Honoring Service Before Self

The Salute to the Military is an outstanding example of a program that promotes awareness of military performance and service through the combined efforts of the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska and the Anchorage community. The local Navy League originally started the program in the form of multiple Service Balls. In 1977, the Navy League, struggling with community support for these multiple events, worked with the ASYMCA to create one annual event to honor all service branches. 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 in large part to the support of the Anchorage community and military leadership.

Each year, twelve exceptional enlisted service members, representing each of the Active Duty branches, the Guard, and Reserve, are recognized for their outstanding achievements. The representatives are hosted for three days and attend the Salute banquet with over 500 guests.

The ASYMCA Salute to the Military event has received numerous awards, including the 2007 Outstanding Program Achievement Award from Raytheon.

EVENT DETAILS:

Saturday, February 15, 2020
William A. Egan Center
555 W. 5th Avenue, Anchorage
No-host Cocktails 6:00pm
Dinner Begins Promptly at 6:45pm
Attire: Formal

Download the 2019 event program here.

SPOUSE OF THE YEAR:

“Not everyone that serves this nation raises their right hand to take an oath; military spouses begin military service when they extend their left hand to take a vow.” — Cindy Wilsbach

The AYMCA of Alaska will honor a military spouse whose dedication to support of their service member, family, and community exemplify the ideal of "Service Before Self." The Spouse of the Year is chosen using a community nomination and selection process. The selected Spouse of the Year is recognized with honor at our Annual Salute to the Military, along with the 12 outstanding service members selected from each branch of military service in Alaska.

Nominations for the 2020 Salute event are currently closed.

TICKETING INFORMATION:

To purchase tickets for ASYMCA's Annual Salute to the Military, please click the "Purchase Tickets" button below. General admission, military discounted tickets, general table purchases, and sponsored seats can all be purchased through this ticketing portal, beginning around mid-November.

JUNIOR ENLISTED TICKETING:

SPONSORS:

We have several table sponsorship opportunities available. For more information about sponsoring a table at this event and the benefits of sponsorship, please click Sponsorship Opportunities below, contact our Executive Director by calling 552-9622, or email us here. If you are ready to get started with your table sponsorship or would like to sponsor individual seats for junior enlisted military, please download the appropriate form and submit the completed form by clicking Submit My Forms below.