Alaska AFI is excited to announce the South Central Installation Club, the first of three officially-sanctioned Installation Clubs in our state. The State of Alaska and our Armed Forces have shared a symbiotic relationship for many years and our AFI leaders in Alaska hope to continue and strengthen that relationship. The AFI program in Alaska aims to build upon the three pillars of the AFI program, active duty, veteran engagement and legislation. This is the first step towards meeting that goal and building a robust Armed Forces Initiative here in the 49^th state.

Our new Installation Club in Alaska will make it much more efficient for transient military populations to enter the BHA community in their new duty station, and engage with projects and events specific to their club. We want our military members and their families to be able to have the same appreciation for Alaska’s vast hunting, fishing, and outdoor opportunities as those of us who are fortunate enough to call Alaska home. Alaska AFI will work to lower the barrier of entry to hunting and fishing for military members and encourage stewardship, ownership, and engagement in the conservation of our public lands, waters and wildlife. The sanctioning of the installation club in South Central is the first major milestone along the way to completing this mission. The goal of building two other sanctioned clubs in Alaska is very attainable and we look forward to expanding our reach statewide.

Alaska BHA and our AFI program recognize the unique strengths that military members, veterans, and their families bring to BHA’s overarching conservation mission. Our active-duty members, veterans, and their dependents have a significant role as advocates for the conservation of our public lands, waters, and wildlife. Together, Alaska BHA and the AFI program will work towards the goal of educating and equipping our military members, veterans, and family members with the necessary knowledge to be able to enjoy our vast public lands. We look forward to watching this program grow, to see what it will contribute, and to see what we can give back. If you are, or know of a service member, veteran, or military dependent in Alaska who would like to get involved, contact your local chapter at [email protected].