Sen. Sullivan highlights ‘Alaska Comeback’ defends strategic Arctic interests at American Legion Convention
Katie Stavick
Frontiersman
April 28, 2026
U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan addressed Alaska veterans, service members, and families at the American Legion Department Convention last weekend, lauding a “real comeback” for the state, driven by recent congressional victories and a revitalized military buildup in the Arctic.
Speaking to the men, women, and their families at the convention, taking place at Susitna Valley Post 35 here in Wasilla, Sullivan praised the Legion Family for their “relentless efforts” in advocating for Alaska veterans. “All Alaskans, all Americans should begin when they talk about the American Legion with just a giant ‘Thank you.’ Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you do.”
Senator Sullivan, a member of American Legion Post 28 and a Marine Corps veteran, emphasized the critical role Alaska plays in national security and the need for continued vigilance regarding Arctic sovereignty.
He credited the Working Families Tax Cuts Act and recent Defense Authorization provisions with shifting the state from what he described as federal overreach to a new era of opportunity.
Key Highlights of Sullivan’s Address:
- Arctic Military Expansion: Sullivan highlighted the largest military buildup in Alaska since World War II, including the strengthening of the 11th Airborne Division at JBER, F-35 squadrons and KC-125 tankers at Eielson Air Force Base, and progress on reopening the Navy base at Adak. “We have been waiting for a long time on this…the Alaskan military comeback is happening.” Sullivan also said that there will also be an expansion at the Port of Nome as it becomes the first U.S. deep-water port in the Arctic.
- Coast Guard “Comeback”: The Senator touted a historic, $25 billion investment to rebuild the Coast Guard, specifically citing plans to homeport more icebreakers in Alaska, including the Storis in Juneau. “That is the biggest investment in the Coast Guard in American history, and no state is going to do better than us in the Coast Guard build-up.”
- National Security Threats: Sullivan warned against the growing foot print of adversaries in the Arctic, citing Russian bear bomber incursions in recent months, stressing that “the Arctic can no longer be treated as a strategic backwater.” He also highlighted several high-profile military operations, saying that whether one believes in the wisdom of the operations, everyone should agree that the level in which the men and women are operating are at “a remarkable level of professionalism, proficiency, and bravery.”
- Veterans Care: Sullivan honored the work of local American Legion Posts in mental health, supporting the national Legion’s “Be the One” initiative to prevent veteran suicide. He also touted the success of the 2018 Mission Act, which included a provision that allows for states without a full-service VA hospital, veterans are able to receive care from community health care providers. “As a fellow veteran, there is nothing more important for me than taking care of Alaskan veterans and making sure every single one of you gets the benefits that you have earned.”
Following his speech, Senator Sullivan took time to meet and chat with veterans, including a group of female veterans.
Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is a prominent U.S. veterans organization founded by American Expeditionary Forces in Paris, France, following World War I. It was established to support veterans, focusing on rehabilitation, national security, and youth programs, notably driving the creation of the VA and the GI Bill.
American Legion Post 35 was established in 1981 in Wasilla, Alaska. Located at 4180 Tweed Court (Mile 46 Parks Hwy), it provides services for veterans and their families and acts as a community hub, offering youth programs, veteran advocacy, and support.
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