Alaska State Legislature
News from the Office of Representative Norman Rokeberg

716 West 4th Avenue, Suite 640
Anchorage, AK 99501
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web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org/pastlegs/Rokeberg.htm

Men and Women of Alaska Air Guard Unit Honored

For Immediate Release: July 10, 1998

Anchorage – On behalf of the 20th Alaska Legislature, Representative Norman Rokeberg presented a citation honoring the men and women of the 176th Wing during a retirement ceremony at Kulis Air Base Friday. Kulis Air Base is located in House District 11, which Rokeberg represents in the Legislature.

"It is appropriate to reflect on the sacrifices and generous contributions made to Alaska, to the United States, and to the rest of the world by the brave men and women of the 176th Wing and their families," Rokeberg said. "Personally and on behalf of my colleagues in the Alaska Legislature, I want to offer heartfelt congratulations and thanks to these men and women of the 176th Wing for their dedication and service to Alaska and its people, "Rokeberg said.

The 176th Wing is made up of approximately 1225 men and women. There are 19 aircraft in the Wing: nine C-130s; four HC-130s; and six HH-60 Pavehawk helicopters. 176th Wing has been involved in rescue efforts ranging from the 1964 Alaska Earthquake, the 1994 Koyukuk Flood, the 1995 Falls Flood on the Kenai Peninsula, and the 1996 Big Lake Fire.

In addition to their Alaska missions the men and women of the 176th Wing have gone above and beyond the call of duty in countless missions, large and small, around the nation and the world. In 1997 alone, they served in over three dozen countries, including Bosnia, Haiti, Columbia, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, and the Iraqi Theater.

The 176th Wing is commanded by Colonel Van Williams.

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