Debt of gratitude to the Guardsmen

To the editor:

Alaska owes a debt of gratitude to the guardsmen who risked their careers and faced retribution to confront the abuse of power, violence against women, and intimidation within the Guard. Without their courage and tenacity, the victims would remain voiceless in their attempts to report the abuse. And without accountability, this dangerous culture would persist within the Alaska National Guard indefinitely.

My thoughts are especially with the victims of this prolonged tragedy. Today, you have been heard. Protective, curative, healing measures for the victims must now be taken. Those victimized while seeking justice must have justice, assistance and closure. Those responsible must face appropriate consequences. I continue to believe that action should have been immediate and thorough. A four-year delay is egregious.

Certainly the totality of the Guard, its mission, its place in our respect and hearts and the huge majority working each day to meet their responsibilities with honor must be fully acknowledged and thanked.

This is the ALASKA National Guard and we must move quickly to bring justice and closure, provide leadership to make necessary change, restore confidence and clearly show support for OUR Guard.

Bill Walker

Anchorage