AK SJR5

Alaska Legislature urges the U.S. Department of Defense to continue providing retirement benefits to Alaska Territorial Guard members who served during World War II.

Approximately 6,389 members served without compensation in the Alaska Territorial Guard during World War II while the Alaska National Guard was deployed, engaging in combat and protecting supply routes to the Soviet Union.

Congress passed legislation in 2000 (sec. 8147 of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2001) recognizing Alaska Territorial Guard service as active duty for purposes of all laws administered by the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

The Department of Defense reversed its January 2009 determination that Alaska Territorial Guard service qualifies for military retirement purposes, affecting approximately 25 Alaska Native elders in remote areas facing high heating and food costs.

Legislature thanks Alaska's Congressional delegation for introducing S. 342 and H.R. 744 to restore active service status for retirement pay purposes, and requests the Department of Defense use emergency funds to continue benefits until Congress passes legislation or the Department reverses its decision.