(JUNEAU) - Today, the Joint Armed Services Committee hosted the Alaskan Commands' annual address. Co-Chairs Senator Gary Wilken (R-Fairbanks) and Representative John Harris (R-Valdez) welcomed Lt. General Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler, Commander of the Alaskan Command, and Brigadier General Craig Campbell, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Military Affairs.

"It's always an honor to receive an update on our armed forces by the most senior ranking military member in Alaska," said Sen. Wilken. "Gen. Chandler briefed the Committee on a broad range of issues important to Alaska such as the new Stryker Brigade at Ft. Wainwright and Ft. Richardson, on-going missile defense projects around the state, and the next round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). Alaskans should be proud of our military. I'm certainly proud of the job they do for Alaska and our nation."

Co-Chair Rep. Harris added, "Alaska's military installations provide vital functions that frequently go unnoticed. From training operations, search & rescue missions, disaster relief, and homeland security, the armed forces are indispensable. It is imperative that we remain vigilant over the status of our bases."

Gen. Chandler said of his presentation, "This is a great opportunity for us to showcase what the military is doing. The Joint Armed Services Committee is kind to give us this time. They are generally very supportive of what active duty and National Guard people are out there doing." He went on to talk about the BRAC program saying, "The purpose of BRAC is to optimize military capability in the long run. It's the most open process I've seen in my time in the military. It is looking at where we are today, where we need to be in the future and how to meet those goals."

Gen. Campbell spoke to the Committee about the state of the Army and Air National Guards in Alaska. Following his presentation, he said, "One thing I want to stress to the Legislature is the important contribution that the Alaska National Guard makes to America's defense. We currently have Alaskans serving in Kosovo, and Air National Guard members just returned from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. We have additional soldiers and airman in Iraq and other areas in the Middle East. It is important for the Legislature to understand the contribution that Alaskans are making to the global war on terrorism."

During his presentation, General Chandler recognized three outstanding Alaskan servicemen: Master Sergeant Robert Carte of the 210th Rescue Squadron, Sergeant Matthew Neville with the 9th Army Band at Fort Wainwright, and Boatswains Mate First Class Michael Love who serves on the Cutter Liberty.

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02-25-04: Senator Wilken explains that Alaska offers many unique opportunities for America's military.

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