Career
Ayers was one of the first career officers to voice opposition to the Vietnam War and to speak out publicly against the influence of private and special interests in United States politics. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1965. Ayers had since worked as a commercial pilot, a private detective, and an undercover operative with the Drug Enforcement Administration"s South Florida Task Force.
From his home in Frederic, Wisconsin, Ayers continues to be physically active.
At the age of 62, he set the record for the fastest one day ascent-descent of Mount Whitney in California (the highest peak in the continental United States), conquering the 14,496-foot mountain in 14 hours, 40 minutes while carrying a 25-pound daypack. He continues to maintain a vigorous athletic schedule, regularly competing in road and snow-shoe races in his community despite a full Virginia disability due to injuries sustained in the service of his country.
On July 21, 2010 Ayers announced his engagement to heirloom clothing curio shop owner Cynthia Graham. Both have a long history of activism in military and veterans affairs, progressive politics and social causes, and share animal welfare and environmental quality of life interests.
Ayers is a native of Stillwater.