Graphic Artist at Kansas Department of Commerce
Army Reservist returns from Iraq disillusioned with his civilian job. Now he’s making a difference.
By Warren Duffie 

Kris Emmons understands the importance of getting a job done. As an Army Reservist serving in Iraq, he drove trucks hauling M1 Abrams tanks into combat zones.

“The military teaches you to work through difficult times, under difficult conditions,” said Emmons, a former staff sergeant. “You do what needs to be done. I take the same approach to my job, whether I’m dealing with client issues or taking the reins of a project.” 

On the Job
Emmons, 35, is a graphic artist in the marketing division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. Acting as an internal ad agency, the division creates all advertising, marketing and public relations materials used by the commerce department.

“I work on a variety of items,” said Emmons, “everything from brochures and ads to fliers, billboards and posters. We also help design invitations and promotional materials for special events or galas.” 

In Uniform
Emmons enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1993 to take advantage of the educational opportunities it would afford him. He completed both basic training and his MOS (88M) training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

During his military career, Emmons served in Kansas,  Kuwait and Iraq. He also completed a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Kansas State University and worked as a designer at a newspaper and ad agency. He deployed to Iraq from 2003 to 2004 before returning to his ad agency job. He left the Army Reserve in 2005. 

The Transition
Although as a Reservist Emmons didn’t have to worry about finding a job after his deployment, he did face some transition challenges. He missed the excitement of the military and had to get used to the calmness of an office environment. Emmons also felt out of place and unneeded. After all, he said, his agency functioned just fine without him when he was in Iraq.

“I also missed the sense of mission,” said Emmons, “being part of something bigger than myself. All of a sudden, I looked at my job as just designing ads.

“My wife worked for the Kansas state government at the time and knew I was unhappy,” he continued. “She heard about the designer job at the commerce department and encouraged me to apply.”

In addition to his degree and professional experience, Emmons had an impressive portfolio of military skills to sell – including leadership and the ability to work through adversity and thrive in high-pressure situations. After several interviews and creating a mock ad campaign for the state, he was hired.

“I love that I can help promote the state of Kansas and its business-friendly climate,” Emmons said. “We’re helping the state’s economy and the creation of jobs.”  

Emmons’ Advice
Realize the civilian work force is a different world. “Even if your MOS translates directly, there still are adjustments to be made. But if you prepare your mindset and have a good attitude, you can find success.” 

How’d You Get That Job?
“My wife worked for the Kansas state government at the time and knew I was unhappy,” he said. “She heard about the designer job at the commerce department and encouraged me to apply.”

In addition to his degree and professional experience, Emmons had an impressive portfolio of military skills to sell – including leadership and the ability to work through adversity and thrive in high-pressure situations. After several interviews and creating a mock ad campaign for the state, he was hired.

What Emmons Likes About His Job
I love that I can help promote the state of Kansas and its business-friendly climate. We’re helping the state’s economy and the creation of jobs.