Diane Benson
Fairbanks Pipeline Company
Former Alaska Lt. Governor Candidate
Chugiak, AK
When my son was severely injured in the Iraq War I could not imagine how he or our family could ever recover. Within weeks after losing both legs to a bomb my son saw a poster at physical therapy of an amputee skiing. He decided that was what he wanted to do. He and his wife thereafter learned together to ski, scuba dive, and bike marathons. When people come together as a community and provide opportunity to those struggling; make the dream of being in motion come true, lives change and communities are enriched. Today, my son and his wife are happy and active. After our time at Walter Reed Army Medical I had to do something and so I became involved in various groups including the ADA Commission, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 10041, the Anchorage Chamber’s Military Appreciation Committee, the Military Order of the Purple Heart and now, HAVE-Alaska.
Kyle Moxley
U.S. Army Ret.
Tolsona Lake, AK
"I served in Iraq 9/1/2003 – 3/26/2004 when I was severely injured by an IED during a patrol in Fallujah. I have since been through multiple surgeries and therapies that enabled me to keep the presence of my right arm. I have since earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and am currently working on my M.B.A . I have always envisioned myself in the military and now that I can no longer physically be in the military, I can be an active part of veteran’s lives."
Karla Moxley
Educator
Tolsona Lake, AK
"Although I have never actively served
in the military, I have been influenced by my father and brother, both
Marines’ drill instructors, and my wounded warrior husband, Kyle. Since
my husband’s injuries, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge, lists of
resources and numerous contacts that I enjoy sharing with other wounded
soldiers and their families. As the primary caregiver of a wounded
soldier, I offer a unique prospective towards interacting with and
caring for wounded warriors. I am a wife, a mom of five children, a
high school math teacher and coach, plus I am earning my Master’s in
Educational Leadership."
Brenda Rebne
President-Ahtna Facilities Services
Anchorage/Cantwell, AK
"In this last year, I’ve spent a lot of time at a medical facility that services wounded warriors. Nothing can make a person enjoying freedom feel smaller than being face to face with a wounded warrior. The sacrifices are great and for these strong and valued warriors lifelong. What can I do to say thank you? Words are so fleeting and thank you just isn’t enough. So I’m going to commit to this cause and do the best job I can. As the saying goes, “I don’t know, what I don’t know” but I’m willing to learn and I’m willing to put the time in to help make the organization worthy of its mission and do something positive that actually means something more than a thank you could ever do. How much more would it do for a wounded warrior that may have thought they would never be able to enjoy the outdoors or those activities again? I can’t imagine. If I can play a small part in making that happen, I’m there!"
Aaron Bloomquist
Full Curl Outdoors
Tok/Copper Center, AK
"My dedication to our veterans stems from a reverence for “The Greatest Generation” in my family. Of my grandparents and great uncles, seven served in World War II. My grandfather Charlie Fisher served in every theater in WWII. He was the inspiration for much of my love of the outdoors. He instilled in me a respect and admiration for those that fight so we, as Americans, may live free and fulfilling lives. I organized our first Wounded Warrior bear hunt in 2006 after reading about veterans fishing trips on Kodiak Island. I was honored to share the field with Dan, Doc, and Brian, all severely injured Veterans of the war in Iraq. I hope all the veterans served by HAVE-Alaska are as excited to spend time in our great State as I am to host them on their adventures."
Mark John
VP-Marketing-Major Alaska Corporation
Anchorage, AK
"I have the utmost respect and admiration for our military. Their un-selfless service and bravery does not get recognized nearly enough. I believe we should express our gratitude to our veterans, those who are presently serving and those who have served each and every day, not just on special occasions. We should not forget their service but do all we can to provide them what they require to do their job now and assist them when they return; especially those harmed and wounded protecting our personal freedom. Let us always be thankful for the contributions of our military and not forget the sacrifice they have made for us."
Ron Jordan
U.S Navy 1969-1974
Anchorage, AK
"I am a Navy veteran myself. I was A Navy medic from Aug. 1969 to January
1974. In that time I served with the 12th. Artillery third Marine
Division. I also served with the Kenai Alaska National Guard as A medic
1977 to 1978 after coming back to Alaska and while living in Homer in
1974 to 1978. Being able to help and improve the life style of the
military injured and being able to give them the self reliance to do the
things that they would like to do for themselves is a good thing."
Craig Fleener
Dept. Commissioner ADF&G - Game
Fort Yukon/ Anchorage, Ak
(Currently deployed to Afghanistan with the National Guard)
Bruce Morgan
President - Sampson Steel
Anchorage, AK
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