SALUTE TO THE MILITARY 2007

Marlene and I were priviledged tonight to attend the 2007 "Salute to the Military" banquet in Anchorage, sponsored by the Armed Forces YMCA. By coincidence, today was also my 74th birthday - and I can't imagine a better way to celebrate it. Young warrors were guests of honor and received special recognition. Active duty and retired military (like myself) wore formal mess dress uniforms or tuxedos with military decorations.

United States Senator Ted Stevens (affectionally known as "Uncle Ted") - a decorated fighter pilot himself - gave the best talk I've ever heard him deliver. Very inspiring.

The principal speaker at the banquest was four star General Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff - meaning he is the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. General Pace is the first Marine to hold the top military job in thre United States. The man exudes what the military calls "command presence." In civilian terms, I suppose we could call it the "charisma of leadership."

Also saluting the military tonight was at the banquet was my good friend and constituent Ted Heller, US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Retired, and it was an honor to have my photo taken with him. Several of my legislative collegues were also present, including Speaker of the House John Harris. God Bless our military. They guard America's freedom.