Representative Chris Tuck

Representative
Chris Tuck

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March 27, 2015

National Guard Fixes Underway

Dear Neighbors,

As a new member this session of the Alaska House Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, I take very seriously my responsibility to protect and assist all members of our armed services. Particularly those who are vulnerable to abuses of power because of their duty to follow orders.

We must put an end to problems within the Alaska National Guard in which some authority figures have engaged in illegal activities with near impunity. The incidents which have taken place include such crimes as sexual assault, government fraud, favoritism, and bullying.

Over the past few months I have worked closely with Alaska National Guard Leadership and legislators on a bill to fix the outdated Alaska Code of Military Justice, which has allowed for the victimization of some of our service members, and other crimes to go unpunished.

Above: Representative Chris Tuck at a 2009 meeting with Alaska Territorial Guard hero Sigurd Edwards.

If enacted, the new code will allow the Guard to deal with military offenses such as desertion, absence without leave, failure to obey orders and dereliction of duty.

All other criminal actions will be dealt with by civilian courts. Victims will be provided the same protections as any other citizen, and lawbreakers will be subject to the same consequences as everyone else.

I am grateful that the issue is being taken seriously by our new Governor and I applaud our new Adjutant General Laurie Hummel, Deputy Commissioner Bob Doehl, and First Lieutenant Forrest Dunbar for helping to tackle this issue head on.

The next hearing on the Alaska Code of Military Justice will be held in the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on March 31 at 1pm.

I’m here for you, so please keep in touch on matters important to you and your family!

Warm regards,

      Chris Tuck
      Alaska State Representative
      District 23 - Anchorage

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