National Guard, tribal consortium team up in St. Mary’s, Western Alaska
Alaska Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Eddie Jones, a Bethel-based recruiter, joins Andreafski High School students as they perform a traditional Yup’ik dance in St. Mary’s, Alaska, March 31, 2023. The Association of Village Council Presidents recently partnered with the Alaska National Guard to provide recruiting information and resources through their Tribal Job Centers. The initiative kicked off in St. Mary’s with presentations from AVCP and AKNG, where representatives interacted with students, parents, teachers, and community members. AVCP provides community development, education, social services, culturally relevant programs, and advocacy for the people and 56 tribes of Western Alaska. (Alaska National Guard photo by Balinda O’Neal)