Legislature(2021 - 2022)GRUENBERG 120
05/18/2021 01:00 PM House MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HR9 | |
| Presentation: Redefining Veteran Success | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HR 9 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS
May 18, 2021
1:06 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Chris Tuck, Chair
Representative Andi Story
Representative Geran Tarr
Representative Matt Claman
Representative George Rauscher
Representative Laddie Shaw
Representative David Nelson
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 9
Encouraging the homeporting of new United States Coast Guard
icebreakers in the state.
- MOVED HR 9 OUT OF COMMITTEE
PRESENTATION: REDEFINING VETERAN SUCCESS
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HR 9
SHORT TITLE: HOMEPORT ICEBREAKERS IN AK
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) KREISS-TOMKINS
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE JONATHAN KREISS-TOMKINS
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, introduced HR 9.
KYLE KAISER, President
VIPER Transitions
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented a PowerPoint on VIPER Transitions
during the presentation on Redefining Veteran Success.
RYAN GOERTSEN, Vice-President of Aviation Workforce
AAR Corp
Chicago, Illinois
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information during the
presentation on Redefining Veteran Success.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:06:57 PM
CHAIR CHRIS TUCK called the House Special Committee on Military
and Veterans' Affairs meeting to order at 1:06 p.m.
Representatives Nelson, Claman, Tarr, Story, Shaw, and Tuck were
present at the call to order. Representative Rauscher arrived
as the meeting was in progress.
HR 9-HOMEPORT ICEBREAKERS IN AK
1:07:54 PM
CHAIR TUCK announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 9, "Encouraging the homeporting of new
United States Coast Guard icebreakers in the state."
1:08:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JONATHAN KREISS-TOMKINS, Alaska State
Legislature, as prime sponsor, introduced HR 9 as a simple
resolution that says all due consideration should be given to
Alaska, as the only Arctic state, in homeporting decisions for
the new U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers. He described learning
that the Coast Guard was proposing a renovation and expansion of
its Seattle, Washington, base in anticipation of homeporting its
icebreakers. He stated the desire to keep assets that
"rightfully belong to Alaska" within the state and expressed
frustration that 1,000 employees of the Alaska Fisheries Science
Center, dedicated solely to managing Alaska fisheries, live and
work in Seattle. He held that there are notable Coast Guard
assets within Alaska, in particular the Port of Nome, and
described working with Representative McCabe, a Coast Guard
veteran, in drafting the proposed resolution.
1:11:16 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON observed that the article from The Seattle
Times [included in the committee packet] stated that the Coast
Guard first announced the intention to homeport the icebreakers
in Seattle in 2019. He asked whether there were discussions at
the time about suggesting Alaska as the homeport.
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS replied, "No, this is the first
time that the legislature has advocated homeporting
[icebreakers] in Alaska." He said homeporting decisions have
not been made for several icebreakers.
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON asked whether the ports in Alaska are
capable of housing vessels the size of the icebreakers.
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS stated his understanding that the
Coast Guard base in Kodiak has substantial facilities, and if a
base with sufficient capacity doesn't exist in Alaska, it
should. He opined that appropriations to sustain homeporting
large vessels should go to ports and associated communities in
Alaska instead of out of state. He said research vessel (RV)
Fairweather, with a $20 million appropriation, is homeported in
Astoria, Oregon when it should be in Ketchikan.
CHAIR TUCK expressed his agreement with Representative Kreiss-
Tomkins' statements and noted that Kodiak has the largest Coast
Guard base in the world.
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON suggested editing the language of the
proposed resolution to include encouraging investment in
Alaska's ports.
1:14:39 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TARR asked Representative Kreiss-Tomkins whether
he felt offering a backup option would strengthen the proposed
resolution, in case the Coast Guard doesn't want to homeport its
entire fleet in Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS explained that this proposed
resolution isn't intended to encourage homeporting all vessels
in Alaska at the exclusion of Seattle, but to declare that the
bulk of the vessels should be in Alaska. He expressed that, due
to the haste in drafting the proposed resolution, he is
agreeable to any necessary reframing.
1:16:50 PM
CHAIR TUCK reminded committee members that HR 9 is a simple
resolution that doesn't need committee referral.
1:17:10 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER noted that the planning process for
Coast Guard base improvements began the prior week, which
started the 45-day public comment period. He asked whether HR 9
is intended "to be a public comment for this public commenting
period."
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS responded that the goal of the
proposed resolution is to give the Alaska congressional
delegation another tool in their advocacy for homeporting
icebreakers in Alaska. He specified that HR 9 would be
delivered to U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER referred to page 2, lines 26-28, of the
proposed resolution, which read "BE IT RESOLVED that the House
of Representatives encourages proposed new United States Coast
Guard icebreakers to be strategically homeported in the state
rather than in the Port of Seattle." He suggested replacing "in
the state rather than in the Port of Seattle." with "in Alaska
rather than in the Port of Seattle."
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS expressed his agreement.
1:18:56 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY asked Representative Kreiss-Tomkins whether
he had shared the proposed resolution with the Coast Guard.
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS responded that the plan is to send
HR 9 to "any and every" relevant entity, which would include the
Coast Guard. He said there is a teleconference with the Alaska
congressional delegation planned for the end of May, during
which icebreaker homeporting would be addressed.
1:20:10 PM
CHAIR TUCK discussed his sponsorship of House Resolution 13,
introduced during the Thirty-First Alaska State Legislature,
which was a resolution to name an icebreaker "Polar Bear" in
recognition of the U.S. Revenue Cutter (USRC) Bear, commissioned
to USRC Service in 1885. It served as a federal court and
patrolled, surveyed, and delivered mail and supplies in Alaska
until its decommission in 1929.
1:21:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TARR expressed that she was satisfied with the
information provided by Representative Kreiss-Tomkins and would
not offer any amendments.
1:22:18 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease.
1:22:46 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TARR referred to the previously suggested change
in the text [in HR 9, page 2, line 27] from "in the state" to
"in Alaska", and suggested it could be made now as a conceptual
amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS replied that he would consult with
Representative McCabe as co-drafter to specify the new language.
He said that he may suggest a floor resolution and expressed his
hope for a unanimous adoption.
1:26:08 PM
CHAIR TUCK opened public testimony on HR 9. After ascertaining
that no one wished to testify, he closed public testimony.
1:26:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TARR moved to report HR 9 out of committee with
individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal
note. There being no objection, HR 9 was moved out of the House
Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs.
^PRESENTATION: Redefining Veteran Success
PRESENTATION: Redefining Veteran Success
1:26:56 PM
CHAIR TUCK announced that the final order of business would be a
presentation by Kyle Kaiser, President, VIPER Transitions
Program.
1:27:42 PM
KYLE KAISER, President, VIPER Transitions, introduced Ryan
Goertsen of AAR Corp, one of VIPER's partners, to describe the
value of the program from an employer's perspective, and he said
he would present a PowerPoint on VIPER [Veteran Internships
Providing Employment Readiness] Transitions ("VIPER") following
Mr. Goertsen's remarks.
1:28:16 PM
RYAN GOERTSEN, Vice-President of Aviation Workforce, AAR Corp,
said that AAR Corp ("AAR") is a global and aerospace company
headquartered in Chicago, with maintenance repair and overhaul
facilities throughout the U.S. He described AAR's Ethics,
Airworthiness, Greatness, Leadership, Engagement (EAGLE) Career
Pathway Program, which works with schools and communities to
educate students about a career path in aviation maintenance.
He said AAR granted VIPER Transitions $25,000 for investment in
equipment and subsequently developed its 12-week Skillbridge
Program based on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
curriculum and in partnership with the Aeronautical Repair
Station Association (ARSA) and the Aviation Institute of
Maintenance (AIM). He explained that, as a large employer of
skilled technicians, AAR had over 200 openings prior to COVID-19
and noted that careers in aviation maintenance are lucrative.
Mr. Goertsen explained that Mr. Kaiser approached him about
applying AAR's EAGLE Career Pathway Program to veterans and
highlighted the skills veterans acquire during their period of
service, which would often be a natural fit with AAR's programs.
1:32:35 PM
MR. KAISER began his PowerPoint presentation with slide 2, "Our
Mission," which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
To end veteran suicide through the elimination of its
main causes: veteran unemployment, underemployment,
substance abuse, homelessness, and a fractured support
system. We work to accomplish our mission through
preemployment training, resource networking, outreach,
and the inclusion of military spouses in our programs.
MR. KAISER stressed that the program is designed to "catch
veterans before they're in crisis," which is done by eliminating
the gap between military and civilian careers. He presented
slide 4, "What We Do," which read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
PRE-EMPLOYMENT TRAINING
? Our programs guarantee placement in a career.
Whether the participant receives direct entry into an
apprenticeship or learns needed skills through an
internship, VIPER participants are set up for success.
RESOURCE NETWORKING
? Participants are introduced to numerous Veterans
Service Organizations, the VA system, and a community
of fellow veterans already employed in the
participants' future career. Providing mentorship and
introduction to valuable resources before they are
needed.
OUTREACH
? Outreach programs establish a quality connection
with participants allowing VIPER to assess and clearly
understand participant's career needs, while providing
an opportunity to answer questions and concerns they
may have about their transition from the military. We
strive to ensure veterans know we are here for them
through combating invasive species in Operation Combat
Pike, deep sea fishing with Fish to End 22, staffing a
booth at job fairs, or simply participating in veteran
focused events.
MR. KAISER presented slide 5, "Operation Combat Pike," which
displayed a picture of two men fishing. He said that both men
are now "happily employed," one as an electrician and the other
working in communications. Slide 5 read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
VIPER introduces veterans to resources available to
them through other Veteran Serving Organizations, the
VA, and more.
Veterans meet other veterans already in their
prospective career field and have direct contact
numbers for people committed to supporting them
through transition.
This program also assists the State of Alaska in
combating invasive Northern Pike.
MR. KAISER paraphrased slide 6, "Fish To End 22," which read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
This program operates primarily on the East Coast.
Like Operation Combat Pike veterans are introduced to
resources and a support network.
This program also competes in fishing tournaments
where the proceeds go to fund VIPER training programs.
MR. KAISER explained that Fish To End 22 is an outreach program
during which veterans are educated on resources and support
networks while on a fishing trip. He said in that type of
setting a veteran is much more likely to retain information. He
explained, "To us, they're not a number. In order to end
veteran suicide, you can't treat them like they're a number and
just pump them through a process. It doesn't work, there's
plenty of evidence to show the system currently doesn't work,
and so we're trying to change it up."
1:37:13 PM
MR. KAISER presented slide 7, "Honoring The Past," which read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
The Veteran Suicide Epidemic is not a new problem.
Mental health, employment, and other related issues
have been present in the transition of veterans into
civilian life for decades.
VIPER honors our military heritage by utilizing
historical pieces to serve as training tools in our
programs.
Pictured to the left is the donated R4D that the VIPER
Aviation Maintenance program uses. It served as a
Marine VIP Transport.
MR. KAISER said that the plane pictured in the slide will be
restored, then used to transport veterans from around the state
to attend training. He then presented slide 8, "Who We Have
Helped," which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
VIPER has successfully helped integrate 100 Veterans
into quality careers.
VIPER has placed 3 Military Spouses into careers.
VIPER has partnered with over 15 organizations and
companies spanning across Alaska and the United
States.
MR. KAISER explained that multiple generations of veterans are
involved with VIPER including those from World War II, the
Korean War, and operations in Iraq. He then presented slide 9,
"How VIPER Programs Work," which read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
? Anyone who partners with VIPER is required sign an
agreement with VIPER.
? The agreement requires to the company to sign a
contract with the veteran or military spouse to be
employed with the company which guarantees; hire after
separation, wages and benefits to be received, and the
training needed for the veteran to be employed.
? After the VIPER applicant and the employer have
reached an agreement on the terms of the arrangement,
VIPER works with the employer to facilitate the
Skillbridge process.
MR. KAISER said, "There are many programs that will take a vet,
charge them their GI bill, give them a certificate that doesn't
lead to a job, say 'Thank you for your service,' and pass them
out the door." He contrasted VIPER's program, which first
focuses on job placement and then on the training to be
successful in the job. He presented slide 10, "Programs," which
read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
The following are our most active programs:
? VIPER Ironworkers
? Veterans Electrical Entry Program (VEEP)
? VIPER Aviation Maintenance Program
? SMART Heroes
? VIPER Mechanics Internships
? VIPER Lab Tech Internships
MR. KAISER presented slide 11, "Demographics," which read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
? Approximately 200,000 veterans transition out of the
military every year
https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO19-438R
? 88% Veterans who go to college after transition drop
out. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/veterans-college-
dropout_n_2016926
? There are approximately 18.8 million Veterans in the
United States. Making up almost 8% of the population.
? Veterans make up approximately 1/3 of Alaska's
population.
? Dunbars number for individual relationships is
150, if you use a more conservative number of 5
close personal friends, Veterans can directly
affect approximately 94 million Americans. 28.6% of
America's population.
? https://www.ncsl.org/blog/2017/11/10/veterans-
bythe- numbers.aspx
MR. KAISER presented slide 12, "Reasons We Are The Solution,"
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
? Mission and Purpose
? Our programs present transitioning veterans
with a new mission: To have a successful career as
civilians
? Our careers represent a new purpose: to be the
best craftsmen in their industry and support
fellow veterans
? We are the answer to:
? "What do I do now?"
How do I provide for my family?"
? "What is my purpose? Where do I belong?"
MR. KAISER expressed that there's nothing more frustrating as a
highly-skilled, experienced, and capable veteran than when
someone offers to help. He explained, "I don't need your
'help.' I could use a little support to get my feet going, and
then I'll take it from there." He said VIPER aims to give
veterans and their spouses the opportunity to succeed on their
own. He concluded his presentation with slide 13, "Conclusion,"
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Veterans serve our State and our Nation with honor. It
is up to us to serve them as they transition into
civilian life.
One veteran lost to suicide, is one too many.
As a community, a State, and a Nation we must do
better to support veteran reintegration.
VIPER is here to see to it that every veteran is given
an opportunity to have the American Dream they fought
to defend.
MR. KAISER said VIPER Transitions has no paid staff and has
received no government grants but is entirely funded through
private donations. He also noted that the organization doesn't
charge the government issue (GI) Bill due to his belief that a
veteran shouldn't have to use it in order to get a job.
1:45:17 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked whether this presentation is a
preamble to a bill.
CHAIR TUCK replied that it is not, but it could be if, as a
result of the presentation, opportunities for veterans'
assistance could be identified.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked Mr. Kaiser whether the statistics
included in the presentation are from Alaska.
MR. KAISER replied that the statistics came from Alaska. He
noted that VIPER has recently received recognition from the U.S.
Department of Defense (DoD) for its partnership with AAR.
1:46:04 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON expressed his support for VIPER
Transitions and said, "It's a little tough for an individual,
once they get out, well-distinguished in their career, to then
be reduced down to stocking shelves at Fred Meyer because their
resume might translate really well to military life but not
necessarily over onto civilian life."
1:47:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TARR expressed that this topic is very personal
to her since her brother, who was a veteran, died by suicide.
She wished VIPER "great success" and said that she hopes for
future opportunities to support veterans.
1:48:46 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY stated her gratitude for the program. She
then asked how long VIPER has been a national organization and
whether there would be a branch in Juneau.
MR. KAISER responded that the program for electricians became a
national program immediately. He then described the process of
the program, beginning with someone choosing a career path and
location, after which VIPER reaches out to the appropriate
training centers and secures direct entry into an apprenticeship
program. Upon leaving the military, he explained, the veteran
transitions directing into the training program and, after
achieving proficiency, transfers to the previously-arranged
apprenticeship. He said that training centers can be located
almost anywhere, and in lieu of getting training directly from
VIPER, a veteran could enter into an internship with a potential
employer to train in the skills unique to that employer.
REPRESENTATIVE STORY asked whether Mr. Kaiser has had many
referrals in Alaska and how he communicates with veterans'
organizations about the program.
MR. KAISER responded that there have been several referrals from
across Alaska and most of the program participants have been
Alaskan. He said that many of the career paths targeted by
VIPER are in "hands-on" fields that require the veteran to move
to where the work is. Mr. Kaiser also described VIPER's
involvement with several different veterans' communities and
networking with career counselors and the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs.
REPRESENTATIVE STORY asked how VIPER networks with businesses.
MR. KAISER replied, "Word-of-mouth. I've done a lot of door
knocking and really, what I've noticed with the Alaska business
community, that tends to be the best way." He stated that he is
a "California transplant" who is not well known within the
Alaska business community, but VIPER gets referrals.
1:55:56 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs meeting was
adjourned at 1:56 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 20210513 Viper PowerPoint presentation.pdf |
HMLV 5/18/2021 1:00:00 PM |
|
| Homeporting icebreakers in Alaska reslution version A.pdf |
HMLV 5/18/2021 1:00:00 PM |
|
| HR 9 version A 5.18.2021.PDF |
HMLV 5/18/2021 1:00:00 PM |
HR 9 |
| HR 9 Additional Document - Seattle Times Article on Coast Guard Icebreakers 5.18.2021.pdf |
HMLV 5/18/2021 1:00:00 PM |
HR 9 |
| HR 9 Additional Documents - Congressional Research Service - Polar Icebreaker Program 5.17.2021.pdf |
HMLV 5/18/2021 1:00:00 PM |
HR 9 |
| HR 9 Additional Documents - US Coast Guard Arctic Strategic Outlook 5.17.2021.pdf |
HMLV 5/18/2021 1:00:00 PM |
HR 9 |
| HR 9 Sponsor Statement 5.18.21.pdf |
HMLV 5/18/2021 1:00:00 PM |
HR 9 |
| HR 9 Fiscal Note HMLV 5.18.2021.pdf |
HMLV 5/18/2021 1:00:00 PM |
HR 9 |