Subscribe
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — The University of Alaska Fairbanks Alumni Association and the Office of Development and Alumni Relations presented an Alaska Army National Guardsman with the Alumni Achievement — Business Professional Award during a ceremony at the Princess Riverside Lodge in Fairbanks, Sept. 26.
Col. Jeffrey Roach, commander of the AKRNG’s 38th Troop Command, was honored for his outstanding contributions and achievements as a UAF alumnus by UAF leadership, Alumni board members, local Regents, Board of Advisors, Board of Visitors, and the Centennial Task Force.
After enlisting in the AKARNG’s 1898th Combat Support Assault Company as a helicopter mechanic and UH-1 Huey helicopter crew chief, Roach received his Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management from the UAF in May 1987. He went on to earn a master’s degree in management from Webster University and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Air Force Air University.
“I’ll admit that when I first graduated from UAF I was looking forward to a different career path than I ended up on,” explained Roach. “However, the path I am on has been awesome. The Alaska Army National Guard has allowed me to lead some of the best military professionals in the world and to do something else that I love along the way, fly helicopters.”
When not flying or commanding his Guardsman, Roach is the Northern Region Planning Manager, Aviation and Highways, for the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. He has worked for the DOT&PF for more than 15 years in the transportation planning field.
“The State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has provided me the opportunity to serve my fellow Alaskans through the development of transportation infrastructure,” said Roach. “Service to others has been my life’s work and it is something I’ll continue to do as long as I am able, whether through my professions or through volunteering for the many great organizations that serve our communities.”
The Alumni Achievement Awards were created to recognize outstanding contributions made by graduates and former students of UAF. The areas of recognition include community support, university support, and business and professional excellence.
Roach’s feelings on receiving the reward are a mix of rewarding and humbling.
“My family instilled in me a desire to serve others,” mentioned Roach. “I was blessed with two careers that have allowed me the chance to uplift others through service; they have also given me the opportunity to be a servant leader.”
“Attending UAF offered me the opportunity to not only earn a degree, but to open my aperture to take a broader view of the world around me,” said Roach. “I developed some great friendships and had some awesome mentors at UAF.”
Award recipients are selected by a subcommittee of the UAF Alumni Association board of directors. Awards are given annually in the following categories: Business and Professional Excellence, Community Support and University Support.
“I would like to thank those along the way that entrusted me to lead my fellow Alaskans in the service of others,” added Roach. “Most of all, I’d like to thank my wife, Sherilyn. She has been my pillar of strength and encouragement. I could not have accomplished all that I have without her by my side.”
Since 1991, 46 alumni have received the Business and Professional Excellence Award. Roach had nothing but accolades for the caliber of the UA Alumni that have received this award in the past.
“Each were honored with this award because they excelled within their chosen field of endeavor. Through professional excellence, they made life better for others,” said Roach. “It’s striking to me all the ways the past winners have served their fellow man, and in many ways, shaped their communities along the way. I respect them a great deal for their accomplishments.”
| Date Taken: | 10.06.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 10.06.2014 19:16 |
| Story ID: | 144430 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, US |
| Web Views: | 102 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Alaska Guardsman recognized by alma mater for outstanding service, by Balinda ONeal, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT