He also paid tribute in his State of the State Address to Alaska service members sent to Haiti to help with relief efforts.
Parnell says Alaskans also admire the courage of siblings Christa and Julian Brelsford. The Alaskans were in Haiti when their building collapsed. Christa was airlifted to Miami, where her leg was amputated.
Parnell said he spoke to her this week, and notes nothing could crush her spirit.
She told him she's grateful for the support of Alaskans for her, her family and the people of Haiti.
She encouraged Alaskans to be thankful for everything and to count life as a "big blessing."
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