Alaska's National Guard- Needs Not Met Posted by James Lamond

Despite her ticket’s motto of “Country First,” one thing is sure about Sarah Palin: she doesn’t put America’s veterans first.

The Anchorage Daily News reports that:

Alaska Army National Guard troops returning home to rural communities after year-long deployments to war zones face huge obstacles trying to receive standard veterans' health care. . .

That's because about 25 percent of Alaska's Guard members live in villages where no veteran health clinics are available, and they often have to travel long distances by plane to see a doctor. . .

But that's just one of several problems now facing Alaskans who were part of the U.S.-wide call to send Army National Guard troops into battle

Job prospects for troops returning to villages are sometimes grim. And screening for mental health problems is still lacking for the 575 soldiers in the 3rd Battalion, 297th Regiment, who spent a year in northern Kuwait and southern Iraq from 2006 to 2007.

The main problem is that the Alaska guard was designed for defense against threats at home, not for repeated deployments abroad. The Alaska Guard has a deployment rate of 80%.  There were never adequate systems put in place to address the needs of thousands of soldiers returning home from war.

This Anchorage Daily News article comes following a report issued by Veteran’s for America, a veteran’s advocacy organization, on the post-deployment challenges facing Alaska’s National Guard.  The report finds that “the post-deployment needs of Alaska National Guard members and their families remain largely unmet.” There are rises in divorces, suicides, mental illness, financial difficulties and other post-combat problems.  The VFA was even told that the Food Bank of Alaska has seen a 400% increase in military families relying on their services.

Another major problem is access to health care.  Over 60% of Alaska Guard members live in rural areas of Alaska, miles from the nearest VA facility.  This can result in a very long and expensive trip to the nearest VA facility, just to receive proper medical care.  While the VA will reimburse the patient, they do need to put the money upfront.  Unfortunately the cost of the trip can be in the thousands, and many of the soldiers just don’t have resources to put the money up front. This has lead to local community groups raising money to help local vets to pay for the trip, but they can only do so much.

While there are major problems with caring for vets across the country, Alaska seems to be exceptionally bad. 

State of Alaska benefits for state employees who are deployed are paltry relative to other states- a fact worsened by the high costs of basic necessities [in remote villages, milk can cost $10 a gallon] in the state.  The state of Alaska only provides military leave up to 15 days ( for instance, California provides differential pay for all state employees when called to federal or state duty for up to 365 days).

The report clearly places blame for the problems saying:

as a result of inadequate leadership from the Governor of Alaska, among others, the Alaska National Guard has an inadequate understanding of the full range of post-combat issues facing those who have served abroad from the Alaska Guard in recent years, as well as their family members who have left to deal with the toll of unexpected- at times repeated- deployments.

The report offers a comprehensive list of recommendations needed to address issues ranging from better screening for mental illness to greater access to VA clinics to ensuring citizen soldiers have adequate time at home between deployments.  The study recommends that Gov. Palin launch a comprehensive study on the needs of Alaska National Guard troops who have served overseas.  It also urges the United States to stop deploying the Alaska National Guard until the problem at home is addressed.

Sarah Palin often floats her being Commander-in-Chief of the Alaska National Guard as her foreign policy experience.  While caring for veterans returning home from war largely falls under the domestic policy realm- one still asks  if this is what we are to expect from Palin should she become Commander in Chief? 

America first? Well maybe not all Americas.

Read full VFA report here.

Comments

[BAW]

Has it ever occurred to anyone that the leadership in the Alaska National Guard is less than adequate? The Guardsmen continually perform in a superior manner in spite of their inept Commanders. There are valid concerns of retribution if a Guardsman speaks out so therefore, the lack of strong leadership is kept "undercover." It was a travesty when Campbell received an unprecedented and undeserved third star. Campbell and Kacus need to work at improving conditions for their soldiers instead of politics and a real lack of concern for their men. They are nothing but rogue Generals and these great Guardsmen need a real leader and not politicians. It's time for the Lt. Gov. to put politics aside and do something constructive, Too bad they run off great leaders because of their jealousy that someone will outshine them. It's time to stand up and be counted.

[JW]

I agree with everything the above reader posted. I know that valid concerns of health, safety, and staffing issues that would benefit Guardsmen were ignored. General Campbell gets away with murder and needs to be investigated and then retired. The Governor's appointees turn their backs on the good officers they are so busy sucking up to Campbell and covering up their own inadequacies. They should certainly be held accountable. From a Guardsman who knows the truth

[Richard]

I absolutely agree with both of the above comments. These rogue Generals have been able to get away with murder. They can do this because no one has ever investigated their command or their ethics. As a Guardsman, I know and would testify if anyone ever had the balls to investigate these losers. They have their cronies who can do no wrong and they get the promotions while they run off real leaders who would outshine them.

[Richard]

Our son, a highly decorated Guardsman, came back from Afghanistan and faced degradatiaon and retaliation. These rogue Generals, as in the above comment, did their best to retaliate against him because he is a princpled and ethical soldier. He had refused to give outstanding oer's to 4 of their cronies because they didn't deserve it as they had done despicable things. The Generals denied our son a promotion and a well deserved silver star for bravery and heroism in battle. We filed a Congressional, but the Generals just laughed at it and shredded it. What do we do. From a retired Viet Nama Vet

[RW]

What is wrong with the people in charge in the state capitol? Surely someone has told them about the rogue Generals Campbell and Kacus of the National Guard. Are they all corrupt? I am a Guardsman and I can't speak out but you civilians should stand up for us. There is a lot of undercover stuff going on in this Guard and being covered up.

[Mark]

There is no justice in the Alaska National Guard. Either you "suck up" or you are branded. The Generals run off good men because they fear they will outshine them and they reward their cronies. Why haven't they been investigated? As a Guardsman, I don't dare do anything for fear of retaliation. These are corrupt dudes.

[Scott]

Here's the scenario: Campbell runs for Governor when Palin becomes a Senator. Kacass moves to Campbell's position in Alaska Guard and their most despicable crony (the one who harrasses women) takes Kacasses place. Now our Alaska Guard becomes #1 for the most unethical Guard in the U.S. if it isn't already. Guardsmen, beware, this could be possible and you will either maintain your integrity or suck up. This is for all those great Alaska Guardmen who live by the rules and have honor. Good Luck!! Anything is possible!!! The Pentagon could investigate and remove their sorry asses!!!!

[The Phantom]

The Phantom strikes again. I intend to be in your dreams, nightmares, whatever, Generals Campbell and Kacus. You will never guess who I am and I intend to get enough evidence to get you investigated. However, our state government is as corrupt as you are so you don't have to worry. I really liked the comment above about a scenario involving all these corrupt leaders moving into positions that decide the course of our country, state, National Guard. Anything is possible. Is there anyone at the Pentagon level that could check out this unethical Guard leadership. I have a lot of evidence but am holding on to it because I sure don't trust the Governor or Lt. Governor. From The Phantom I have suggested that Campbell and Kacus read WE WERE SOLDIERS and maybe learn something about real leaders. "

[The Phantom]

The Phantom strikes again. I intend to be in your dreams, nightmares, whatever, Generals Campbell and Kacus. You will never guess who I am and I intend to get enough evidence to get you investigated. However, our state government is as corrupt as you are so you don't have to worry. I really liked the comment above about a scenario involving all these corrupt leaders moving into positions that decide the course of our country, state, National Guard. Anything is possible. Is there anyone at the Pentagon level that could check out this unethical Guard leadership. I have a lot of evidence but am holding on to it because I sure don't trust the Governor or Lt. Governor. From The Phantom I have suggested that Campbell and Kacus read WE WERE SOLDIERS and maybe learn something about real leaders.

[The Phantom]

It's the Phantom again. I have a little time to sneak this e-mail in where no one is around. One of our Guardsmen was told that it was no use to try to fight an injustice perpetrated against him because the deck is stacked here in Alaska Government. It's corrupt and Campbell and Kacus are their lap dogs so forget it. It's the KGB again and are we going to take it. Let's fight like hell and do something about these enemies of democracy and fight their tyranny. They are the enemies of the state not us. We work hard to defend this great country against those who are against freedom of speech. THe Phantom will never give in or give up.

[The Phantom]

REMEMBER ME? Yes it's the Phantom again. I heard sucking up sounds in General Kacasses office today so I guess if that's what one has to do to survive so be it. Campbell and Kacass love for the Guardsmen to grovel. That's how weak they are--no balls, no guts. That's why they have never been in battle. They would be shot for desertion. I wish someone would try water boarding on them and let all of us watch. I'd cheer for the water. Until tomorrow if I can get by with doing this. The Phantom knows a LOT and I'm sneaky.

[The Phantom]

This scandal has been easy to follow. It is so transparent because the State government and National Guard Generals do not try to conceal anything because they know nothing is going to happen to them. They have however, done some undercover activities that hopefully will surface if the Pentagon gets the message. Then hopefully, there could be an investigation of mammoth proportions.

[The Phantom]

Who's in charge of the Alaska Guard these days now that Sarah Palin has become Queen of the Governors? Why of course, it's the honorable Generals Campbell and Kacass. What does it feel like, Generals, to have the most unethical leadership of any Guard in the United States? That's quite a distinction. It's a good thing your Guardsmen perform in such an outstanding manner with the exception of 3 of your cronies. I guess the Alaska State House has also maintained its reputation of questionable ethics.

[The Phantom]

For the sake of the Guardmen and what is moral and ethical in the Alaska Guard and America, I hope these rogue Generals get what's comig to them. Maybe not on this earth, but burning in Hell would be better. Sarah Palin knows about all their corrupt ethics, but chooses to do nothing that would smear her "Beauty Queen" image. Just to think, I am a Republican but I despise what they have done to some of our Guardsmen.

[The Phantom]

Palin says, "Country First" and I say she really means her ambitions first. Then her Guardsmen are just the cover up for making the country believe she is a true Commander and cares so much for her Guard while she allows General Campbell to run the Guard according to his unethical standards. He is a rogue General and so is Kacass.

[The Phantom]

Truth is powerful. It's unfortunate the Alaska Guard Generals wouldn't know. They are weak, sniveling cowards who have never been on a battlefield except to visit "Gettysburg." Guardsmen have to do a lot of "kissing up" to make life bearable. It's an outrage and the State government knows it and are too removed from it to care or are corrupt themselves. I intend to be a menace to them until some honest, decent person investigates and finds out the truth.

[The Phantom]

Truth is powerful. It's unfortunate the Alaska Guard Generals wouldn't know. They are weak, sniveling cowards who have never been on a battlefield except to visit "Gettysburg." Guardsmen have to do a lot of "kissing up" to make life bearable. It's an outrage and the State government knows it and are too removed from it to care or are corrupt themselves. I intend to be a menace to them until some honest, decent person investigates and finds out the truth.

[The Phantom]

I wonder what the Alaska Guard Generals are doing tonight? Are they ever vigilant of an impending crisis? What a joke? They earned their stars by playing politics. They are as corrupt as the Governor of Illinois. They are protected by the State House and particularly Sarah Palin--the great white goddess and hunter. The General's cronies are so arrogant because they know they are in the good old boy's club and are protected. They are so despicable, lazy, and stupid. Their mentality level is that of a 6th grader. Campbell and Kacass like them because they can be superior without any flak. What has happened to our Government? Why not investigate and do the right thing for the sake of the men and women of the Guard. Cowards or corrupt or both

[The Phantom]

I was told by a buddy that the Generals have asked their cronies to find out who I am so they can punish me. Let them try. They will be shocked when they find out who I am. I won't give up until justice is done and they are "done." If the State House is that corrupt as the Governor in Illinois, then God help us all. Your friend The Phantom

[The Phantom]

It's the Phantom again and still mad as hell at the establishment. I recently read that soldiers were denied the GI bill because the military purposefully cut their time short so they wouldn't have to give them the money for college. Also, Alaska is ranked #5 as the most corrupt state in the United States and our Guard is in the top 5 also. Does anyone care and what can be done about these injustices. The good guys get screwed and the crooks win. Our commanders, Campbell and Kacass have never been to battle or have any conceivable idea of what it is like but yet get promoted over and over. While a great commander in Afghanistan gets passed over for cussing and being aggressive in battle. It's time to expose these injustices--but how?

[The Phantom]

Merry Christmas everyone. After all the comments I have made all over the internet about the Alaska Guard General's unethical leadership, no one seems to care. How do we go about standing up and being counted for our rights and throw out corrupt leaders and officials that control our Guard and our government.

[The Phantom]

Hello Alaska Guard!! How does it feel to have the most corrupt Generals of all the Guards in the United States? Doesn't it bother you or should you just ignore it because the State Government is corrupt also. I just wish someone would back us and do something about this but there are no more heroes. We will have to take what is dished out by the Guard Generals and try to find solace in the fact that we are honest and have integrity. At least, most of us with exception of the Generals' cronies are decent and ethical. I am discouraged.

[The Phantom]

Its the Phantom again and I remain committed to hanging the Alaska Guard Generals no matter what it takes. They deserve to burn in hell. They have become less alert on what goes on as if they are untouchable and have had some slip ups. I document everything with hopes of getting their sorry asses. Guess what? I am a good Christian young man who hates dishonesty and deceptive people. That is why I am on this crusade. God willing, I will win!!!!

[The Phantom]

My Dad is a Viet Nam Vet and has said that in all of his years of service he has never seen such a blatant abuse of authority--the concept of getting promoted as Campbell did as a reward for recruiting. This is hypocrisy pure and simple. It makes me sick to see him prancing around wearing his little tin star that carries no significance. It is an insult to Guardsmen. I would love to see his little star get stripped off his egomaniac shoulder and then send him to command an outpost in Kodiak.

[The Phantom]

Guardsmen still feel outraged over General Campbell's promotion. What did he do to deserve it? He made a policy that there would be no Guardsman promotions without his personal approval. This policy has frozen the advancement of some very deserving people who have already earned the right to be promoted. The hypocrisy is too much as this guy has such leadership flaws. He has no reluctance to accept a cosmetic promotion because under his leadership, the Guard's manning is now at a low 80%--the worst of any state. Does that tell you something? Everyone is afraid to question him for fear of retaliation. CORRUPT GUARD -- CORRUPT STATE GOVERNMENT Ranked #1 for both