Gov. Palin opens Alaska Air National Guard's new Valley Recruiting Office

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, commander-in-chief of the Alaska Air National Guard, cuts the ribbon at the opening of the guard's new Valley Recruiting Office Dec. 22, 2008, while daughter Piper, 7, looks on. A joint venture between the Alaska National Guard and the active-duty Air Force, the new office is the guard's first-ever full-time presence in the Mat-Su Valley. Assisting the governor is Lt. Gen. (Alaska) Craig Campbell, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard. In the background is Maj. Ed Soto, commander of the 176th Wing's Civil Engineer Squadron. Alaska National Guard photo by 2nd Lt. John Callahan.

Gov. Sarah Palin swears in new guard members

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, commander-in-chief of the Alaska Air National Guard, administers the military Oath of Enlistment to Justin Lawson and his sister, Jessica Newton, at the opening of the guard's new Valley Recruiting Office Dec. 22, 2008. A joint venture between the Alaska National Guard and the active-duty Air Force, the office is the Guard's first-ever full-time presence in the Mat-Su Valley. Alaska National Guard photo by 2nd Lt. John Callahan.

Air Guard looks to Mat-Su

Published Dec. 17, 2008
By 2nd Lt. John Callahan
176th Wing Public Affairs

WASILLA, Alaska --
Do you know someone who needs:

A meaningful part-time job?
Help paying for education?
Some of the best job training in the country?
Real work and leadership experience?
The opportunity to travel?
To network and make connections?
To be part of something bigger than themselves?
To make a difference?

For more than 50 years, the Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Wing -- one of the largest and most active wings in the entire Air National Guard -- has offered these opportunities to Anchorage residents through its local recruiting office. Beginning Monday, Dec. 22, the Air Guard will for the first time expand its recruiting services to the Mat-Su Valley as part of a joint venture with the active-duty Air Force.

The Air Guard's presence in the new Valley Armed Forces Recruiting Center (1590 E Financial Drive Ste 210D, across from the new Target store) will make it easy for residents of the Mat-Su Valley to find out more about one of the best career options around.

"Our role here is to help interested young people -- especially Mat-Su Valley high school seniors and recent graduates -- assess their own interests and talents, and then bring them together with opportunities that are right for them," said Master Sgt. Beth Miller, an Alaska Air National Guard recruiter who will work full-time in the new office. "In particular, those looking to attend college are often surprised to learn how much financial aid they can qualify for through the Air Guard.

"This office will also be a great resource for active-duty personnel who live in the Valley; and who are looking to separate from the active duty side, stay in Alaska and continue their military careers by joining the Guard," added Miller, herself a former active-duty member.

For more information about the Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Wing, call (907) 249-1342.