Governor's Veterans Advocacy Award goes to Vietnam War Veteran

A Vietnam War veteran has been named the 2025 Governor’s Veterans Advocacy Award winner.

Ron Seibels received the award during a Ceremony held at the monthly meeting of the Military Order of the Purple Heart hosted at American Legion Post 28 in Anchorage.

Director of the State Office of Veterans Affairs Verdie Bowen and Senior Program Manager Jeff Slaikeu of the State Office of Veterans Affairs presented the award to Seibels.

“Ron is a humble advocate for all veterans,” Bowen said. “He is involved in countless organizations, always serving his fellow veterans. It is often said that ‘every day is veterans’ day’ in Ron’s eyes, that is certainly the truth. Ron is the first Alaskan to attain the high office of National Commander of the Military order of the Purple Heart and in this position, Ron has moved many Veterans centered programs for our Alaskan Veterans and their families. It is a great honor to publicly recognize his continued service to the veteran community”.

In 1967, Siebels entered the U.S. Army, serving two combat tours in Vietnam and was wounded in action, earning the Purple Heart. He served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) in 1987.

In addition to holding the positions as Commander of the Department of Alaska and Commander of Region III, Ron served as the MOPH National Americanism Officer and the MOPH National Purple Heart Trail coordinator before his election in 2011 to the leadership of the National Organization.

Seibels was elected as the National Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart back in August, 2013.