Alaska Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources

Alaska serves approximately 58,000-65,000 veterans - the highest percentage per capita in the United States at 8-10% of the population. Despite Alaska's size and remote nature, veterans have access to quality VA healthcare, strong education benefits, and unique employment opportunities in oil, gas, government, and defense sectors.

This guide provides actual addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Alaska veterans.

Bottom Line Up Front

Healthcare: 1 VA medical center (Anchorage), 5 community-based clinics across the state, telehealth widely used

Education: University of Alaska schools with strong veteran support, Alaska National Guard 100% tuition coverage, in-state tuition for GI Bill users

Employment: JBER (Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson), oil and gas industry, state government with hiring preference, federal contractors

Veteran Population: 58,000-65,000 (highest per capita in US), concentrated in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Mat-Su Valley

Challenge: Geographic isolation means limited VA facility access in rural areas - telehealth is critical

VA Healthcare Facilities in Alaska

VA Medical Centers

Alaska VA Healthcare System (Anchorage)

Address: 1201 North Muldoon Road, Anchorage, AK 99504 Main Phone: (907) 257-4700 Toll-Free: 1-888-353-7574 Emergency Care: No 24/7 emergency department (refer to local emergency rooms)

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health services
• Specialty care (limited)
• Surgery (outpatient)
• Audiology
• Optometry
• Physical therapy
• Radiology/imaging
• Laboratory services
• Pharmacy
• Prosthetics
• Women's health

Specialty programs:

• PTSD treatment
• Substance abuse programs
• Telehealth services (critical for rural veterans)
• Homeless veteran services
• Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling

Parking: Available on-site (Alaska-sized parking lots - you'll find a spot)

Note: This is Alaska's only VA medical center. It's a smaller facility compared to Lower 48 medical centers, so complex specialty care may require travel to VA facilities in Seattle, Portland, or other states.

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)

Fairbanks VA Clinic

Address: 2555 Phillips Field Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709 Phone: (907) 257-4700 (same as Anchorage - centralized scheduling) Toll-Free: 1-888-353-7574

Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory, telehealth

Counties/Areas served: Fairbanks North Star Borough, Interior Alaska

Proximity to Fort Wainwright: 3 miles (major Army post)

Juneau VA Clinic

Address: 709 West 9th Street, Federal Building, Suite 150, Juneau, AK 99801 Phone: (907) 257-4700 Toll-Free: 1-888-353-7574

Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

Counties/Areas served: Juneau Borough, Southeast Alaska panhandle

Note: Juneau is the state capital but accessible only by air or ferry - no road access

Wasilla VA Clinic

Address: 865 North Seward Meridian Parkway, Suite 105, Wasilla, AK 99654 Phone: (907) 257-4700 Toll-Free: 1-888-353-7574

Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory

Counties/Areas served: Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Borough, Palmer, Talkeetna

Proximity to Anchorage: 40 miles north (serves northern suburbs and Mat-Su Valley)

Soldotna VA Clinic

Address: 237 West Rockwell Avenue, Soldotna, AK 99669 Phone: (907) 257-4700 Toll-Free: 1-888-353-7564

Services: Primary care, mental health

Counties/Areas served: Kenai Peninsula Borough (Kenai, Soldotna, Seward, Homer areas)

Kenai VA Clinic

Location: Kenai, AK Contact: (907) 257-4700 for appointments

Services: Limited primary care and mental health

Telehealth Services - Critical for Rural Veterans

Given Alaska's geography, the VA's telehealth program is essential. Veterans in rural Alaska (Bethel, Nome, Kotzebue, Barrow/Utqiagvik, Kodiak, etc.) rely on telehealth for most VA services.

How it works:

• Video appointments via VA Video Connect app
• Phone appointments for routine care
• Secure messaging with providers
• Remote monitoring for chronic conditions

To access: Call (907) 257-4700 and request telehealth setup

Requirements: Computer/tablet with camera and microphone, or smartphone with decent internet connection

Reality check: Alaska's rural internet can be spotty. Satellite internet works but has latency issues. Some remote villages have extremely limited connectivity.

Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)

Vet Centers provide confidential counseling for combat veterans, sexual trauma survivors, and bereaved families.

Anchorage Vet Center Address: 4400 Business Park Boulevard, Suite B-34, Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: (907) 563-6966

Fairbanks Vet Center Address: 540 4th Avenue, Suite 100, Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: (907) 456-4238

Wasilla Vet Center Address: 851 East Westpoint Drive, Suite 109, Wasilla, AK 99654 Phone: (907) 376-4318

Kenai Vet Center Outstation Address: Kenai, AK Phone: (907) 283-8387

Services: PTSD counseling, readjustment counseling, substance abuse counseling, employment counseling, family counseling, bereavement counseling, military sexual trauma counseling

Wait Times and Quality

Average wait times: 7-14 days for primary care, 14-30 days for specialty care (longer due to limited specialist availability in Alaska)

Quality ratings: Alaska VA scores average to slightly below average on patient satisfaction surveys, largely due to limited services and long distances, not quality of care

Best practice: Enroll in VA healthcare immediately upon separation. If you're in rural Alaska, establish telehealth early and maintain contact even if you don't need care immediately.

How to Enroll in VA Healthcare

Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Alaska VA Healthcare System, 1201 North Muldoon Road, Anchorage, AK 99504

Documents needed:

• DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
• Social Security card
• Insurance information (if applicable)

Education Benefits for Alaska Veterans

University of Alaska System

The University of Alaska system serves more than 2,000 student veterans across three main campuses. All UA schools qualify for GI Bill benefits.

University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA)

Veteran enrollment: 1,400+ student veterans Yellow Ribbon Program: No (as a public university, tuition is fully covered by Post-9/11 GI Bill at in-state rates) In-state tuition (2024-2025): $234 per credit (full-time: $7,000/year) Out-of-state tuition: $779 per credit ($23,000/year)

Monthly BAH (100% Post-9/11 GI Bill): ~$2,250 (Anchorage rate)

Veteran support:

• Office of Veterans Services: (907) 786-1270
• Veterans Resource Center: Rasmuson Hall
• Dedicated veterans advisor
• Peer mentoring program
• Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter

Programs popular with veterans: Business, Engineering, Healthcare, Aviation Technology, Logistics

Website: uaa.alaska.edu/students/veterans

University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)

Veteran enrollment: 665+ student veterans Yellow Ribbon Program: No (public university) In-state tuition (2024-2025): $243 per credit ($7,300/year full-time) Out-of-state tuition: $780 per credit ($23,400/year)

Monthly BAH (100% Post-9/11 GI Bill): ~$1,800 (Fairbanks rate)

Veteran support:

• Military and Veteran Services: (907) 474-7396
• Veterans Success Center (Wood Center, Room 115)
• Dedicated certifying officials
• Student Veterans of America chapter
• Transition workshops

Programs popular with veterans: Engineering (Mining, Petroleum, Mechanical), Natural Resources, Computer Science, Business

Website: uaf.edu/veterans

Note: UAF is the state's flagship research university and home to unique programs in Arctic engineering, mining, and natural resource management.

University of Alaska Southeast (UAS)

Location: Juneau (main campus), with locations in Ketchikan and Sitka Veteran enrollment: Smaller veteran population In-state tuition: Similar to UAA/UAF Monthly BAH: ~$1,600 (Juneau rate)

Programs: Marine Biology, Education, Liberal Arts, Business, Fisheries

Veteran Services: (907) 796-6100

Alaska Pacific University (Private)

Location: Anchorage Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes - $500 maximum contribution per student (university matches VA's contribution) Veteran enrollment: Moderate

Total Yellow Ribbon benefit: $1,000 per year ($500 VA + $500 school)

Programs: Outdoor Studies, Environmental Science, Business, Health Sciences

Veteran Services: (907) 564-8248

Alaska National Guard Education Benefits

Alaska National Guard Tuition Waiver

Eligibility: Active members of the Alaska National Guard

Benefit: 100% tuition waiver at University of Alaska schools (UAA, UAF, UAS) for undergraduate and graduate programs

What's covered: Tuition and general university fees

What's NOT covered: Books, housing, course-specific fees

Stacking with GI Bill: You can use this benefit AND save your GI Bill for later, or use GI Bill for BAH while Guard covers tuition

How to apply: Contact your Guard unit education officer and University of Alaska veterans services

This is one of the best Guard benefits in the country - complete free tuition at the state university system while serving.

Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship - Alaska Equivalent?

Alaska does NOT offer a dependent scholarship program like Alabama's G.I. Dependent Scholarship. Dependents of 100% disabled veterans do not get free tuition in Alaska. They must use federal benefits (Chapter 35, Fry Scholarship) or pay out of pocket.

Post-9/11 GI Bill - In-State Tuition for Veterans

Under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA), veterans using GI Bill benefits qualify for in-state tuition at Alaska public universities regardless of residency status.

Eligibility:

• Using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill
• Living in Alaska while attending school
• Enrolling within 3 years of separation from active duty

This means: Out-of-state tuition ($779/credit) drops to in-state tuition ($234/credit) - a savings of $16,000+ per year for full-time students.

Vocational Training and Apprenticeships

Alaska GI Bill-approved programs: Welding, HVAC, electrical, aviation maintenance, heavy equipment operation, commercial fishing, oil and gas operations

Apprenticeships: GI Bill can cover apprenticeship programs with monthly housing allowance that decreases as you progress (100% of BAH first 6 months, 80% months 7-12, etc.)

Contact: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development - Apprenticeship Programs Phone: (907) 269-4900

Employment Resources for Alaska Veterans

State Hiring Preference

Alaska provides hiring preference to veterans for state government positions.

Who qualifies:

• 10-point preference: Disabled veterans (10%+ service-connected disability)
• 5-point preference: All honorably discharged veterans

How it works: If you meet minimum qualifications, veteran preference points are added to your final interview score, giving you advantage over non-veteran candidates.

Where to apply: workplace.alaska.gov

State of Alaska jobs: Departments of Transportation, Fish and Game, Natural Resources, Corrections, Health Services, etc.

Major Employers Hiring Veterans

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER)

Location: Anchorage Military branches: Air Force (11th Air Force) and Army (U.S. Army Alaska) Personnel: 8,000+ active duty, thousands more civilian employees

Civilian opportunities:

• Administrative positions
• IT and cybersecurity
• Logistics and supply
• Facility management
• Engineering
• Aircraft maintenance

Apply: usajobs.gov (search "JBER" or "Elmendorf" or "Richardson")

Veteran preference: Federal hiring preference applies (5-point or 10-point)

Oil and Gas Industry

Alaska's oil and gas sector offers some of the highest-paying jobs for skilled workers.

ConocoPhillips Alaska Employees: ~1,000 in Alaska Typical roles: Field operators, maintenance technicians, engineers, project managers, logistics Average salary: $80,000-$150,000+ depending on role Website: conocophillips.com/careers

Hilcorp Alaska Employees: ~1,300 Typical roles: Operations, drilling, engineering, environmental Known for: High compensation packages, profit-sharing Website: hilcorp.com/careers

BP Alaska Typical roles: Engineering, operations, geoscience Website: bp.com/careers

ExxonMobil (Point Thomson) Typical roles: Operations, maintenance, engineering

Requirements: Most oil/gas jobs require:

• Technical skills (electrical, mechanical, instrumentation)
• Willingness to work rotation schedules (2 weeks on, 2 weeks off)
• Ability to pass drug screening
• Clean background

Military skills that translate: Power generation, electrical, HVAC, heavy equipment operation, logistics, safety

Federal Contractors and Defense

GCI (General Communication Inc.) Roles: IT, cybersecurity, telecommunications, network engineering Veteran programs: Active veteran recruiting

Doyon Government Group Roles: IT, logistics, facility support, engineering Locations: JBER, Eielson Air Force Base, Fort Wainwright

Kiewit Corporation Roles: Construction, project management, heavy civil Projects: Infrastructure, pipeline, facility construction

ASRC Federal Roles: IT, engineering, logistics support Locations: JBER and other federal sites

State and Local Government

Alaska State Government Major departments hiring veterans:

• Department of Transportation (DOT): Highway maintenance, equipment operators
• Department of Corrections: Correctional officers, probation officers
• Department of Fish and Game: Wildlife troopers, enforcement officers, biologists
• Department of Natural Resources: Foresters, park rangers, geologists

Anchorage Municipality Roles: Police, fire, public works, transit, parks Police starting salary: ~$70,000 Fire starting salary: ~$65,000

Fairbanks North Star Borough Roles: Public safety, public works, administration

Alaska Workforce Programs

Alaska Workforce Investment Board Website: jobs.alaska.gov Services: Job search assistance, resume help, skills training referrals

HIRE Vets Alaska Services: Veteran-specific job placement, employer partnerships, career counseling Contact: Available through Alaska Job Centers statewide

Veteran-Friendly Industries

Commercial Fishing Fishing industry offers opportunities for veterans comfortable with hard work, long hours, and unpredictable conditions. Deckhand positions start $5,000-$15,000 per season (1-3 months), experienced crew and captains earn significantly more.

Tourism and Hospitality Summer tourism industry (May-September) offers seasonal employment: tour guides, lodge staff, transportation, retail. Good for supplemental income or transitioning veterans.

Mining Gold, zinc, and other mineral mining operations need equipment operators, mechanics, electricians, and engineers. Rotation schedules common (2 weeks on, 2 weeks off).

Aviation Alaska has 6x the pilots per capita vs. Lower 48. Bush pilots, cargo pilots, and airline pilots are in demand. Military pilots can transition relatively easily with commercial certifications.

Construction Short construction season (May-September) means high demand for skilled trades: carpenters, electricians, plumbers, heavy equipment operators.

Unemployment Benefits for Veterans

Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX): Available if you separated from active duty within the last 18 months and are unemployed.

Alaska Department of Labor Phone: (907) 269-4700 (Anchorage); 1-877-463-3464 (toll-free) Website: labor.alaska.gov/unemployment

Support Services for Alaska Veterans

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

VSOs provide free assistance with VA claims, appeals, benefits counseling, and advocacy.

Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs - Division of Veterans Affairs Headquarters: 3601 C Street, Suite 1006, Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: (907) 269-8387 Toll-Free: 1-800-478-2724 Website: veterans.alaska.gov

Services: VA claims assistance, benefits counseling, state benefits information, advocacy

Regional Offices:

• Anchorage: (907) 269-8387
• Fairbanks: (907) 452-6494
• Juneau: (907) 789-8387

Veterans Service Officers: Available in major communities to help with VA claims, disability appeals, and benefits applications. Contact the Division of Veterans Affairs for your nearest VSO.

American Legion Alaska Chapters: Multiple posts in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla, Kenai, Soldotna Services: VA claims help, community support, advocacy Website: alegion.org/departments/alaska

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Alaska Posts: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai, Soldotna, Wasilla, Juneau Services: Claims assistance, community support

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapters: Anchorage, Fairbanks Services: Transportation to VA appointments, claims help

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapters: Anchorage, Fairbanks

Homeless Veteran Programs

Alaska VA Homeless Programs Phone: (907) 257-4700 Services:

• Grant and Per Diem (GPD) transitional housing
• HUD-VASH housing vouchers with case management
• Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV)
• Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

Stand Down Events: Annual events in Anchorage providing services, clothing, medical care, benefits assistance

Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness Phone: (907) 563-2384 Coordinates veteran homeless services in Anchorage

Mental Health Resources

Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net

Alaska VA Mental Health Services: (907) 257-4700

Vet Centers (listed earlier) provide free, confidential counseling for:

• PTSD
• Combat stress
• Military sexual trauma
• Readjustment issues
• Depression and anxiety
• Bereavement

Rural Alaska mental health: Telehealth counseling available through VA. Given Alaska's high rates of suicide and substance abuse (statewide issues, not veteran-specific), mental health resources are critical.

Legal Assistance

Alaska Military and Veterans Legal Clinic Services: Free legal help for discharge upgrades, VA benefits appeals, landlord-tenant issues Contact: Alaska Legal Services Corporation Phone: 1-888-478-2572

Alaska Bar Association Pro Bono Program Free legal services for qualifying low-income veterans in civil matters

Alaska Native Veteran Services

Alaska Native veterans can access services through tribal organizations in addition to standard VA and state benefits.

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) Phone: (907) 729-1900 Services: Healthcare coordination, referrals, tribal health services for Alaska Native veterans

Many rural veterans access healthcare through Indian Health Service facilities in addition to or instead of VA services.

Geographic Challenges for Alaska Veterans

Healthcare Access in Rural Alaska

The reality: If you live in Bethel, Barrow (Utqiagvik), Nome, Kotzebue, Kodiak, Ketchikan, or other remote communities, you're 200-800+ miles from the nearest VA clinic.

Solutions:

• Telehealth (requires internet access)
• VA Community Care Network (use local providers, VA pays)
• Travel reimbursement for VA appointments (mileage and per diem if 100+ miles from VA facility)

Travel reimbursement: Veterans can claim travel expenses if traveling more than 100 miles round-trip to VA facility. Reimbursement rate: $0.415/mile (2025) for vehicle travel, or actual common carrier costs (ferry, bush plane).

Apply: File travel claim at VA facility after appointment or online at va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay

Cost of Living Impact on Benefits

Alaska's high cost of living affects veterans on fixed incomes:

• Groceries: 26-27% above national average
• Utilities: 60%+ above average (heating in Fairbanks averages $544/month in winter)
• Fuel: Gas $4-$6/gallon depending on location and season
• Housing: Median home prices $265K-$443K depending on city

VA disability compensation is the same nationwide - a 100% disabled veteran receives the same $3,737.85/month in Alaska as in Alabama. But Alaska's costs are 25% higher.

GI Bill BAH rates are location-based: Anchorage BAH ($2,250/month) is higher than Lower 48 average ($1,800), which helps offset costs.

Key Takeaways

1. Healthcare access is challenging in rural Alaska - telehealth is essential, and complex care may require travel to Anchorage or out of state

2. Alaska National Guard tuition benefit is exceptional - 100% free tuition at University of Alaska for Guard members

3. Oil and gas industry offers highest veteran salaries ($80K-$150K+) for skilled trades and technical roles

4. JBER is Alaska's largest veteran employer with thousands of civilian positions

5. State hiring preference helps veterans compete for government jobs

6. Geographic isolation is real - if you're in rural Alaska, plan for limited services and higher costs

7. GI Bill BAH rates are generous in Alaska ($1,800-$2,250/month) to help offset high living costs

Alaska's veteran support infrastructure works well in urban areas (Anchorage, Fairbanks) but is thin in rural regions. If you're considering relocating to Alaska, understand the isolation and costs before committing.

Additional Resources

• Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs: (907) 269-8387 | veterans.alaska.gov
• Alaska VA Healthcare System: (907) 257-4700 | va.gov/alaska-health-care
• University of Alaska Veterans Services: alaska.edu/veterans
• Alaska Job Search: jobs.alaska.gov
• Federal Jobs (USAJOBS): usajobs.gov
• GI Bill School Comparison Tool: va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool

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Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.