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    Alaska-based service members explore Denali

    Alaska-based service members members explore Denali

    Photo By Staff Sgt. Crystal Jenkins | A caribou cow stands on a hillside at Mile 31 during Military Appreciation Day, Denali...... read more read more

    JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, UNITED STATES

    09.18.2018

    Story by Airman 1st Class Crystal Jenkins 

    Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs   

    "Military Appreciation Day is one of many events in which Denali honors the long tradition of shared service between the U.S. military and national parks," said Katherine Belcher, Denali's public information officer. "We are proud and honored to host service members from all over Alaska during the park's annual road lottery as well as [military] training and outreach activities throughout the year."

    On normal business days, the park only allows visitors to drive to Mile 15 of the Denali Park Road, but weather permitting, the "road lottery" winners are given vehicle permits allowing them to drive much farther, to near Wonder Lake. Winners can see wildlife, spectacular scenery and closer views of Denali.

    Historically, the park hosted the U.S. Army Alaskan Test Expedition during World War II, with campsites at McGonagall Pass and at 19,000 feet on Harper Glacier. Soldiers tested food, tents, parachutes, clothing, and other equipment under Alaska’s extreme conditions.

    “Denali has remained an important training ground for the U.S. Army Alaska Northern Warfare Training Center [which tests Arctic equipment and skills],” Belcher said. “Military units also assist us with high-altitude rescues and the Alaska Air National Guard assists us with rescues in remote areas of the park.”

    Currently, military teams have made more than 16 climbing expeditions to the summit of Denali since 1980. Each year, Fort Wainwright’s 52nd Aviation Regiment delivers thousands of pounds of supplies to base camp in support of mountaineering operations.

    In addition to military training, testing and mountaineering, the Alaska District Veterinary Command helps care for the park’s canine rangers in exchange for cold weather animal care experience with the kennel’s staff.

    Throughout the Military Appreciation Day, there were also several programs available to learn more about the park’s history, wildlife, backcountry backpacking and sled dogs.

    "I am so grateful for the National Park Service offering service members, including myself, the opportunity to have a Denali Park Road pass," said U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Swain Spearman, a 673rd Inpatient Squadron multi-service unit clinical nurse. "The entire drive was phenomenal. Not only was it beautiful, but we were continuously thanked for our service by all the park rangers we met. This was the most incredible, once-in-a-lifetime trip with the most amazing weather and views."

    With the warm, dry weather conditions this year, road lottery recipients were given the chance to drive out to the end of the park road (Mile 92).
    National Park Service rangers made themselves available to answer questions and point out wildlife to recipients throughout the entire drive.

    “While many service members may have visited the park before, either for fun or as part of a training mission, I hope each person was able to enjoy this special day,” Belcher said. “We sincerely thank each one of you for your service, sacrifice and dedication to a great nation.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 09.18.2018
    Date Posted: 09.18.2018 16:40
    Story ID: 293383
    Location: JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, US

    Web Views: 36
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN