The Vietnam memorial, the 'Moving Wall' is coming to Alaska again, and will be here from May 24 to July 15. Congratulations to Eagle River for hosting the Vietnam 'Moving Wall', that will be in the community from June 7-12, 2006. Mr. Al Romaszewski is the Eagle River Project Officer and he, with assistance from local veterans' organizations and the citizens of Chugiak/Eagle River, will make this a great celebration for our entire veterans' community.

Representative Bill Stoltze and I started working on "A Summer of Honor - A Season of Gratitude" almost a year ago with Mr. Joe Fields, a Vietnam veteran from Fairbanks. The 'Moving Wall' was last here in Alaska in 1994, and Alaskan veterans want to forever recognize the great sacrifices made by Vietnam Era veterans. The living Vietnam veterans and their families carry many physical and mental scars from their patriotic service in this war. The 'Moving Wall' has proven to be a very therapeutic experience for many veterans and families.

Joe Fields, a member of the Governor's Veterans' Advisory Council, is coordinating the 2006 journey of the 'Moving Wall' to Fairbanks, Mat-Su Valley (Wasilla), Eagle River, Kodiak, Cordova, Bethel, and Auke Bay. This 2006 route is the most extensive travel ever of the 'Moving Wall' in Alaska. We say thanks to Joe for his hard work on behalf of all Alaskans. Mr. Fields can be contacted at 907-451-7906 for more information.

The Chugiak/Eagle River Chamber of Commerce is partnering in the 'Moving Wall' celebrations. Ms. Susan Gorski, the Chamber Executive Director, is the point of contact for the Chamber, and can be contacted at 694-4702. Our local Assembly representatives (and Chamber board members), Debbie Ossiander and Anna Fairclough, are also supportive and are part of the process. We know this dynamic organization will provide continuing support to the festivities.

What can you do? We encourage you to contact Mr. Romaszewski at 694-4200 and volunteer to help organize and provide the many needed tasks. Members of the Alaska National Guard and active military personnel will also be lending their hand throughout the State wherever they are needed.

Additionally, there are about 33 proposed military/veterans bills pending in the Alaska legislature this year. I encourage you to go online to http://www.legis.state.ak.us/ , go to 'Bill Search', and review those bills of interest to you. You can provide your appropriate comments, either pro or con, by contacting us through Public Opinion Messages (POM), e-mails, phone calls, or letters.

We appreciate your support of our military community and the many veterans that have served our great nation. Please mark your calendars and plan to visit the 'Moving Wall' … and take time to thank a Veteran for your freedom.

Charlie Huggins represents Senate District H and serves as Transportation Committee Chairman

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