- CPT Niki Martin delivering the key note address at today's Women Veterans Recognition Ceremony in Anchorage today. CPT Martin serves in the 4-25th and helped lead her team in Afghanistan during their 10 month deployment. Thank you CPT Martin and all our nation's women veterans for your service!
Lisa Murkowski shared a link.
In every Alaskan community I have visited over the last few months, people are worried about heating their homes this winter, and with good reason. Heating oil in McGrath, for example, is $8.59 a gallon, and residents in communities across...the state are facing similar high prices to heat their homes. I am proud to be part of a bipartisan effort to help with these heating costs- securing $9.7 million dollars through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in the Fiscal Year 2013 for Alaskan families.See More- The Hiring Heroes Job Fair is going on now at the University Center, and my Anchorage staff is there to help connect veterans with possible employers in the private and public sector, as well as with the benefits they've earned. Spread the word and hope a lot of people can come out, as we start Veterans Day Weekend.
Lisa Murkowski shared a link.
I am so honored that my Veteran Spotlight interviews have been included at both the Alaska Veterans Museum and the Library of Congress this week! The men and women who served our nation have stories to tell and lessons about commitment and loyalty to teach us all. Thanks also to the AK Veterans Museum director and Library of Congress Project director for their kind words about Alaskans.- The Hiring Heroes job fair is happening tomorrow from 10am to 3pm at the University Center in Anchorage. One of my key priorities has been helping vets transition back to the workforce, and I have supported several bills in the Senate to do just that. Tomorrow, my staff will be on hand to help vet policy become reality for those who put their lives on the line for our nation.
- Aniak, Alaska: $7.37 per gallon of unleaded gas. Thank you Cheryl Jerabek for the picture. As national gas prices fluctuate and go down, this price will be locked in until spring when the Kuskokwim River thaws and the fuel barge can deliver more gas and heating oil. Keep the fuel price pictures coming Alaska!
- In Fairbanks today to say goodbye to my friend Ruby Riddle. I will miss Ruby’s warm hugs and wonderful pictures. The Golden Heart City won’t be the same without her.
Lisa Murkowski shared a link.
There are some stories of Alaskan know-how and resilience coming out of Superstorm Sandy, like this one: a childhood in Alaska helped one New York family prepare for the disaster. Still, others were hit harder, and there are so many people in the Eastern part of our nation need our help. Find out where you can do the most good here: http://www.redcross.org/charitable-donations- Enjoying being at Election Central without the stress of being up for a seat- I can support all my friends and hang out with the great young people from Youth Vote!
- I congratulate President Obama and Vice President Biden on their re-election tonight. While the presidential race was hard fought on both sides, I think this election process has demonstrated that Americans want us to work together to solve the difficult problems facing our nation.
In his second term, I am hopeful that President Obama will see the value of pragmatism over partisanship. Both parties created the challenges we face today, and the solutions can only be found through collaborative efforts - good ideas don't come with a party label. I encourage President Obama and his administration to work with Congress, represent all of America and make a better tomorrow for our nation. - Vladimir runs the coffee shop in the first floor of the building that houses my Anchorage office. I was talking with him, and found out today is the first time he and his wife are voting in the United States! They are both originally from R...ussia and are newly-minted Americans. Vladimir tells me that he is excited and nervous to cast his ballot. He and his wife are great reminders this Election Day, that voting is a right none of us must ever take for granted.See More
- This morning I spoke at the 18th Annual Tribal Conference on Environmental Management. It is essential that we build more effective relationships between Tribal, State and federal partners. Looking toward the future- I know renewables will play a huge role in our state, and I am committed to working with Alaskans to make sure affordable energy is available in all our communities.
Lisa Murkowski shared a link.
Two years ago, we made history and proved that each and every vote in our state matters. Please get out and vote today and make your voice heard! Things can be a little confusing with redistricting, find your polling place here:Lisa Murkowski shared a link.
This weekend, I attended the Alaska Air National Guard 212th Rescue Squadron Distinguished Flying Cross award ceremony. These brave men are the reason dozens of American troops came home from Afghanistan. Please take a few minutes to read about their mission here: http://ow.ly/f35l7 Here is the video of the entire ceremony:- In Ms. Neimeyers Computer Graphics class at Thunder Mountain High, I got to see the Vans that students designed for a local competition. I'm not sure which I like better, they are all amazing! Which is your favorite?
- It's lunchtime, so I am testing the pumpkin soup in Mr. Roach's culinary arts class at Thunder Mountain High School. I was warned it was not favored by the students but I think it is spectacular!
- At Thunder Mountain High School in Juneau visiting with students this morning. This totem was carved by a former student's father to honor all the students who have walked these halls and all who will come. An amazing totem to welcome students, teachers and visitors!
- Good morning, Juneau! Having a great time talking with Pete Carran and Alaskans on KINY 800am - the conversation will be rebroadcast on at 11am on KJNO 630am. Hope you can tune in.
- A great way to wrap up the day: Birthday cake at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. After the opening ceremony I presented a piece to Lt. Col. Harold Campbell, who was born in 1924 and served from 1941 to 1971. A big Thank You to him and all our veterans for their service!
Lisa Murkowski shared a link.
What a great Saturday! I started out the day at a wonderful award ceremony on JBER, then got to flip the coin for the Girls’ All-Star flag football game at the Shriner's Annual North-South Football Classic. Let me tell you, these girls are some excellent athletes!Lisa Murkowski shared a link.
I was so honored to attend the Distinguished Flying Cross award ceremony for SMSgt Christopher Widener, MSgt Brandon Stuemke and SSgt Aaron Parcha this morning. These brave men of the Alaska Air National Guard 212th Rescue Squadron honor all of Alaska with their heroism and selflessness in the face of danger. Hear what they did to deserve the Distinguished Flying Cross here:- Here at the Sports Dome for the Shriner's Annual North-South Football Classic. Kickoff for the flag football game is at 10am- come support a great organization and some talented girls!
- Some good work happening at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks! This afternoon, I met with the scientists at the Alaska Center for Energy and Power. These guys are working on lowering the cost of energy in all corners of our state through studies on hydro, geothermal and wind power.
Lisa Murkowski shared a link.
This week, I accepted the invitation from Mat-Su Valley resident Rosemary Vavrin to ride the Valley Mover bus to see how more and more residents are commuting to and from Anchorage. I rode a MASCOT bus through Wasilla and Palmer and transferred to a Valley Mover bus for the ride to Anchorage. I had a great time learning about the public transportation connectivity and met so many great people on the bus!- Having a great time in Fairbanks today reading "If You Give a Moose a Muffin" to Ms. Brown's kindergarten class at Denali Elementary School. Every time I visit a community, I try to fit in at least one school visit to talk to kids.
- Ruby Riddle was a special lady who held a special part in the hearts of many of us from Fairbanks. She was "Southern Miss Ruby" to so many - the official hostess for the Golden Heart City. Ruby never let a photo opportunity go by and she al...ways shared her photos after each event. How many little albums I have receieved over the years! Each one with Ruby with a beautiful smile, perfect makeup and hair, and always with a warm hug. Alaska has lost a lovely lady and I have lost a friend.See More
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This has got to be, without a doubt, one of the most creative introductions I have ever gotten. Thank you Dr. Talis Colberg for a great Halloween intro, and thank you to everyone at Mat-Su College for the warm welcome yesterdayLisa Murkowski shared a link.
It is inexcusable that Dept. of the Interior wasn’t settling its delinquent debts with Alaskan pilots and businesses. Now, after months of me demanding answers from the feds, the checks are in the mail. It’s about time!Lisa Murkowski shared a link.
I am so proud of our Spartans! The 4-25 executed every mission before them in Afghanistan with honor, and now, they have come home to us. Thank you, troops of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) for your service!- I was here when the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) 25th Infantry Division deployed last November. Now, I am proud to be back in the Sullivan Arena to officially welcome our Spartans home!
Lisa Murkowski shared a link.
My heart goes out to everyone impacted by Super Storm Sandy. As our nation pulls together to help with recovery efforts, I am proud of the Alaskans who are selflessly assisting as well. Alaska, find out how you can help here: http://ow.ly/eWJzq- I just made the transfer from MASCOT to Valley Mover for the ride from Wasilla to Anchorage. These buses are completely full most of the day, people tell me.
- After a great day in the Mat-Su Valley, I'm riding a MASCOT bus to meet up with a Valley Mover bus back to Anchorage. With so many Valley residents working in Anchorage, I want to see how the connectivity is working between Alaska's fastest growing area and Alaska's largest city.
Lisa Murkowski shared a link.
I am outraged to hear reports that the United States Government failed to address security needs in Libya, even more with reports that trained personnel on the ground were discouraged from responding to reports of trouble at our Consulate i...n Benghazi. The administration owes the American people straight and honest answers about what happened, whether it was preventable and what lessons they have learned from this tragedy.See More
http://www.murkowski.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=c6d91c49-e786-4a3d-89ea-dc43f884c5e6- Talking to students at Houston High School today about what is important to Alaska's next generation. Getting some great questions about gas prices, renewable energy, the national debt and developing Alaska's resources. Every time I visit an Alaskan school I am amazed by how smart our young people are!
- I’ve heard some calls to my Anchorage office have cut off unexpectedly over the last few weeks. We’re in the middle of getting it fixed, but we don’t have caller ID, so we can’t just call you back. If anyone gets cut off, please call us again at 271-3736.
- I wasn’t able to get to Little Diomede last week, so I decided to video conference with the students there. A big thank you to the entire Diomede High School for making time to talk to me about your community!
Lisa Murkowski shared a link.
One of my favorite monthly projects is the "Veteran Spotlight," where I focus on the military service of an Alaskan with a story we can all learn from. Today I'm proud to introduce Alaskans to Earl Wineck, an Alaska Territorial Guard and a WWII Army veteran. Do you have an Alaskan friend, community or family member who should be recognized? Click my link for information on how to nominate them:- Talking about federal hurdles for Alaska, energy and the election impacts on our state right now on Alaska's News and Views on ABC Alaska right now!
- I want to commend my staff in DC for being among the very few on Capitol Hill to be working in what meteorologists are calling "Frankenstorm!" But head home soon; I hear that the winds and conditions are going to get a lot worse in the next few hours.
- We tried so hard to get into Little Diomede today but it just didn't happen. Weather happened and Alaskans know that you just don't push the weather. We were grounded in Nome by fog which just never lifted. As fate would have it, I'm told it was crystal clear in Diomede. For those who were waiting for us, particularly the students at school, know that we will try on a later date. And to the 4th grade and high school students we visited in Nome during our unscheduled stop, thanks for a great afternoon!
- This is, without a doubt, my favorite moment from today’s Stand Down for homeless veterans: hundreds gathered around the American flag and the flags representing all the branches of our military singing “Proud to Be an American” in one, unified voice! — at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
- The Stand Down for Veterans in Need event is happening today at Ted Stevens Airport - 100s of veterans getting the help they deserve. So good to see agencies and charitable groups coming together for our veterans. They stood up for us, it’s time for us to stand up for them. http://www.alaska.va.gov/features/Stand_Down_for_Veterans_in_Need.asp
- Last year, Alaska had a mild flu season with 1,000+ confirmed flu cases. This year, we might not be so lucky. Protect the ones you love, especially the little ones and our Elders. I’ve gotten my flu shot- have you?
- I just received word that the price of gas in Bethel, AK will be going up on Friday. The last fuel barge of the winter just left, and according to KYUK, gas will be going up by 55 cents overnight to make the price per gallon of unleaded gas $6.95. Better fill up now, Bethel!
Lisa Murkowski shared a link.
Acts of courage and selflessness can inspire us all. From first responders to teachers to social workers to stay-at-home parents, ordinary citizens are accomplishing amazing things - and are often the unsung heroes of our communities. Please join me in celebrating the heroism that symbolizes the American spirit by nominating an unsung Alaskan hero for the Citizen Service Before Self Award:Lisa Murkowski shared a link.
When I came into office, I promised that I would listen to Alaskans. Well, I am listening. In every corner of the state, Alaskans are worried about the high cost of energy and feeding their families. Pretty basic stuff. Let’s do something about it.- Galena, Alaska: $7.39 to $7.80 for a gallon of Unleaded gas. Thank you to Karrie Pavish Anderson for sending me this picture of the total cost to fill up her Ford Ranger. Keep the gas price pictures coming, Alaska!
Lisa Murkowski shared a link.
Alaskans - the U.S. Postal Service is holding community meetings in five communities across the state tomorrow and Wednesday. If it’s in your town, hope you’ll stop by the post office to get more information about their new hours of operati...on:See More
Akiachak 10/23/12 - 1:00 PM
Hydaburg 10/23/12 - 1:00 PM
Akiak 10/24/12 - 1:00 PM
Hyder 10/24/12 - 1:00 PM
Kwethluk 10/22/12 - 1:00 PM
If you’re not in one of these communities and have questions about the U.S. Postal Service’s new direction, check out their fact sheet here:- ActivityNovemberPeople Who Like This77