"Scathing" report leads to Alaska National Guard firings
Three leaders of the Alaska National Guard have been fired from their positions. The removal of Brig. Generals Catherine Jorgensen and Donald Wenke, and Col. Edith Grunwald was announced Monday night. Gov. Sean Parnell says the firings are related to the results of an investigation by the National Guard Bureau's Office of Complex Investigations, which were released in September. The report described cronyism, fraud, and the mishandling of sexual assault cases.
"The report was pretty scathing with respect to the troops and airmen not having the trust and confidence in their leadership," says Parnell. "And, clearly that played a role in this."
The Alaska Guard Adjutant General was fired earlier this month. The three leaders targeted for removal had applied for that top position. They are no longer under consideration for the post.
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Military recruiters no longer welcome at Anchorage, Mat-Su schools
Anchorage superintendents Ed Graff of Anchorage and Dr. Deena Paramo of Mat-Su made their decisions to suspect military recruitment after the Anchorage Press released a report alleging an Army National Guard recruiter had sex with, and made sexual advances toward, high school JROTC cadets. Paramo says the district is reviewing its protocols regarding military recruitment. He says while the district "values its relationship with the military," student safety is its highest priority.
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Large grant will boost middle school participation in residential science, technology, engineering, and math program
The Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) has received the largest grant in its 20-year history - six million dollars over three years. The Legislature allocated the funding last session. ANSEP says it plans to use the funds to expand its Middle School Academies, tripling the number of students who can take part. ANSEP says the academies immerse the students in a residential science, technology, engineering and math environment that introduces them to career opportunities and prepares them socially and academically for college success.
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Free legal aid available to Alaska Federation of Natives Convention goers
Volunteer attorneys will help attendees at the Alaska Federation of Natives convention with civil legal issues this Friday at the Dena'ina Convention Center in Anchorage. Lawyers will assist with simple wills and civil legal issues such as family law, housing, consumer protection, public benefits, and other non-criminal issues. Sessions are by appointment only. To make an appointment, visit EPLC@alaskabar.org online. Or telephone 272-7469.
The Native regional corporations CIRI, NANA, and Chugach will also have representatives available to assist shareholders with stock wills.