Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and Alaska Army National Guard officials will visit Alaskan soldiers who are serving overseas. Governor Palin announced on June 24, 2009 that she “will make hospital visits, attend promotion ceremonies and observe training exercises through the weekend” (Overseas, 2009, ¶1).
Federal clearance was received for Governor Palin, Alaska Adjutant General Craig Campbell and Alaska Command Sergeant Major Gordon Choate to travel for the Alaska National Guard visit (Overseas, 2009, ¶2).
“These troops are our fellow Alaskans,” Governor Palin said. “They are making major sacrifices for all of us. General Campbell and I will show our support and appreciation for our troops on behalf of all the people of Alaska” (Overseas, 2009, ¶3)
“It is critical for the families that we give them as much information as possible to lessen the worry and build strength at home,” said Lt. Gen. (AK) Craig E. Campbell, Adjutant General of the Alaska National Guard. “When the family is strong, the soldier is strong and the mission is completed with a high degree of success” (Overseas, 2009, ¶4)
The U.S. Department of Defense has requested that no additional details of Governor Palin’s travel plans be released at this time for security reasons (Overseas, 2009, ¶5).
Commentary
This is a major trip — likely of the size and scope of the Kuwait trip Governor Palin made in July 2007. This author’s avatar – a tight close-up of the first picture he ever saw of Governor Palin – originated from that trip. Governor Palin conceived Trig either just before or after that trip, so it was a major milestone in her professional and personal life.
This forthcoming trip will be equally significant. Governor Palin has complete command over the Army National Guard in her state — as each governor does in theirs. This trip; therefore will be a significant command experience item for her.
Like the last time, Governor Palin will be standing alongside her troops in training and other activities, eating the same food they eat in their cafeterias, visiting the wounded, and bearing witness to promotions. She will not be watching from afar — no Transformational Leader ever does. She will be right in the thick of it with them.
Governor Palin is going to once again show this administration and us how commanding armies is done….
References
Governor Palin to visit Alaska troops overseas. (2009, June 24). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved June 25, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1931
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