Legislature(1999 - 2000)
05/13/1999 05:10 PM House MLV
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SJR 24 - KOSOVO CONFLICT CHAIR MURKOWSKI announced that the final item of business would be CS for Senate Joint Resolution No. 24(STA) am, relating to the Kosovo conflict and to Alaskans serving in the military forces in the area of the conflict. Number 0689 MEL KROGSENG, Legislative Assistant to Senator Robin Taylor, came forward on behalf of the sponsor, stating: SJR 24 has been introduced to send a message to members of the armed services that we, as Alaskans, support them in their endeavors to bring a halt to the atrocities being carried out by Slobodan Milosevic. The resolution acknowledges the bravery and sacrifices of all military forces but, in particular, those military men and women who are Alaskans, or who are serving in Alaska, who have been called up to go to the Balkans already, or who may be called in the future. We have a tremendous number of military men and women who serve our nation here in Alaska, and we think it's very important that they know that we, as a state, support their efforts. I can tell you, as the wife of a 22-year military officer who served in Vietnam, it wasn't real pleasant when your community did not support ... what your family was doing. Number 0771 REPRESENTATIVE JAMES indicated she wants to focus on the individuals, not the particular Kosovo conflict and the possible outcome. She expressed pride in individuals' readiness to serve whenever and wherever they are instructed to serve, over which they have no control. "Having a resolution like this in front of me is painful, but it's joyful at the same time," she added. MS. KROGSENG affirmed that the resolution is strictly to send a message of support to the troops. Number 0921 REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER thanked the sponsor for bringing this forward. [Because of confusion over a bad copy, discussion ensued, along with a motion and withdrawal of that motion relating to that copy.] REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA commented that she likes the tone of the resolution, which gives her a feeling of affirmation that they are really supporting the spirit in which the troops are there. Number 1039 CHAIR MURKOWSKI referred to page 2, beginning at line 21, where it says "the Alaska State Legislature requests the Alaska Legislative Council to direct the Legislative Affairs Agency to send the following message". She asked what the procedure is for getting this message to the men and women. MS. KROGSENG answered that this same language was used in a nearly identical resolution during "Desert Storm." She expressed belief that this message would be sent to the respective service offices, which would handle it from there. She said she isn't sure how they handled it last time, but as she understands it, it worked. Ms. Krogseng suggested that copies be sent as a courtesy to Alaskan bases, as well, although that isn't included in the resolution. Number 1128 REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER recounted how on Thanksgiving in 1969, his mother sent him a pumpkin pie that was green when it arrived three weeks later. He proposed sending some pins, for example, as it is hard to walk around with a piece of paper. Number 1166 REPRESENTATIVE KOTT asked when the Legislative Council meets next. MS. KROGSENG said she'd been informed that the Legislative Council would meet the next day, Friday, May 14. She expressed hope that this will go to the House floor in time to be dealt with at that meeting. CHAIR MURKOWSKI agreed there is a sense of urgency. Number 1288 CAROL CARROLL, Director, Administrative Services Division, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), came forward. She informed members that the DMVA, through the public information office at Fort Richardson, can coordinate getting information to the soldiers. If the Legislative Council wants to contact the DMVA, they can get the names of the people serving in the guard and the other military units from Alaska, and they can coordinate with the other military units. They could start as soon as they receive the request from the Legislative Council. Ms. Carroll offered to call the next day to tell the DMVA's public information officer that this is coming, to get a head start. CHAIR MURKOWSKI asked whether it is also possible to send Alaska flag pins or walrus pins, for example, as proposed by Representative Foster. MS. CARROLL said she could find out and, if possible, they would do it. She offered to report back the next day. Number 1369 REPRESENTATIVE KOTT asked how the message would be conveyed to any additional personnel sent there after the initial steps were taken. MS. CARROLL agreed that somehow, the DMVA would have to make sure that anyone subsequent to the initial recognition would also get that recognition. REPRESENTATIVE KOTT suggested it may be an attachment to their orders. CHAIR MURKOWSKI added, "Attached with a pin." Number 1420 REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER recounted how during the Gulf War, there was legislation to provide each person a medallion. He said it was like an Act of Congress trying to run that through, because there was disagreement about what would be on it, how big it would be, and how many there would be, for example. He said he believes a pin would be much easier. MS. CARROLL said she would see what they could do, adding that she remembers the medallions. In response to a question, she said she doesn't know how many Alaskan personnel are over there, although she had called that day. CHAIR MURKOWSKI asked if anyone else wished to testify; there was no response. Number 1523 REPRESENTATIVE KOTT made a motion to move SJR 24 [CSSJR 24(STA) am] from the committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal note. There being no objection, CSSJR 24(STA) am moved from the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs.
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