Coast Guard Family Has Shared Time at Ceremony
By Air Station Sitka
Participating in two time-honored military traditions in one day is an event one Sitka Coast Guard family will never forget.
Both Alex Duarte and his wife Jessica enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard more than a decade ago. Since then the California natives who met when stationed in Alameda, California, have re-enlisted several times. Re-enlistment, a formal recommitment to further military service, is traditionally administered by a Coast Guard officer. For Jessica, the June 15th re-enlistment was special in that it was administered by her husband, and newly commissioned officer Ensign Alex Duarte.
Air Station Sitka crews flew the Duartes to the top of Mt. Dranishnikof on Baranof Island with the still snow-capped peaks in view. There, Alex Duarte took the oath of office, achieving his goal of earning his commission in the U. S. Coast Guard. Only minutes later, he performed his first official duty as an officer – re-enlisting his wife.
For the Duartes, it’s been a whirlwind year of changes. Less than a year after moving to Alaska from southern California and just over a month after the birth of their second son, Alex’s promotion means a career change and leaving the wild Alaskan frontier behind for sunny San Juan, Puerto Rico. They will depart Sitka on July 5 with their baby and 2-year-old son.
Alex’s long awaited commission through the Coast Guard’s Direct Commission Officer program follows his 12-year career as an operations specialist, a subject matter expert in Coast Guard mission logistics and communications aboard Coast Guard Cutters at sea and Sectors ashore. He graduated from the California Maritime Academy with a degree in global studies and maritime affairs before reporting to Air Station Sitka.
Petty Officer Jessica Duarte, now a reservist, is credited by her husband with encouraging him to pursue his goal. Originally from the Sacramento area, Jessica joined the Coast Guard in 2008. Her support and service were instrumental while Alex attended Cal Maritime Academy from 2016 to 2018. Having her husband administer her third reenlistment was “such a special moment for our family and in our career,” she said.
Ensign Duarte will begin his new career as a marine inspector apprentice at Sector San Juan, ensuring the environmental and physical safety of some of the world’s largest commercial vessels. It’s a career he relishes for the diversity of opportunities and public interactions that his new job will afford him.
As they prepare to pack their family for another change of station, Alex and Jessica are thankful for the opportunities the Coast Guard has already provided them, as well as the chance to celebrate their important career milestones in Coast Guard style.
Climate Connection:
By Lisa Sadleir-Hart
I recently returned from a trip to Glacier Bay National Park where climate change was undeniably evident in the receding glaciers and low rainfall. I was delighted to minimize my carbon footprint by accessing local foods. I purchased greens, radishes and pickled vegetables from Stellar Botanicals/Fucus Fugue, coffee from Sentinel Coffee, fresh baked bread from Patrick (the roaster) and local fish from Pep’s Packing. I also visited Juneau both ways and purchased Barnacle Foods kelp salsa at Fred Meyer and visited Coppa for their locally produced ice cream and witnessed Juneau residents trading rhubarb for food credits there. The food was delicious and I felt good supporting the local growers, fishers and roasters of Gustavus and food entrepreneurs of Juneau – all part of a growing regional food system in Southeast Alaska.
Sitka also has committed individuals who are working to reduce food’s carbon footprint and create economic food opportunities on micro and larger scales. I think of fellow community supported garden box growers – Down-to-Earth and Middle Island Garden and Florence Welsh – the grandmother of gardening here in Sitka who’s shared her knowledge with so many of us over the years. I think of St. Peter’s Fellowship Farm, part of the Sitka Local Food Network, dedicated to bringing locally produced vegetables to the Sitka Farmers Market. I think of Rising Tide Bagels, Sweet Sisters Caramels and Theobroma Chocolate. I think of Alaskans Own and Sitka Salmon Shares and the Sitka Sound retail store on Katlian. I think of the partnership between STA and the U.S. Forest Service to grow Tlingit potatoes. I think of Gimbal Botanicals’ commitment to sustainably harvest beach asparagus and Alaska Pure Sea Salt’s success.
The list runs long and is growing AND these entrepreneurs need your support. It’s hard work to start a food business and keep it profitable. Can you commit $10-20 per week to support local food this summer and reduce your food’s carbon footprint? Attend the 12th season of the Sitka Farmers Market that starts in July or check out Soil & Salt marketplace and vote climate and local with your food dollars.
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Lisa Sadleir-Hart is a volunteer with the Citizens Climate Lobby in Sitka, food producer and nutritionist.
Story Time Set
The Preschool Story Time at Sitka Public Library will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 27.
Pie is for Sharing,’’ by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard, will be one of the readings during an event that includes readings, rhymes, songs and a craft project. Everybody is welcome.
The event is part of A Universe of Stories Summer Library Program. For information call 747-8708.
Class of 1969
Plan Reunion
Local graduates of Sitka High School class of 1969 are invited to a meeting 6 p.m. June 27 at the Jan Love residence, 1503 Davidoff Street, for the final planning for the 50th class reunion dinner.
The reunion dinner will be 7 p.m. July 20 at the golf course.
On Dean’s List
Sydnee Kimber, of Sitka, was named to the McKendree University, St. Louis, Missouri, dean’s list for earning a grade point average of 3.60 or higher during the spring semester.
Dan Neumeister, Senior Executive Vice President, dann@searhc.org (907) 364-4457
BIHA to Meet
Baranof Island Housing Authority board of commissioners will meet 5 p.m. June 26 at 245 Katlian Street.
Re-Enactors Sought
For Fourth of July
To march in the July 4 parade, Steve Dalquist is enlisting men for Sitka Ninth Infantry to simulate the newly arrived American forces of 1867 who marched through the streets of New Archangel for the historical Oct. 18, 1867, transfer of Alaska from Russian claim to the United States at Sitka.
Dalquist invites anyone interested in post-Civil War 1860s American military uniforms and black powder weapons to call him at 752-0750. Youths who could carry a drum or guidon (flag) are also welcome.
Assistance with costumes and weapons is available from Dalquist and others.
Other men, women and children in 1860s costumes are welcome to walk with the troupe.
UAF Announces
Honor Roll Lists
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has announced the students named to the deans’ and chancellor’s lists for the spring semester.
Students receiving a 3.9 grade point average or higher are placed on the chancellor’s list, while those receiving a grade point average of between 3.5 and 3.89 are named to the deans’ list.
Tristan Van Cise, of Sitka, has been named to the chancellor’s list.
On the dean’s list from Sitka are Ben Holmgren, Walter Palof, Ava Parrish, Maddy Quealey, Jada Sheldon and Leif Van Cise.
On Dean’s List
Hannah Kimber of Sitka has beennamed to the dean’s list at Missouri State University, Springfield.
Undergraduate students’ criteria include enrollment in at least 12 credit hours during the spring semester and at least a 3.50 grade point average on a 4.00 scale.
Discussion Set
On Death, Dying
Sitka Public Library and SEARHC are partnering to offer Cupcakes and Conversation, a series of discussions related to death, dying, and bereavement.
Adults are invited to participate in a discussion focusing on death stories in the media 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at Sitka Public Library.
‘‘Bring your knowledge and experience, hear from others, and ask questions,’’ organizers said.
The meeting will be co-moderated by Dr. Kimberly Capp and Erin Matthes, health educator and licensed professional counselor specializing in grief counseling. Cupcakes will be served.
Contact Matthes with questions at 966-8720 or ematthes@searhc.org.
Music Festival
Cafe Concert Set
Sitka Summer Music Festival will present a free café concert 6:30 p.m. June 26 at the Mean Queen. All festival details can be found at sitkamusicfestival.org or 747-6774.
Evening Concert
For Music Festival
Sitka Summer Music Festival will host a concert 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at Centennial Hall.
Featured will be violinsts Helen Kim and Allison Bailey performing Leclair’s Sonata for Two Violins and Brahms’ Clarinet Trio with Ted Gurch, Zuill Bailey and Piers Lane.
A pre-concert conversation is at 6:45 p.m. More information is at sitkamusicfestival.org
