LT. GOVERNOR'S REPORT

Loren Leman
State of Alaska Lt. Governor

Juneau, AK
Feb. 24, 2005

AIR FORCE GIVES AWARDS:
Last Friday evening I presented awards to outstanding commissioned officers and enlisted members of the 11th Air Force in a ceremony at Elmendorf AFB. Four of the nominees were selected as award winners to compete with members from other branches of military service. Winners were introduced this morning at the Military Appreciation Breakfast hosted by Alaska USA Federal Credit Union. They will again be honored on Friday evening at the Salute to the Military in Anchorage. When I review the credentials, accomplishments and community service from these high performers, I am more convinced than ever that Alaska has the best of the best.

PRESERVING ALASKA’S HISTORY:
Today the Alaska Historical Commission, which I chair, met to take public testimony, review State and federal cultural resources funding, act on geographic name proposals and prioritize requests for grants to preserve unique and historical structures in Alaska.

VOLUNTEERS HELP ALASKA:
I served at the Volunteers of America annual chili feed Saturday, one of the Fur Rendezvous events in Anchorage. This organization helps many Alaskans. Thank you President Elaine Dahlgren for the invitation to participate and to Diane’s Restaurant for donating food and beverages.

MORE LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
While I was in Juneau this week amendments to Senate Bill 62, the supplemental appropriation for the Division of Elections, were debated on the House floor. This appropriation bill recognizes the unusual additional costs incurred by the Division last year, in its response to a record-breaking election in Alaska. This bill passed the House today on a 30-3 vote. It goes next to the Governor for his signature.

NO MORE BROKEN HEARTS:
My wife Carolyn and Whitney Brewster, director of my Anchorage office, hosted a portion of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving No More Broken Hearts breakfast on Thursday morning at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel. This worthy organization continues to educate our community on the ills of driving under the influence of alcohol, a problem in our State, and advocate on behalf of victims.

ARMY DEPLOYS:
This afternoon Carolyn and I attended a pre-deployment ceremony on Fort Richardson for the 164th Military Police Company, which will soon be deployed to the Middle East. These fine soldiers are leaving family and friends for a challenging assignment of bringing peace and freedom to an unstable part of our world. I wish them safety and a speedy return.

MT. EDGECUMBE RECRUITS:
Mt. Edgecumbe High School, the state-operated boarding high school in Sitka, is recruiting new students for the 2005-2006 school year. The deadline for early admission is next Tuesday, but they normally accept applications through the summer. I have enjoyed visiting with their students and congratulate them for their academic achievements. Also, congratulations to their boys basketball team on their impressive record!

FISHERMEN MAKE SPLASH:
On Tuesday several fishing organizations under the United Fishermen of Alaska banner met in Juneau to discuss legislation, budgets and short-listed candidates for Commissioner of the Department of Fish & Game. Although it has been hit hard in recent years by depressed prices in many of the markets, the fishing industry still continues to be Alaska’s largest private employer.

AEROSPACE OPPORTUNITY:
The Aerospace States Association, on which I represent Alaska’s aviation and aerospace interests, offers scholarships to students who have completed at least one year of higher education. Its focus is on fields (such as engineering, science and computers) that support the aerospace industry. The application form is available on the ASA website. April 1 is the deadline.

FBCI ASSOCIATE COORDINATOR:
The Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives is seeking an Associate Coordinator to assist executive director Stephanie Wheeler, the Advisory Council and FBCI department coordinators. If you or someone you know is interested in applying, please contact the Office of FBCI at 269-8019. The deadline is March 7.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tomorrow Carolyn and I will attend the Salute to the Military in Anchorage. On Saturday I will give the keynote speech for Juneau Engineers Week. Next Tuesday I will participate in a meeting of the Alaska Interagency Council on Homelessness in Juneau.