Alaska National Guard keeping busy pace

Valley Life editor

The Alaska National Guard has been extremely busy, as more than 320 soldiers and airmen have been called to active duty.

"You go from taking orders from the governor to taking orders from the president," SSgt. Ken Denny said with a chuckle.

On Jan. 4, 5 Air National Guardmembers from the 176th Aerial Port Squadron at Kulis Air National Guard Base left to assist the U.S. Air Force at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey.

That was followed by the deployment of aircrew members from the 144th Airlift Squadron, who were in Japan for a Volant Shogun exercise, to the Indian Ocean for help with the tsunami relief efforts there.

"Our readiness and ability to serve means Alaskans will be called on again in the future to provide security for Alaska and the nation," said Maj. Gen. Craig E. Campbell, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard. "I am proud of all our members, their families and their employers who have made the sacrifice to help in such a great time of need and conflict."