Unique partnership helps veterans make successful transition to civilian life

Matson has partnered with the U.S. Army to ease the transition from military life to civilian life.

In a March ceremony at the Don Young Port of Anchorage, Matson signed a Memorandum of Agreement to participate in the Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) program. PaYS is a strategic collaboration between the Army and a cross section of private industry, academia and public sector agencies. The program guarantees soldiers and ROTC cadets five job interviews and possible employment after their service in the military is complete.

“We are all aware that there is a shortage of skilled workers both here in Alaska and along the West Coast and we know from experience that ex-military folks make great employees and team members,” said Jennifer Tungul, Vice President of Alaska operations for Matson.

The Army says oldiers who participate in the program “gain leadership, valuable professional and technical skills, experience and can feel confident in their career opportunities with their five chosen PaYS partners.

“Partnering with the Army through the PaYS program is a ‘win-win’ opportunity for everyone involved.”

Tungul said it was her employees who came up with the idea of becoming part of the the PaYS program. “We have several veterans in our Anchorage operation who know the caliber of those who are part of our country’s Armed Forces. Several of them toured the Alaska National Guard’s facilities where they identified many similarities that would make for a seamless transition with minimal training.

“We are excited about this new partnership and look forward to a long – and mutually beneficial relations. One that feeds us well-trained, highly skilled employees in exchange for a good job with a great company,” she said. “And when this program proves as successful as we know it will, we look forward to taking it to other Matson locations.”

The PaYS program began in 2000 as an enlistment incentive for regular Army enlisted soldiers.

In October 20002, it expanded to include Army Reserve solders and later Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets, ROTC cadets who incur an active duty commitment, Officer Candidate School, Warrant Officer Flight Training and the Army National Guard.

Matson is a U.S.-owned and operated transportation service company headquartered in Honolulu. Its Alaska operation provides twice weekly containership service between Tacoma, Anchorage and Kodiak, and weekly service to Dutch Harbor. It has 337 employees in Alaska.