[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 22, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S5502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            PROMOTION OF JAKE LESTENKOF TO BRIGADIER GENERAL

 Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, today I come before you with pride 
to recognize and honor Jake Lestenkof upon his promotion to brigadier 
general. General Lestenkof is a native Alaskan who is the adjutant 
general of Alaska. He has held a number of important positions both in 
the Federal Government, Alaska National Guard, and private sector. 
General Lestenkof is a greatly admired and respected leader throughout 
the State and by the National Guard.
  General Lestenkof entered the Marine Corps as an enlisted man in 1951 
and served both in the United States and the Republic of Korea. After 
leaving active duty, he joined the Alaska Army National Guard in 1956. 
Over the years, he has held a number of positions within the Alaska 
Army National Guard. He was appointed assistant adjutant general, Army, 
and served in that position until 1990.
  General Lestenkof took over the Alaska National Guard on December 21, 
1994. Since that time, he has worked to integrate the Alaska National 
Guard with our Nation's defense requirements. General Lestenkof has 
worked closely with the U.S. Army, Pacific, and the National Guard 
Bureau, to build units that are relevant to the total force as we move 
into the 21st century.
  It is my pleasure to see him promoted in acknowledgment of his years 
of service to the country and to the State of Alaska. I am very honored 
to be able today to recognize General Lestenkof and his distinguished 
career. Congratulations to him and his family and the Alaska National 
Guard.

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