Alaska
Alaska
The Armed Services YMCA of Alaska invites you to celebrate the 50th Annual Salute to the Military on February 13, 2027! Join us for this milestone year as we honor thirteen of Alaska’s most outstanding junior enlisted Armed Service members who have exemplified service before self throughout their military careers. Honorees are selected by their branch, with one honoree representing each of the active duty branches, the guard, and the reserve annually.
Additionally, the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska honors one Alaska Military Spouse of the Year and the Bobby Alexander Civic Leader of the Year.
Tickets to the 2027 Salute to the Military will be available online starting December 1, 2026.
—————————————————————–
The Annual Salute to the Military got its start in the form of multiple Service Balls hosted by the local Navy League. In 1977, the Navy League, with the support of Senator Ted Stevens, worked with the Armed Services YMCA to create one annual event to honor all service branches and promote community awareness of military performance and service. Since that time, Salute to the Military has become one of the longest-running annual events hosted by a non-profit organization, thanks to the tremendous support of the Anchorage community and military leadership.
Congratulations to our incredible 2026 honorees! Scroll below for a full list of 2026 honorees or to watch our honoree video. To learn more about partnership opportunities, please contact Sarah Riffer at director@akasymca.org.
In 2018, the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska introduced the Military Spouse of the Year Award, which honors the incredible sacrifice and contributions of military spouses. The Military Spouse of the Year exemplifies dedication to the support of their service member, their family, and their community.
Anyone may nominate a spouse to receive the Military Spouse of the Year Award. One winner is selected annually by a local service club. Nominees must be based in Alaska.
The nomination period for the 2027 Alaska Military Spouse of the Year will open October 1–November 30, 2026.
In 2020, the Bobby Alexander Civic Leader of the Year Award was introduced to highlight an individual who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Armed Forces through their dedication to the support and betterment of our troops.
Anyone may nominate a member in the community to receive the Bobby Alexander Civic Leader of the Year award. One winner is selected annually by a local service club. Nominees must be based in Alaska.
The nomination period for the 2027 Bobby Alexander Civic Leader of the Year will open October 1–November 30, 2026.
SGT Jacob Kallio
U.S. Army
SGT Jaime Garcia
Army Reserve
SGT Emmanuel Hansen
Army National Guard
LCpl Kasen Lee
U.S. Marine Corps
LCpl Seth Gillen
Marine Corps Reserve
CM2 Christiana Gadsden
U.S. Navy
YN2 Ryan Boothe
Navy Reserve
SrA Rylie Purdy
U.S. Air Force
SSgt Shawn Goodwin
Air Force Reserve
SrA Israa Kako
Air National Guard
Sgt Dylan Lee
U.S. Space Force
AST2 Braxton Gruner
U.S. Coast Guard
MK2 Jeremiah Spittler
Coast Guard Reserve
Mrs. Julianne Heskett
Alaska Military Spouse of the Year
Dr. MaryBeth Goodman, PhD, LPC-S, NCC
Bobby Alexander Civic Leader of the Year
Visit our YouTube channel for more information about past Salute to the Military honorees.
