group portrait of all 2023 salute nominees holding their awards

Salute to the Military

Open to Service Members Permanently Stationed in Alaska

Honoring Service Before Self

Each year, the ASYMCA Salute to the Military recognizes thirteen 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.

Thank you for joining us at the 2024 Salute to the Military! Check back in Fall/Winter 2024 for details about next year’s event.

Event Details

The 47th Annual Salute to the Military is now over. Thank you for joining us!

Salute to the Military recognizes thirteen 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 closed. Please check back in Fall 2024 for the 2025 nomination period.

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 closed. Please check back in Fall 2024 for the 2025 nomination period.

2024 Salute to the Military Honorees

SGT Joshua R. Hernandez

U.S. Army

SGT Blake H. Valdez

Army Reserves

SPC Andrina L. Czlapinski

Army National Guard

Sgt Nicholas R. Baumbach

Marine Corps

Sgt Taylor J. Allmond

U.S. Marine Corps

PS1 Emily C. Cobleigh

U.S. Navy

HM2 Ki'Ana A. Kyle

Navy Reserves

SSgt Justin M. Simpson

U.S. Air Force

TSgt Kristin M. Park

Air Force Reserves

TSgt Brittany N. Tussey

Air National Guard

Spc4 Michael J. Hoosier

U.S. Space Force

PO2 Alexander S. Bennett

U.S. Coast Guard

BM3 Kellan P. Ford

Coast Guard Reserves

Mrs. Mary Poe

Alaska Military Spouse of the Year

Geoff Lundfelt

Bobby Alexander Civic Leader of the Year

Salute to the Military

Visit our YouTube channel for more information about past Salute to the Military honorees.