Photo By Maj. David Bedard | Retired Army Lt. Col. Terrence Saxe, left, and retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt....... read more read more
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JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard and commissioner for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, was promoted in a ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Oct. 22.
The Alaska National Guard’s commander-in-chief, Gov. Michael J. Dunleavy, presided over the promotion ceremony, which was widely attended by key military and political leaders, Guardsmen, retirees and veterans, and members of the local community.
In his remarks during the ceremony, Dunleavy credited Saxe with his successful efforts to grow rural military operations and disaster response capabilities in Alaska, commended his leadership during the Guard’s support of eight fires last summer, and thanked him for DMVA’s assistance with state emergency management operations after the Cook Inlet Earthquake last winter.
“In the time I’ve known and gotten to work with General Saxe, he’s proven himself to be a man of commitment, sacrifice and courage,” said Dunleavy. “His impeccable record of service to our country and our state is inspiring.”
“His guidance in the aftermath of the Nov. 30 Southcentral earthquake [and] coordination with our local and federal partners ensured Southcentral Alaska was well taken care of,” said Dunleavy. “This earthquake was a reminder that we must strive for excellence in the public safety of Alaskans.”
The governor congratulated Saxe, calling his promotion an “honorable achievement,” and thanked him for his service to the state and nation.
Saxe is responsible for nearly 4,400 Guard members and state personnel assigned to units in the Alaska Air National Guard, Army National Guard and four state divisions. He ensures the DMVA team is equipped, trained, and ready to respond to state and federal missions as required. As commissioner, he develops and coordinates policies, plans and programs for the department, leads with vision and expertise, and focuses on meeting the governor’s priorities within the organization.
Saxe shared in his remarks that he would not have made it this far without those who have gone before him and those who are currently serving with him. He asked those who are currently serving or have previously served in the Alaska National Guard to stand, and he recognized several Vietnam Veterans in attendance.
“It’s not about me, it’s about you,” he said, addressing the crowd. “We have the freedom that we have because of the veterans who have gone before us.”
Saxe also talked about the importance of family and thanked his parents, wife, children and several other family members for their example, support and encouragement.
Saxe and his wife, Clara, have six children, all of whom attended the ceremony. Two of his daughters sang The Star-Spangled Banner and Alaska State Song during the ceremony, and his son presented a military saber to his father during the ceremony as a symbol of love and respect from the family.
One of Saxe’s top three priorities for the DMVA is to “emphasize that people are our most important resource,” which helps ensure the Alaska National Guard is prepared to take care of the people of Alaska and serve the nation when called to federal service.
“The military does not exist to serve itself; it exists to serve the people,” he said. “Anything worth having is worth striving for, worth fighting for, and that’s what we do within the military," he continued. "And folks are counting on us to do that right and to do it right every single time.”
DMVA’s divisions include Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Veterans Affairs, Alaska Military Youth Academy, Air and Army National Guard, Naval Militia, State Defense Force and Administrative Services.
| Date Taken: | 10.24.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 10.24.2019 17:50 |
| Story ID: | 349138 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, US |
| Web Views: | 87 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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