Juneau -- On Tuesday, February 10, 1999 Brigadier General Phillip E. Oates presented Representative Beverly Masek with The Alaska Distinguished Service Medal. The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest honor bestowed upon a civilian by the Alaska National Guard.

Rep. Masek received The Distinguished Service Medal for meritorious service as a member and as Chair of the Alaska House of Representatives' Military and Veterans Affairs Committee form 11 November 1995 through 10 November 1998. During this period, Rep. Masek actively led support for the Alaska Veterans Home study potentially affecting some 65,000 Alaskans and their families. She also actively supported federal recognition of veteran's status for the 6600 members of the Alaska Territorial Guard from World War II.

As Chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee from 10 January 1997 through 18 January 1999, Rep. Masek sponsored legislation that provided space in Alaska's airports for traveling members of the military. She also sponsored legislation in support of Congressman Don Young's effort to grant Native Veterans title to allotments they missed out on due to serving overseas.

While presenting the Distinguished Service Medal, General Oates stated; "At every turn, she took time and interest in such diverse things as maintenance of National Guard armories, education and leadership opportunities for the Guard and resource support for the Division of Emergency Services. Her efforts bring great credit upon herself, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Alaska Legislature and the State of Alaska."