April 27, 2002
Saturday - 12:05 am

Honoring veterans for their positive involvement in their communities, Gov. Tony Knowles spoke before the annual conventions of the American Legion Department of Alaska and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) on Friday, thanking them for their strong support for the Knowles/Ulmer Administration's package of veterans bills currently before the Legislature, and urging action on Homeland Security needs.

"With only 18 days to go before adjournment, vital veterans and Alaska's security issues have not been addressed by the Legislature," Knowles told the veterans. "So today I am asking you to suit up one more time, check your equipment and help me complete a mission. The Legislature needs to hear your strong voices. However they vote on these issues is up to their judgment and conscience. My guarantee is that they won't go home without addressing these issues. They can't run out the clock."

According to the news release from the Governor's office, of the six bills in Knowles' "Year of the Veteran" package, only one has passed so far - a bill naming a bridge over the Knik River on the Glenn Highway for Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. James Bondsteel. Knowles urged the Legion and DAV to continue speaking out for passage of the other five bills in the Year of the Veterans package, including:

• Creating a joint state/private endowment to maintain, repair, replace, or renovate memorials to veterans and our military. The bill seeks $125,000 in public funds to match the amount already raised from private-sector partners;
• Authorizing the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to sell $500 million in bonds for the veterans mortgage loan program, which must be approved by the voters at the next general election;
• Giving the Veterans' Advisory Council more teeth by putting its authority into statute;
• Providing $4 million in bonds for a future facility for veterans.

The final bill in the package considered the centerpiece of the Knowles' Year of the Veteran package would create the Alaska Pioneers' and Veterans' Home system. So far, legislative response has been tepid at best but Knowles remains committed to serving veterans, as they have served the United States according to the news release.

"It is ironic that Alaska, which has more veterans per capita than 48 other states, is the only one that doesn't have a veterans' home, either in place or under construction," said Knowles. "To me, that is unconscionable. Let's leave this unwanted legacy behind by putting more money into our underutilized Pioneers' Homes to serve more veterans - and more seniors."

Veterans' leaders applauded the Governor's ongoing commitment to veterans' issues. "We urge Gov. Knowles to use every tool at his disposal to get the package of veterans bills passed, especially the Pioneers' and Veterans' bill and the funds associated with it," said VFW Department Commander Gary Kurpius.

Al Clime, Department Commander for the Disabled American Veterans, said, "I've been pushing the Pioneers' and Veterans' Home bill all session along with our Juneau based members. The maximum effort needs to be made to get the Pioneer's and Veterans' bill passed and I'm confident the Governor will do that for the veterans."

American Legion Department Commander Gene Franks thanked the Governor, "for taking the time to travel to Kenai to once again address the convention to show his appreciation to fellow Legionaries." He added, "We plan to tell him, that as far as we are concerned, he should go to the mat for Pioneers' and Veteran's Home, the funds for it, and the survey of veterans housing needs."

Between speeches, Gov. Knowles met with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Tony Principi, who traveled to Alaska to meet with various veterans groups. The Secretary recently wrote to Knowles Administration officials, summarizing his support for the Pioneers' and Veterans' home concept. "I fully support efforts that would enable the VA and the State of Alaska to work cooperatively to address the elder care needs of Alaska's veterans," Principi wrote.

In a Memorandum signed by the State and the VA, the VA agrees to seek ways to support veterans in Pioneers' Homes, "... while preserving the ownership and authority of the state to operate and manage this unique long term care program." Knowles thanked the Secretary for his work to further cement the close ties between the VA and State of Alaska.

In his speeches to veterans, Knowles also announced the appointment of Vietnam era Medal of Honor recipient Drew Dix of Fairbanks as Director of the Office of Homeland Security. Dix served in the Army for 20 years, retiring as a Major. During two tours in Vietnam, Dix served in the Airborne and was a counter-terrorist unit leader and also earned the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

"Drew's service in the military focused on special operations, counter-terrorism and he has advised Gen. Oates on these issues since Sept. 11," Knowles said. "He's also an experienced administrator who will be persuasive in convincing the Legislature to address these important security and safety issues."

Creation of the new office is subject to approval of funding by the Legislature. Dix will report to Maj. Gen. Phil Oates in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Lt. Gov. Fran Ulmer will also address the American Legion Convention in Kenai on Saturday.

Source of News Release:

Office of the Governor
Web Site

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