Several panels and workshops touched on key elements of Alaska’s strategic importance in national security at the two-day Alaska Defense Forum in Fairbanks, including how federal, state and local public and private partnerships are needed to sustain the military mission.

During a Thursday morning panel, four state lawmakers touched on key components that would benefit military families and service members.

Participating panelists included Sen. Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks), Rep. Andrew Gray (D-Anchorage), Rep. David Nelson (R-Anchorage) and Rep. Will Stapp (R-Fairbanks). Gray, Nelson and Stapp all have military backgrounds, with Nelson still serving as an officer in the Alaska Army National Guard.

Education

Kawasaki noted education was the top focus in the 2025 legislative session, incl

See Full Page