LT. GOVERNOR'S REPORT

Loren Leman
State of Alaska Lt. Governor

Juneau, AK
Nov. 25, 2005

HEROIC SERVICE:
Christopher Alcozer, 21, a member of the 172nd Stryker Brigade from Fort Wainwright, died in Iraq on Saturday. Twelve other soldiers from his Combat Team were injured, four seriously. Alcozer, who arrived in Alaska in May from the Chicago area, is the fourth member of the Stryker Brigade to die in Iraq. Carolyn and I offer our condolences to his family and friends.

Latseen Benson, 26, a member of the Army’s 101st Airborne Division and the only child of former gubernatorial candidate Diane Benson, was seriously injured in Iraq on November 13. He was medevaced from a hospital in Germany to Walter Reed Army Medical Center on Friday. We offer our prayers and wishes for healing.

FLYING WITH EAGLES:
My good friend, Representative John Coghill, the Majority Leader in the State House of Representatives, was honored with an award from the Eagle Forum in North Pole last Saturday. This award is presented annually in each state to individuals who have made special contributions to the group’s goals of God, family and country. During the last legislative session Representative Coghill sponsored a family rights bill and a bill to increase the penalty for indecent exposure to children.

CORRECT CAREER CHOICE:
On Friday afternoon 33 Correctional Officers graduated from the Department of Corrections Training Academy. These fine men and women fill an important role in our correctional institutions and municipal facilities. Their work requires them to meet high standards of professionalism, vigilance and dedication every day. It was a pleasure to congratulate them on their accomplishment. The State is always looking for excellent employees -- for more information on a career in Corrections click here.

HISTORY LESSON:
The Alaska Historical Commission met on Friday in Anchorage to review progress in the development of Alaska History and Cultural Studies performance standards. Knowing Alaska’s history is an important component of education. I am encouraging a challenging, but realistic, one-semester course for high school students. A committee formed by the Department of Education & Early Development should have a draft out for public comment by December. In other business, the Commission elected Pat Roppel, historian and author from Wrangell, as vice-chairman. She replaces architect Terry Hyer who left the Commission after several productive terms of service.

COMPETING CREWS:
Maintenance crews are among the unsung heroes of the Air Force. Friday, with 3rd Wing Commander, General Hawk Carlisle, I observed an F-15 weapons loading competition among three teams in the 3rd Maintenance Group, Elmendorf AFB, as they ramp up for the William Tell meet -- a national competition. The winner of the 3rd Wing Load Crew of the Year is expected to be announced in Spring 2006. Elmendorf is the defending champion of the William Tell, and is getting crews in shape to retain the title.

MANAGING A DEGREE:
An open house last Thursday showcased the UAA Master of Science Project Management program. Considering some of the major projects in our recent history, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline project and major military expansions and the possibility of a future gas pipeline project, combined with our sometimes harsh environment, this program provides real-time opportunities to apply lessons learned. I shared some of my project management experiences as a civil engineer and reminded the students of great opportunities in Alaska. Providing lovely background music for the event, held at the University Center, were Dr. Mark Wolbers and clarinet students from the UAA music department.

HOOPS HIGHLIGHTS:
Carolyn and I enjoyed good basketball and visiting with friends at the BP Top Of The World Classic basketball tournament in Fairbanks last weekend. The UAF Nanooks beat Kennesaw State 78-65 to finish fourth in this 10th anniversary tournament. UAF senior Andrew Smith, a former student-athlete from Bartlett High School in Anchorage, scored 20 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and was named to the all-tournament team. The University of Denver defeated University of Illinois-Chicago 52-48 in overtime to win the championship. The Fairbanks community proved once again that it can host a big time tournament—and do it well.

On Wednesday at the Tip-off luncheon for the 2005 Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout teams from Eastern Washington, Marquette, Monmouth, Oral Roberts, South Carolina, Southern Illinois, Southern California and host University of Alaska Anchorage were represented by coaches, staff and supporters. The annual men’s and women’s tournaments have become a great showcase for Alaska—and attract national media attention. UAA defeated Division 1 Southern Illinois today 72-64 and plays for 4th place tomorrow at noon. The championship game will be at 6 pm—at the Sullivan Arena.

FAREWELL HARRY GREGOIRE:
Longtime family friend and former Homer mayor Harry Gregoire, 85, died late last week. An affable man, Harry enjoyed people and was committed to good government for his fellow citizens in Homer. My condolences to his children and friends.