsWork officials report that up to 73% of placed interns gain employment nationally. Alaska aims to improve and surpass national statistics in the future.

Ultimately, the VetsWork program has benefitted both interning veterans and the focused realm. By continuing to support this program and others like it, the region can ensure that our nation's veterans have the tools and resources necessary to create meaningful careers. This will enable them to contribute to our shared mission of preserving and protecting natural resources.

VetsWork aims to increase the number of interns who secure full-time employment in Alaska with the Forest Service's continued collaboration and support. As the program expands, organizers foresee extending opportunities to more diverse groups of veterans; a great fit as the Alaska Region recognizes the value of employees with distinct perspectives and abilities.

Learn more about VetsWork on the Mt. Adams Institute website.