May 16, 2012, Fairbanks, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell welcomed home members of the 1-25th Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Fort Wainwright.
More than 4,000 soldiers from the brigade were deployed to Afghanistan for the past year, training Afghan security forces and supporting the Afghan government.
“Your work made it possible for the Afghan forces in southern Kandahar to plan, coordinate, and execute complex operations independently,” Governor Parnell said.
“You achieved for a nation the capacity to secure its own freedom – a nation that has never known true self-governance.
“To all of the families of these soldiers, thank you for your love of country. Thank you for digging deep to find strength on the homefront while your husbands, wives, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters have defended all Americans.”
While in the Golden Heart city, Governor Parnell signed legislation creating military facility zones. House Bill 316 designates areas in close proximity to a military base where industrial or economic development will directly enhance the base’s ability to fulfill its mission.
“I am committed to maintaining Alaska’s friendly environment for military businesses and our troops and veterans,” Governor Parnell said. “This bill allows the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to provide financing to areas around military installations to help facilitate infrastructure that will enhance economic growth in the region and state. I appreciate the work of Representatives Steve Thompson, Eric Feige, Dan Saddler, and Senator John Coghill on this bill.”
Source: Office of Governor Parnell
