Alaskans have been relatively fortunate compared to the rest of the United States during the coronavirus pandemic. But 337 confirmed cases and nine deaths statewide, members of the Joint Task Force Alaska and the Alaska Organized Militia aren’t taking any chances.
“I can’t help but be aware of the fact that we stand, once again, on the stage of history,” said Army Capt. James Tollefson, a Joint Task Force Alaska operations plans officer. “Each of us engaged in this response will have played a small but essential part of that historical drama.”
With a lack of volunteers due to social distancing, service members have been playing a pivotal role in the preparation distribution of food around the anchorage area. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy activated the State Emergency Operations Center in early March to mobilize the network of military resources across the state.
U.S Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Seth LaCount