(Juneau) - Sen. Charlie Huggins (R - Rural Mat-Su/Chugiak) presented a young Alaskan who just returned from Iraq with the Blue Star Banner today, in recognition and support of his military service during wartime.

Marine Lance Cpl. Josh Tempel returned to Alaska a few months ago after serving seven months in Iraq as an infantryman. "It is an honor for me to give Josh this banner. The men and women who put their lives on the line in the war on terror deserve our respect and gratitude," said Sen. Huggins.

The Blue Star Banner program, initiated in 1917 during World War I, is traditionally given to families with a son or daughter serving in a war zone. The family places the banner in a window of their home so everyone knows they have a loved one serving our country in wartime.

Josh was a member of the 3-25 LIMA Company from Columbus OH deployed to Iraq last year. Josh was traveling in a military convoy with another young Marine, also from Alaska, who sadly didn't make it home. Lance Cpl. Grant Fraser was killed when an improvised explosive device struck the troop carrier he was riding in last August.

"He (Grant) was simply the best marine I ever served with," said Josh about his friend and comrade at today's ceremony.

Joining Sen. Huggins in presenting the banner was Rep. Bob Lynn (R - Anchorage) and Lt. Governor Loren Leman.

Today Josh is a member of the Marine Corps Reserves, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, ECHO Company, from Elmendorf Air Force Base. He also works as a page for the Alaska Senate.

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