Alaskans who served in the Territorial Guard will no longer be able to count their service towards Army retirement benefits. The largely Native militia formed to guard the territory of Alaska from the threat of Japanese attack during World War II. 27 surviving members of the Territorial Guard currently qualify for benefits, which include health care and monthly payments. On the Senate floor this evening, Senator Lisa Murkowski demanded the benefits be reinstated and asked for an apology from Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage
