We are truly indebted to our veterans

November 8, 2005

Spectrum\Loren Leman

From Vicksburg to Vietnam, Berlin to Baghdad, the Aleutians to the mountains of Afghanistan, American bravery has been displayed throughout our history. Each November we recognize the sacrifices our veterans have made to defend us and help others around the globe realize their dreams of freedom, peace and security.

This Veterans Day has special significance, as many of us have sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends in harm's way, perhaps in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Earlier this year we also celebrated the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. The state sent out 700 thank you letters across the country to the men and women who served in the Aleutian Campaign, like two of my uncles, defending Alaska.

One of the pleasures of my job as lieutenant governor is to visit with veterans and military personnel across our state. I have been to numerous deployments and welcome-home ceremonies. It is an emotional experience to look into the eyes of these highly trained men and women serving bravely for a cause bigger than themselves.

Four Alaskans have not returned home. In April, we lost Marine Lance Corporal Jeremiah Kinchen, of Salcha; in August, Marine Lance Corporal Grant Fraser, of Anchorage; in September, Army Sergeant Matthew Bohling, of Eagle River, and Army Sergeant Kurtis Arcala, of Palmer. Each was just 22. I am thankful for their lives of service.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I encourage you to show your gratitude to our military men and women, perhaps through a family project. Here are Web sites to help you with ideas:

€ Military care packages: bluestarmoms.org/care.html, operationmilitarypride.org/

smsignup.html, www.soldiersangels.org/heroes/submit_a_soldier.phpare, www.operationshoebox.com

€ Air travel for emergency leave or injury travel: www.heromiles.org.

€ Telephone calling card: www.operationuplink.org

€ Alaska National Guard Family Programs: www.ak-prepared.com/dmva/familyprograms/family-programs-home

€ Armed Services YMCA: www.asymca.ak.org/index.

htm click on Military Community Services

You might also check with your church or with service organizations. Many are providing support.

I am thankful and proud of our veterans. Let's continue to show our gratitude by giving.

Contact Loren Leman by

e-mail at Lt_Governor@ gov.state.ak.us, by phone at

269-7460 or 465-3520, or by mail at P.O. Box 110015, Juneau, AK 99811.