JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – The Alaska National Guard Officer’s Association, in conjunction with the Military Officer’s Association of America, presented U.S. Representative Don Young with an award during a dinner held at The Westmark Hotel in Anchorage, May 28.
Congressman Young was presented the 2014 Charles Dick Medal of Merit in recognition of his long-lasting contributions to the National Guard throughout the duration of his service within Alaska’s legislative body.
“We selected Congressman Young for this award because of his support of the Alaska National Guard within the legislature — in regards to our relevancy in the Arctic, and for taking a stand for the military benefits of our Soldiers, Airmen, and their families,” said Col. Edie Grunwald, former Alaska ANGOA president.
With 41 years of congressional service, Young is the senior-ranking republican in the House of Representatives.
“His seniority was pivotal to the National Guard receiving sufficient funding to provide appropriate facilities for Kulis Air National Guard Base and the relocation of the 176th Wing to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson,” explained Grunwald. “Not only that, but he’s also been able to successfully fight off fee increases for TRICARE, which is continually proposed by the Pentagon.”
Retired Brig. Gen. Randy Banez, a former commander of the Alaska Army National Guard and a lifetime member of the ANGOA, presented the congressman with his award.
“This award is very nice and unexpected,” said Young, in a speech to the members of MOAA and ANGOA. “Throughout my career, I’ve always kept Alaska as my focal point and priority, and that largely encompasses caring and providing for Alaska’s active military, Guard and veteran population.”
Alaska is made up of 77,000 veterans and more than 20,000 active duty military members, comprising more than 15% of Alaska’s total population.
“Under my watch, our state will remain militarily prepared,” Young said during his acceptance speech. “I thank every one of you here for your service to this great state and nation.”