Photo By Tech. Sgt. Donald Hudson | Benno Cleveland, founder Alaska Native Veterans Association, salutes U.S. Army Maj....... read more read more
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Senior leaders from across Alaska gathered in Anchorage to participate in the Military and Alaska Native Veterans panel at the Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Oct. 21, 2023.
The panel provided an opportunity for military leaders from the Army, Air Force, Alaska National Guard, and Navy to speak with the Alaska Native public about military priorities in Alaska.
“We are here to protect the homeland, protect Alaska,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Nahom, commander Alaskan NORAD Region, Alaskan Command and Eleventh Air Alaskan Command. “And we’re also here to build forces to project anywhere in the world.”
During his address to the audience, Nahom expressed the unique way he looks at the world as the top-ranking military leader responsible for Alaska.
“When you look at the map the way I look at it, and the maps in my office all have Alaska in the center, it’s a whole different world,” said Nahom. “You see the strategic nature of Alaska and what you all bring to it.”
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. A.C. Roper, deputy commander, U.S. Northern Command, came to Alaska from Colorado to participate in the convention on behalf of USNORTHCOM.
“More than 50% of our area of responsibility is in the Arctic,” said Roper. “Our priorities in the region continue to focus on increased presence, joint training and exercising, and close collaboration with Allies and partners. This includes partners we have within our borders, tribes that live in this region, local and state governments. The Arctic especially Alaska is critically important to our national defense, and we are committed to stability and security in this region.”
Prior to the panel, senior military members were able to speak one-on-one with Alaska Native veterans from across the state. The veterans shared stories and concerns and provided greater understanding of what it means to be a veteran in rural Alaska. Alaska Native and Native American people have historically served in the military at higher rates than any other ethnic group.
Benno Cleveland, founder Alaska Native Veterans Association, volunteered for the U.S. Army in 1968 where he served two tours in Vietnam and was awarded a Purple Heart.
“Hopefully this has answered some of the questions as to why we’re building a relationship with our military,” Cleaveland said. “To follow our history, our past. To continue to grow and make our people stronger and give them better opportunities, so we as a people can live free the way we choose to.”
Operating in the remote areas of Alaska and the harsh nature of the Arctic takes an understanding of the land that senior military leaders acknowledge are enhanced by strong partnerships with local communities. And the leaders expressed how they must find ways and work to provide what they can to the local communities as well.
“We make sure that we are taking input, we are listening. What do you need? What can we help you with?” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe, adjutant general, Alaska National Guard, and commissioner, Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Alaskan Command works with trusted partners to conduct homeland defense, civil support, mission assurance, and security cooperation within Alaska to defend and secure the United States and its interests.
| Date Taken: | 10.26.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 10.26.2023 16:26 |
| Story ID: | 456608 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 188 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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