Opportunities for Veterans

Can you summarize your military duties and commands?

I repaired all military issued items (i.e. field tents, canvas, tarps, Humvee covers etc.); coordinated all annual training for over 200 Marines (i.e. swim qualification, rifle range, physical fitness tests etc.) and repaired and maintained small arms weapons. I also served with the Combat Service Support Group 3 assigned to Kaneohe Bay, HI.

What factors encouraged you to apply to the Port Authority?

The fact that there are many avenues to explore, as well as promotions from within the agency. Knowing that I could move up through the ranks in the PA, I knew I made the right choice applying because I was not just going for a job. I was setting the foundation for my future career with the agency.

How did the structure and business lines of the agency compare/contrast to that of the armed forces?

The structure and business lines of the agency compare to that of the armed forces in that, like the military, the PA does follow a hierarchy format with any given situation. Like the military, PA employees represent the agency at all times. Therefore, conducting oneself in a professional manner at all times is highly important. With regard to the business lines of the agency, the PA is known for its customer service. Therefore, ensuring that the public’s needs are met with prompt and courteous customer service is central to maintaining a successful organization.

What does the PA mean to you?

The PA is the future of our transportation systems for land, air and sea. It is an honor to be part of a strong workforce that is constantly evolving. As the agency adapts to changes in technology, I have the opportunity to grow with the company and be a part of its future development.

Do you have any advice to new veterans who are looking for a position at the Port Authority?

Do not let the requirements for a job posting be discouraging. Apply anyway. Apply for all available jobs listed and go on as many interviews, but do not become discouraged if you are not chosen for the job. Keep trying. Do not look at entry-level positions negatively; it is a starting point in deciding which direction to go in next.

Can you summarize your military duties and commands?

My first billet was as a Forward Observer and Joint Fires Observer with an Infantry Company deployed to Afghanistan. During this time, I was responsible for artillery, mortars, and close air support for my company, as well as coordinating the medical evacuations with incoming aircraft for wounded Marines.

My second billet was as an Artillery Battery Executive Officer that deployed as part of a Battalion Landing Team on a Marine Expeditionary Unit. During this time, I was the position commander during live fire exercises, as well as a lead coordinator for the battery during operations in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Currently, I am serving as the Company Commander for a truck company in the Marine Corps Reserves, as well as the Air Base Ground Defense Officer for a helicopter squadron.

What factors encouraged you to apply to the Port Authority?

I love the fact that the PA is a crucial part of key infrastructure in the area that I live. Working at the PA enables me to have a real impact on the economic development and the lives of people in the place that I call my home. This enables me to continue serving a greater good, which is personally important to me.

How have your military skills and training helped to get your job, but also come in useful in your career at the PA?

The most important skill developed in the military is, in my opinion, leadership. Even at the small-unit level in the military, you are gaining invaluable experience and skills in regards to leading others. Additionally, my missions prepared me to deal with some ambiguity that challenged me to creatively figure out a solution and allocate resources whether physical or human, which has helped greatly.

What does the PA mean to you?

The PA means career to me. It is an agency with so many different, interesting disciplines that one can work in over the length of their career.

Do you have any advice to new veterans who are looking for a position at the Port Authority?

Do your due diligence and research the agency. See all the different job opportunities available, and chances are you will find something that interests you.

Can you summarize your military duties and commands?

My job was to get the satellite up and running, and putting out computer and phone service to the needed areas.

Why did you join the military?

I always wanted to be in the military. I felt it was a duty to serve my country. The same way that I always knew I wanted to be a police officer since I was a little girl.

What factors encouraged you to apply to the Port Authority?

Ever since I could remember, I always knew I wanted to work in the field of Law enforcement. I applied to different agencies but the Port Authority always stood out. I always heard great things about the company and always had pleasant encounters with their employees. I am proud to be a Port Authority employee and all the opportunities they have given me and I realized how military friendly they are.

Do any of your military skills come in handy at the Port Authority? If so, which ones?

It is useful for me because we do weapons training, and I did a lot of training in the military. I did two tours, so I have seen combat and it gives me an advantage because if something critical were to ever happen, I know how to stay focused … and to stay calm. It’s just an advantage, because you kind of already know what to expect.

Do you have any advice to new veterans who are looking for a position at the Port Authority?

Stay focused. Veterans have an advantage because they are skilled in specific areas, well trained, and proficient. Make sure that you stay away from military jargon when submitting a resume.