Legislature(2001 - 2002)
04/17/2001 05:41 PM House MLV
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND
VETERANS' AFFAIRS
April 17, 2001
5:41 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Mike Chenault, Chair
Representative Joe Green
Representative Pete Kott
Representative Sharon Cissna
Representative Joe Hayes
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Beverly Masek
Representative Lisa Murkowski
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 27
Supporting the erection of monuments in Alaska, Russia, and
Canada to commemorate the World War II lend-lease program
between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics.
- MOVED CSHJR 27(MLV) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS ACTION
BILL: HJR 27
SHORT TITLE:WWII ALASKA-USSR LEND-LEASE MONUMENTS
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S)CHENAULT
Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action
04/12/01 0987 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME -
REFERRALS
04/12/01 0987 (H) MLV
04/12/01 0987 (H) REFERRED TO MLV
04/17/01 (H) MLV AT 5:00 PM HOUSE FINANCE
519
WITNESS REGISTER
JOHNE BINKLEY, Director
Alaska-Siberia Research Center
P.O. Box 34871
Juneau, Alaska 99803
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 27.
ALEXANDER DOLITSKY, Chairman
Alaska-Siberia Research Center
P.O. Box 34871
Juneau, Alaska 99803
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 27 and answered
questions.
REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD FOSTER
Alaska State Legislature
Capitol Building, Room 410
Juneau, Alaska 99801
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed thanks to the sponsor and
supporters of HJR 27; provided his own historical perspective.
MIRIAM LANCASTER, Board Member
Alaska-Siberia Research Center
P.O. Box 34871
Juneau, Alaska 99803
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 27 regarding
why this is different from other memorials.
ROBERT PRICE, Board Member
Alaska-Siberia Research Center
P.O. Box 34871
Juneau, Alaska 99803
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 27.
R.T. ("SKIP") WALLEN
P.O. Box 21063
Juneau, Alaska 99802
POSITION STATEMENT: As the sculptor who will build the memorial
proposed in HJR 27, explained the details of the monument and
the process.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 01-11, SIDE A
Number 0001
CHAIR MIKE CHENAULT called the House Special Committee on
Military and Veterans' Affairs meeting back to order at 5:41
p.m. Present at the call back to order were Representatives
Chenault, Green, Kott, Cissna, and Hayes.
[The minutes for the Presentation by Mr. Robert K. Uhrich with
the Naval Facilities Engineering Command: Current information
regarding the Adak base closure activities, are found in the
5:10 p.m. cover sheet for this same date.]
HJR 27 - WWII ALASKA-USSR LEND-LEASE MONUMENTS
CHAIR CHENAULT brought before the committee HOUSE JOINT
RESOLUTION NO. 27, Supporting the erection of monuments in
Alaska, Russia, and Canada to commemorate the World War II lend-
lease program between the United States and the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics.
CHAIR CHENAULT, speaking as the sponsor of HJR 27, referred
members briefly to the written sponsor statement in packets. He
then called upon testifiers.
Number 0186
JOHNE BINKLEY, Director, Alaska-Siberia Research Center,
testified via teleconference in support of HJR 27, noting that
he had served on the board for the center since 1990. He told
the committee this is an exciting project, and said he
appreciates Chair Chenault's sponsorship of the resolution.
MR. BINKLEY pointed out the lend-lease program's importance in
affecting the outcome of World War II. It was a link between
the United States and Russia to provide materials in support of
Russia's efforts in World War II. Fairbanks was the transfer
point where American pilots turned the aircraft over to the
Russian pilots; at the height of the program, as many as 600
Russian pilots were stationed there, coming and going. He noted
that his own father was in the Army and helped to support the
lend-lease program by hauling fuel down the Tanana and Yukon
Rivers to supply the different air bases that allowed refueling
along the way, and his mother worked during the war to help
build ships for the program.
MR. BINKLEY explained that [the monument proposed by HJR 27] is
an effort to memorialize Alaska's participation, as well as the
nation's, in the process. In addition to direct efforts, people
all across the U.S. supported the lend-lease program by working,
buying war bonds, and supporting the U.S. This is a memorial to
the efforts of those people as well.
MR. BINKLEY reported that he had spoken with U.S. Senator
Stevens in Fairbanks that very morning, who is excited about the
project, not only as a veteran of World War II, but also for the
symbolism of Canada, Alaska, the rest of the U.S., and Russia
working together for mutual defense against a common enemy. He
noted that there are similar mutual efforts now, not too far
from Fairbanks, with a missile defense system.
Number 0473
ALEXANDER DOLITSKY, Chairman, Alaska-Siberia Research Center,
testified via teleconference, noting that his father was a Red
Army officer during World War II, from 1942 to 1947, in support
of the lend-lease program. He said hundreds of thousands of
Americans and Russians cooperated in that important project, the
U.S. sent more than $12.5 million in aid to Russia, and 8,000
airplanes and materials were involved. He stated his belief
that without the lend-lease support to Russia during the war,
the outcome of World War II would have been different.
MR. DOLITSKY told members the idea is to erect a monumental
bronze sculpture first in Fairbanks and then in Nome, with the
hope of attracting interest in Canada, Montana, the rest of the
U.S., and Russia towards having a similar memorial but perhaps
with different messages and plaques. By doing this, several
things will be accomplished. Politically, it will bond the
U.S., Canada, and Russia. Furthermore, it will honor not only
veterans, of which there are 9,000 in Alaska, but others as
well. And it will offer a role model for young people. It will
be not only a great tourist attraction, but it will tell an
exciting story about an important historical period in Alaska's
history and the people involved in the effort to win the war
against Nazi Germany.
MR. DOLITSKY pointed out that it is 9,000 miles from Great
Falls, Montana, to Novosibirsk. The Alaska Highway evolved
along the lend-lease route, he noted, mentioning it as a
transportation corridor. He then likened the memorial in
Fairbanks to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, saying it will be an
historical landmark in Fairbanks and elsewhere.
MR. DOLITSKY noted that although not in this particular
resolution, support is being sought from the federal government
and foundations. He said it isn't a controversial project, and
all sorts of groups are excited about it. Dozens of
endorsements have been received, including those of [Governor
Knowles] and former Governor Walter Hickel, as well as [letters
and resolutions in support] from Fairbanks, Nome, the Veterans
of Foreign Wars, the Alaska Geographic Alliance, the Jewish
community, and others. Mr. Dolitsky indicated he has been in
communication with a government office about a proclamation day
linking the victory against Germany and the lend-lease program,
and he emphasized the need to educate the public.
Number 0850
REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD FOSTER, Alaska State Legislature, thanked
the sponsor, Mr. Dolitsky, and Mr. Wallen, who he noted is
world-famous and had produced the bronze bear in the court plaza
[in Juneau]. Representative Foster reported that he himself
grew up in Nome, which had an Air Force base; when World War II
started, Caterpillars, bulldozers, and machinery were impounded
by the military, and mining operations were closed all around
Nome, so there were no jobs. However, the building of the
runway at least provided an economy until the base closed in
1954. He said 77 Soviet airmen crashed and were killed between
Fairbanks and Nome, although he didn't know the number killed
between Nome and Siberia.
MR. DOLITSKY specified that 133 [planes were lost] out of 8,000.
Number 0984
MIRIAM LANCASTER, Board Member, Alaska-Siberia Research Center,
testified via teleconference in support of HJR 27, noting that
she is a captain on active duty in the U.S. Public Health
Service and previously worked for the Veterans Administration.
She said this topic is dear to her, and that she is excited
about the sculpture and the process of people working together
to put such a monumental work together.
MS. LANCASTER addressed three major differences between this
memorial and others around the country. First, it commemorates
the synergy of everyday people, including the pilots, mechanics,
and support people, as well as the actual P-39 aircraft.
Second, it is one of the few she has seen that recognizes the
role of women, particularly women aviators who flew the first
legs of the journey for the lend-lease program. And third, it
demonstrates North America's and Russia's success in cooperating
for the greater good of all people.
MS. LANCASTER informed members that as she looks at the drawings
presented by Mr. Wallen, she finds the sculpture itself
patriotic, moving, and informative, shedding new light on an
important component of that period of time that few people have
heard about. Furthermore, it honors veterans and their
families, who sacrificed so much for the sake of the freedoms
that people enjoy today.
Number 1192
ROBERT PRICE, Board Member, Alaska-Siberia Research Center,
testified via teleconference in support of HJR 27. He also
emphasized how exciting and interesting this project is; he
recalled that while at an Anchorage museum, he was told that
many visitors ask about the lend-lease project and look at
pictures there. Mr. Price said this is a project of national
interest. He commended Mr. Wallen for his sculpting abilities,
mentioning the fine bear sculpture near the Juneau courthouse.
He also noted that HJR 27 will assist the efforts of Mr.
Dolitsky and other board members in trying to persuade Congress
to appropriate funds for construction of the project, first in
Fairbanks and then in other cities.
Number 1344
R.T. ("SKIP") WALLEN came forward to testify as the sculptor who
will build the memorial proposed in HJR 27. He directed
attention to sketches of the monument and the details. He
explained that the [stone] plinth at the bottom of the sculpture
would be about four feet high. Standing on the plinth are two
pilots, each about eight feet high, which puts their heads about
at about [twelve feet]. Behind the pilots, and soaring above
them, is one blade of the P-39 propeller, reaching [seventeen to
eighteen feet] into the air.
MR. WALLEN told members the propeller is from a P-39 Airacobra,
built by Bell Aircraft Company in Buffalo, New York, which he
chose because that aircraft was delivered in the greatest
numbers - more than 2,500 - through Alaska; he noted that an
improved version, the P-63 King Cobra, was delivered in similar
numbers. The [P-39] was unique, Mr. Wallen said, designed
around a cannon that fit in the nosecone; instead of being
synchronized to fire between the propeller blades, it fired
through the center of the spinner, which meant the engine had to
be behind the pilot. A Russian officer, Alexander Akrushkin
(ph), had used an American-made P-39 Airacobra to shoot down 58
Nazi aircraft, Mr. Wallen noted, more than [shot down by] the
U.S.A.'s [aircraft], and yet the story is essentially unknown.
Number 1502
MR. WALLEN explained that the two pilots in the memorial are, in
a sense, symbolic of the home front because the effort was far
greater than the pilots'. In representing the transfer [of
aircraft] in Fairbanks, he had decided to portray the U.S. pilot
arriving: his flight jacket is off; his uniform underneath is
exposed, which gives a chance to show an historically accurate
uniform and some of the insignia; and he is smoking a cigarette,
"politically incorrect but historically accurate," or having a
cup of coffee to indicate his arrival.
MR. WALLEN reported results from his research, reflected in the
sculpture: Pilots were required to wear a uniform under the
flight suit when stopping at the major stopover points on the
lend-lease route such as Calgary, Edmonton, Whitehorse, or
Fairbanks; they always carried the Army-Air Force Alaska flight
manual; and officers' caps started out with a perfect oval on
top, but over time, from the pilot wearing radio gear, the cap
would form an indentation known as a "50-mission crush," which
was the envy of younger officers.
Number 1606
MR. WALLEN turned attention to the sketch of the Russian pilot,
shown departing, with flight gear on, including his helmet,
goggles, and fleece-lined arctic flight suit. He explained that
unlike the U.S. pilots, Russian pilots frequently weren't
assigned to the program as a permanent job; rather, they were
combat pilots who were rotated and who regarded this more or
less as R&R [rest and recuperation] because they were away from
the front and able to fly to Alaska. Many were decorated combat
veterans, depicted in the sculpture through medals on the
pilot's uniform.
MR. WALLEN explained that the texture of the wall behind the two
pilots simulates the fuselage of an aircraft, including rivets;
applying a patina would be done chemically, resulting in a
camouflage Army-green color that was used for many lend-lease
aircraft. Behind the U.S. pilot, he hopes to stencil the U.S.
Blue Star insignia using paint, just as the insignia were
stenciled on the aircraft. Similarly, behind the Russian pilot
would be a painted Russian Red Star. In time, the insignia
would chip and wear off, as happened on the aircraft; he
suggested that from time to time, those could be touched up,
which would make them historically accurate.
MR. WALLEN offered another story learned from his research: By
the end of the lend-lease program, the [Russian] Red Star
insignia was painted on in Buffalo, New York; therefore,
aircraft flying over the U.S. and across the prairies of Canada
and into Alaska had the Red Star on them, an idea that is
difficult to conceive of following the Cold War and the
relationship between the U.S. and Russia. He said it jumps back
to a period of better relationships.
MR. WALLEN called attention to gear at the pilots' feet, perhaps
shoes and other gear that typically would have been there. He
proposed to use that as a screen for floodlights that could be
cast upon the bronze wall and the star insignia at night,
putting the pilots in silhouette.
MR. WALLEN pointed out that on the back [of the sculpture],
etched on a bronze plate, would be a map of North America and
Asia showing the 9,000-mile lend-lease route and the transfer
point in Fairbanks. He informed members that the transfer point
was originally planned to be Nome, but there was too much danger
of a Japanese naval attack there.
Number 1780
REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER recalled that when he was a youngster in
the 1950s growing up in Nome, there were 15 or 20 fighters
wrecked around there, mostly P-39s and P-40s. He told members
that P-39s were obsolete when the war started, and Stalin
"accused us of pawning off old, crummy equipment." He
suggested, however, that it shows how skilled the Soviet pilots
were to be able to use those and become "aces." The [P-39] had
the nickname of "little shaver," he said, and aces like the
pilot who shot down 58 German aircraft mostly used them for
strafing. He explained:
It was a phenomenal aircraft with machine guns to
strafe convoys on their roads, and you had to be a
very skilful flyer to be able to fly that and live.
The engine was behind you when you sat there, and the
crankshaft went between your legs up to the propeller
so that as you burned off fuel, your ... center of
gravity ... shifted aft. So once you got into a spin,
it was very difficult to get out, and if you were
alone, you were basically dead. So these guys made
the best use out of that to stop the ... Nazi
aggression.
Number 0852
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA asked whether the sculpture itself would
be done here.
MR. WALLEN said yes.
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA asked whether Mr. Wallen is doing three
similar sculptures at the different sites.
MR. WALLEN answered that the first project has to be pulled off
first, with the hope that when that goes into Fairbanks,
interest will be generated in both Russia and Canada to have a
monument in cities there. The sculptures would be almost
identical. Referring to the sketches, he pointed out that there
is room for four bronze plaques on each side. Each city where
this would be sited would have its own perspective and own
points to emphasize about that city's role in the lend-lease
program. For example, Great Falls, Montana, might emphasize its
role as the jump-off point; aircraft from all over the country
were flown there first, including those flown by women aviators
who ferried airplanes as far as Great Falls. By contrast, the
Canadian cities might want to emphasize the search-and-rescue
aspect because of their involvement with that. And the Russians
would have their own perspective.
MR. WALLEN specified that first the original sculpture would be
done; molds would be made from that; and then those molds would
be cast and assembled. In response to a further question, he
estimated that from the time he began the sculpture until it was
turned over to the foundry, it would be one year. After that,
work would need to be done at the foundry in Enterprise, Oregon,
assembling the piece and taking care of details, which he called
the worst part of the job because it entails working with
grinding wheels and "a lot of noise and mess." He remarked,
"The Greeks, by the way, had this stuff figured out 5,000 years
ago - wax casting."
Number 1984
MR. DOLITSKY commented on the schedule, noting that if the funds
were received this summer or fall, the sculpture would be
planned to be erected in Fairbanks in May 2003. That would
include the research, casting, transportation, and the opening
ceremony in Fairbanks.
Number 2011
REPRESENTATIVE HAYES suggested amending page 2 of HJR 27 to
provide a copy to President Bush. He noted that the resolution
is already going to Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian
Federation. [No formal motion was made, but Chair Chenault
indicated agreement and no objection was stated; thus the
amendment was treated as adopted.]
Number 2064
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT made a motion to move HJR 27 as amended out
of committee with individual recommendations and the zero fiscal
note.
Number 2085
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA asked that the motion be put on hold in
order to suggest sending a copy to the prime minister of Canada
as well. [Again, no formal motion was made, but Chair Chenault
indicated agreement and no objection was stated; thus the
amendment was treated as adopted.]
Number 2106
CHAIR CHENAULT referred back to the motion to move HJR 27 as
amended from committee. No objection was stated, and he
announced that [CSHJR 27(MLV)] was moved out of the House
Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs meeting was
adjourned at 6:21 p.m.
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