Alaska News

Parnell meets with Alaska National Guard members

With details of investigative files chronicling widespread misconduct in the Alaska National Guard public, Gov. Sean Parnell met with guard members Sunday afternoon in a closed-door session on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, officials said.

The town hall meeting was billed as a way for Parnell to hear candidly from soldiers themselves about reforming the guard.

Aside from a few photos released by Parnell's office to the press, what was said at the gathering is under wraps.

The event was not open to members of the public or media, and colonels and generals were asked not to attend, said Parnell spokeswoman Sharon Leighow.

"The decision was made to close to media and members of leadership so governor could have an open and candid discussion with members of the guard," she said.

The governor did not make any significant policy or personnel announcements at the meeting, she said. About 350 guard members attended.

"(Parnell) heard directly from Alaska National Guard members regarding their concerns and thoughts on moving forward and restoring trust in leadership," Leighow said.

Michelle Theriault Boots

Michelle Theriault Boots is a longtime reporter for the Anchorage Daily News. She focuses on in-depth stories about the intersection of public policy and Alaskans' lives. Before joining the ADN in 2012, she worked at daily newspapers up and down the West Coast and earned a master's degree from the University of Oregon.

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