Alaska Army National Guard team wins Environmental Security Award

WASILLA— The National Guard Bureau recently recognized the Alaska Army National Guard’s Restoration Team for their exceptional accomplishments in restoring unattended armory sites in remote locations.

Donald Flournoy, Alyssa Murphy, Aaron Acena, and Patrick Greary were the four environmental compliance professionals who were recognized for their work identifying potential contaminates of disused armory properties, developing a plan of action, and collaborating with numerous stakeholders. All of their work was completed in accordance with AKNG policy.

“This award shines a light on a great achievement in teamwork,” Greary stated in the press release. “People in other states sometimes wonder why we can’t just do site visits as soon as we need to. Well, we can’t just drive to do site visits. We have to plan for summer, good weather, lodging, and arrange flights. And then there’s the weather.”

The recent award draws national attention and validation to the Alaskan environment restoration team.

“I feel a lot of gratitude being part of this team,” Murphy stated in the press release. “And it’s extremely rewarding to be recognized for our group efforts to restore properties to their rightful condition… There might be ‘legacy spills’ from previous years we need to clean up. We can’t check off a property unless we’re positive the past presence of the AKNG isn’t making a negative impact on the environment, the cultural resources, and that there is no threat to human health.”

According to the press release, the restoration team ensures the safety of local residents by cleaning and neutralizing the area of hazards.

The team administered the overall cleanup and transformation of 15 out of 62 former AKNG properties in spite of Alaska’s various environmental hazards and logistical restrictions.

“In remote Alaska, it seems like everything you do takes ten times the amount of coordination and planning… There are a number of sites in the Interior that are accessible only by river or aircraft. Similar programs in other states just don’t have those sorts of obstacles limiting them,” Flournoy stated in the press release. “It is an honor to protect those things and make a tangible difference in that regard.”

For more information, visit ak.ng.mil.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com