Palmer’s Horner receives veterans advocacy award

Palmer resident, Vietnam veteran and well-known bugler Gene Horner has been named the 2016 Governor’s Veterans Advocacy Award winner.

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker joined in the presentation made during this year’s Veterans Day ceremony at the Alaska National Guard Armory on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. State Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs Verdia Bowen joined in honoring Horner for his service.

“Gene Horner is a humble advocate for all veterans, but is best known for his long term devotion playing Taps,” Bowen said. “You will find Gene at veteran funerals across the state, ensuring they are bestowed the honor they deserve for their service to this great nation.”

Horner began playing trumpet around age 10. In 1967 he enlisted in the Army, as he stated “a little early” at the age of 17. It is then that his playing really picked up. At the height of the Vietnam War, Horner sounded Taps for nearly 200 funerals in a three-month period. After a military stop in Anchorage in 1968, Horner was struck by Alaska’s beauty and knew he would return. He later did just that, moving to Alaska in 1977.

Horner was unanimously selected for this award by members of the Alaska Veterans Advisory Council.

“Since 1999 Gene has offered his services as an unpaid volunteer. His commitment to veterans and their families, Veteran Service Organizations, and many other groups makes him an exemplary recipient for this award,” Bowen said.

The Governor of Alaska’s Veterans Advocacy Award recipient(s) are announced annually on Veterans Day. Any individual or organization may nominate an Alaskan resident for the honor. He or she need not be a veteran, the council said.

Honorees have demonstrated a significant service to veterans and their families; and given veterans extraordinary personal concern, compassion, and commitment. They may also have been involved in the formation and participation of a new, innovative or creative volunteer program, event or project.