Welcome RED FLAG-Alaska participants! Published April 1, 2008 By Brig. Gen. Mark Graper 354th Fighter Wing commander EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- It is my distinct pleasure to welcome our U.S. and allied participants to Eielson Air Force Base and 2008's first RED FLAG-Alaska exercise! Whether you're a repeat guest or are making your first visit to the Great Land, I'm sure you'll find the state, its residents and your Iceman Team hosts welcoming and hospitable. I'd like to give a special welcome to our international friends; distinguished leaders, aircrews and support personnel from Great Britain, Australia and Canada. We look forward to working alongside you to make this training experience a memorable and rewarding one. The world-class training provided via RED FLAG-Alaska has a distinct and time-honored lineage, dating back to COPE THUNDER exercises both in Alaska and at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. RF-A builds on the lessons learned from previous iterations as well as those derived from current world contingencies to provide participants the most realistic, challenging and educational air combat simulation possible anywhere in the world. Our exercise planners and staff will work to ensure you're continually challenged and tested throughout your stay. When you're not immersed in the training environment though, I encourage you to make the most of your free time with us in Interior Alaska. The Fairbanks North Star Borough community is well known for making the military feel at home. Alaskans offer peerless hospitality to visiting guests in general and service men and women in particular and there is no shortage of uniquely Alaskan adventures to be had. Whether your interests are geared to all-terrain vehicle excursions or late-night Aurora spotting, you should enjoy your off-duty time. Before you venture off the beaten path, though, please make sure you have an experienced local wingman with you; humans are not at the top of the food chain in Alaska. I also want to inform you of the extensive morale, welfare and recreation opportunities at Eielson. Our Mission Support Group has myriad events, socials and activities scheduled during your stay; pick up a copy of the Mukluk, our monthly Force Support Squadron publication, or the base newspaper, the Arctic Sentry, to find out about what's going on around the base. You can also tune in to GCI cable TV channel 5 to catch the latest news. RED FLAG-Alaska exercises are made possible thanks to the planning and diligent efforts of many, and I'd like to thank in advance the men and women of the 354th Fighter Wing, and all associated planners and support staff, for building another fine exercise. Icemen: please join me in welcoming our guests and ensuring their stay is positive in all regards. Welcome once again. I wish you a memorable and rewarding stay in Alaska. Check Six!