group portrait of all 2023 salute nominees holding their awards

Salute to the Military

Open to Service Members Permanently Stationed in Alaska

Nominate a Military Spouse Nominate a Civic Leader

Honoring Service Before Self

Each year, the ASYMCA Salute to the Military recognizes twelve exceptional enlisted service members, representing each of the active duty branches, the guard, and the reserve are recognized for their outstanding achievements. Additionally, the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska honors one Alaska Military Spouse of the year and the Bobby Alexander Civic Leader of the Year.

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, the Annual 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.

Save the Date! The 2024 Salute to the Military will be held February 17 at the Marriott Anchorage Downtown.

6:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception Starts

6:45 p.m. Gala Starts

Event Details

The 47th Annual Salute to the Military will be held on February 17, 2024! Check back December 2023 for ticket information.

Salute to the Military recognizes twelve exceptional enlisted service members, representing each of the activite duty branches, the guard, and the reserve are recognized for their outstanding achievements.
Service members are nominated by their branch.

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 2024 Military Spouse of the Year is now open! Nominations are accepted through January 4, 2024.

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 2024 Bobby Alexander Civic Leader of the Year is now open! Nominations are accepted through January 4, 2024.

2023 Salute to the Military Honorees

SGT Christian Colón

U.S. Army

SFC Brandon Nye

Army Reserves

SPC Austin Morton

Army National Guard

CPL Dakota Craven

U.S. Marine Corps

LCPL Kenneth Scott

Marine Corps Reserves

PO1 Joe Hornish

U.S. Navy

PO1 Ronie Marc Salvador

Navy Reserves

SSgt Danielle Kerfeld

U.S. Air Force

SSgt Timothy Hoeler

Air Force Reserves

SrA Keeana Fielder

Air National Guard

PO1 Ethan McKenzie

U.S. Coast Guard

PO1 Kirstin Eaker

Coast Guard Reserves

Mrs. Lori Hunter

Military Spouse of the Year

Ms. Tanya Pont

Civic Leader of the Year

Meet Our Honorees

Visit our YouTube channel to learn more about our 46th Annual Salute to the Military award recipients.