Alaska Air Guard commander speaks at chamber meeting

Col. Thomas Bolin, Commander of the 176th Operations Groups of the Alaska Air National Guard, was scheduled to discuss his unit’s air rescue efforts at the Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce meeting May 3. According to the chamber, Bolin’s team consistently collaborates with other rescue teams across the state. Bolin oversees unit operations and procedures to meet designed operational capabilities of a 600-plus person group consisting of a Rescue Coordination Center and seven squadrons including Air Defense Squadron, Guardian Angel Squadron (pararescue), Operations Support Squadron, and four squadrons that operate various airlift rescues.

In an interview prior to the event, Bolin said his unit saves about 50 people a year. In 2016, they were awarded the “Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year" award for rescuing two skiers trapped on the Harding Ice Field.

“We’re your hometown Alaskans. We like what we do,” Bolin said.

Chamber meetings are held at the Eagle River Ale House and doors open at 11:30 a.m., with speaker and presentation from 12-1. Reservations are recommended by calling the chamber at 694-4702.

Lunch: Nonmember $16.00 Chamber Member $14.00

Coffee/Tea/Soda: Nonmember $5.00 Chamber Member $3.00

Chamber lunch forums are open to the public and meet the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

“Our goal is to bring relevant speakers to our community – those who have information and/or influence on our quality of life in the region.” said Dana M. Thorp Patterson, Executive Director Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce.