Sens. Begich, Murkowski and Rep. Young talk about Veterans Day

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, issued the following statement:

"In Alaska we have the distinct pleasure and honor of having the largest per capita percentage of veterans of any state in the Union. We call them our neighbors, our co-workers, and our friends. Our communities benefit from the experience and expertise which they've brought home with them from their time in the service of our Nation.

"As we reflect on the service of heroes who have served our country in conflicts past, we would be remiss if we didn't also pause to honor the dedication of the men and women who are putting their lives on the line today to protect our freedom.

"Today, we also mourn those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom. This year, Alaska lost several members of our military community in the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families of our fallen service members. We also pause this Veterans Day to honor those killed at Fort Hood. To have such an incident occur at a military base on American soil is especially heartbreaking

"Finally, I would like to recognize a group that often isn't honored enough; the families and loved ones of America's veterans. These are the folks that have had to see their loved ones sent away to war zones and who worry about their well being every day until they return. The family members of our veterans deserve our recognition.

"While we know that words cannot

Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, (U.S. Army 1955-1957) issued the following statement:

"Today we remember and celebrate those who were willing to risk everything so that we could stand here today, secure in our freedoms. Our Nation's veterans and their families are truly an incredibly special group of people; let us remember those that have so bravely risked their lives, so that we may have the freedoms that we enjoy daily, and especially those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan today.

"This year, we lost several Alaskans in the War on Terror and I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families of our fallen service members. I would like to remember those killed at Fort Hood and extend my deepest sympathies to their families as well.

"Thank you to every soldier past and present who has chosen to serve this country and its people, to keep us the strong union we are. Thank you and God bless."

Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, issued the following statement:

"On the eve of Veterans Day, in an effort to recognize the servicemen and women of Alaska who play a vital role in the nation's defense, U.S. Sen. Mark Begich delivered a speech on the Senate floor today honoring those who serve to protect our freedoms.

"At trouble spots across the world, from Afghanistan to Korea, Iraq to Kosovo, Alaska service members are on the front lines, Begich said.

"Today I welcome the opportunity to praise Alaska's servicemen and women, their families who are such a key part of our communities, and the thousands of veterans who have chosen to live in the 49th state," Begich said.

"Recounting Alaska's military history, including Air Force General Billy Mitchell's testimony before Congress nearly 75 years ago when he declared, "Alaska is the most strategic place in the world," Begich noted Alaska's strategic location has been well known to Alaskans for centuries. Shortly after Alaska's purchase from Russia in 1977, the U.S. Army was dispatched to help administer the new American territory and within ten years a significant presence was established in Alaska by both the Navy and the Revenue Service, which later became the U.S. Coast Guard.

"The Army helped maintain law and ordering during the turn-of-the century Gold Rush, which saw thousands scramble North in search of fame and fortune. With the build-up to World War II, Alaska's vital role in the defense grew dramatically," Begich said.

After noting the construction of the 1,400 mile Alaska-Canada Highway, and the service of the Alaska Territorial Guard during World War II, Begich turned to current day status of Alaska being home to some 30,000 active duty service men and women with another 30,000 family members. Through Alaska's major military installations, Elmendorf, Eielson and Clear Air Force bases, Army Forts Richardson, Wainwright and Greely and Kulis Air National Guard Base, about one in five Alaskans has a personal tie to the military.

"To maintain these vital posts, the Department of Defense spends in excess of $1.5 billion a year in our state. That is a huge part of federal spending in Alaska, which constitutes about 18 percent of the state economy," he said.

Alaska is also proud to have the highest per capita population of veterans in any state, Begich noted. The more than 75,000 veterans who call Alaska home comprise eleven percent of the population.

Currently, more than 4,000 service members stationed in Alaska are supporting Overseas Contingency Operations around the world, including many in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan. Begich said since the 9/11 attacks on America, 143 service members from Alaska units deployed in support of the Global War on Terror have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

He noted just two weeks ago, a lifelong Alaskan, 23-year-old Marine Corps Corporal Gregory Fleury died in the line of duty. Corporal Fleury had already served two tours of duty in Iraq as a combat helicopter mechanic and gunner when he died Oct. 23 in Afghanistan's Helmand Province after two U.S. helicopters collided in the predawn dark.

"I spoke with Corporal Fleury's grandfather last week to thank him for his grandson's service on behalf of a proud nation," Begich said.

Begich said he will submit the names of all Alaska troops who have made the ultimate sacrifice since Sept. 11, 2001 for the Congressional Record. He added it is critical that the transition of our service members from the care of the Defense Department to Veterans Affairs be as smooth and comprehensive a possible and that the VA is funded to meet the current demands of this generation of veterans.

"On these occasions, let us rededicate ourselves to our commitment to our nation's veterans and servicemen and women. So that their sacrifice is never taken for granted or forgotten," Begich said.

Sen. Begich serves on both the Senate Committee on Armed Services and the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs.

He will be in Anchorage Wednesday to attend Veterans Day events, and will greet President Obama Thursday at Elmendorf Air Force Base.

To contact the Newsroom, call 907-274-1111.