Senator Stevens to speak in Wasilla

Frontiersman staff

Alaska's senior senator Ted Stevens will be the keynote speaker at this year's military appreciation luncheon sponsored by the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce Tuesday. The chamber event will take place at Evangelo's Restaurant and Trattoria on May 28, beginning at noon. Stevens served during World War II as a pilot in the Army Air Corps.

The military appreciation luncheon was designed to recognize those presently serving in uniform and to compliment the Memorial Day recognition of veterans who have served and those who have sacrificed their lives.

"We're especially excited because the senator has been a special friend to both the active military and the veterans for a long, long time. In all the years we've been doing this salute in the Valley, he has been unable to attend because it always took place during the second week in May while the senate was in session," said Bert Hall the chamber's military affairs chair.

"One of the reasons we changed it this year is because [Stevens] really wanted to come and be a part of this. So as we recognize those who have served on memorial day, the next day with the senator's leadership, we'll be recognizing those who are serving today," Hall said.

The local chamber will be hosting between 50 and 60 uniformed guests representing all six branches of the armed services, including the Army and Air Force National Guards. Chamber members are also donating door prizes for their military guests.

Other participants include Alaska commissioner of military and veterans affairs, Major General Phillip Oates, mayors Tim Anderson and Sarah Palin, Colony High School JROTC and the Air Force Band of the Pacific.

The luncheon is open to the public and costs $13. For additional information, contact the chamber at 376-1299 or military affairs chair, Bert Hall at 373-4611.