Breaking: Charlie Huggins files for governor

By
Suzanne Downing
-
10

On the Rick Rydell Show this morning, former Sen. Charlie Huggins announced his run for governor. His wife, Becky Huggins, made the call on his behalf, since Huggins is hunting this week on a long-scheduled trip. Huggins has filed his letter of intent, which allows him to raise money and explore how strong support would be for his candidacy.

Huggins is a Republican who served in the Alaska Senate, representing District E, the Wasilla area. He was Senate president during the 28th Alaska Legislature, with a caucus of 13 Republicans and two Democrats.

The retired U.S. Army Ranger colonel has said for some time he planned to file, but after Sen. Mike Dunleavy suspended his campaign this morning, decided now was the right time.

[Read: Dunleavy suspends campaign to focus on health]

The Huggins have three children,

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his service in the Vietnam War. That is one award below the Medal of Honor.

From his biography, he has a long career of military service, including:

Military Service: 1970 – 1995
Platoon Leader, B Company
– 75th Ranger Regiment: 1970
Vietnamese Airborne Division, Vietnam: 1971 – 1972
Company Commander, C Company, 1-505th
– 82nd Airborne Division: 1973 – 1974
Battalion Commander, 1-60th Infantry: 1984 – 1986
Task Force Commander, Sinai, Egypt: 1986
8th Army Aviation Officer, South Korea: 1987 – 1990
Senior Army Advisor, Alaska National Guard:
1992 – 1994
Military Officer Qualifications:
– Airborne
– Ranger
– Rotary Wing Flight Aviator
– Fixed Wing Flight Aviator
– Infantry Officer Advanced Course
– Command and General Staff College
– Air War College
– Center for Creative Leadership
Military Awards:
– Distinguished Service Cross
– Silver Star
– Bronze Star V
– ARCOM V
– Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry
– Vietnamese Parachute Badge
– Combat Infantryman’s Badge
– Airborne Wings
– Ranger Tab
– Aviator Wings

This is breaking news and will be updated.

10 COMMENTS

  2. I cannot imagine a better person for the job. He is not only extremely well qualified, but he is truly a genuine American hero. A man for the times we now live in. A man for all Alaskans.

  3. Charles Roy Huggins is one of the most highly decorated soldiers to serve in Vietnam. We need to be rigorous in examining his positions on the issue, but should do so knowing that we could not be led by a more honorable person:

    “The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Charles Roy Huggins, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Airborne Division Assistance Team, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Captain Huggins distinguished himself while serving as an advisor to the 81st Ranger Group, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, during the period 20 April to 20 May 1972. As the 81st Ranger Battalion began to retake the enemy-held northern sector of the besieged provincial capital of An Loc, Captain Huggins accompanied the forward elements and directed massive air strikes on the enemy positions while exposing himself to the intensive barrage of enemy fire. In an attempt to further identify enemy troop positions and anti-aircraft sites, he made a nighttime infiltration of the enemy who repeatedly subjected him to heavy indirect and small arms fire as he moved from house to house. On three other occasions, Captain Huggins prevented enemy troops and tank attacks from overrunning the friendly positions while exposing himself from rooftops and forward positions to a fusillade of enemy fire. The professional knowledge and courage he displayed in combating numerically superior enemy ground forces served as an inspiration to the friendly troops and provided the determination to successfully fulfill their mission. Captain Huggins’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.”

  4. Alaska is very fortunate to have a man of Mr. Huggins caliber willing to subject himself to the rigors of a campaign for Governor. Thank you Col/Senator/Candidate Huggins.

  6. Mr. Huggins will definitely get my vote, I am very pleased to know he is running. Would even be interested in helping on his campaign. I am a former Marine Corps Intelligence Analyst assigned to USCENTCOM during the Beirut Crisis working with the J-2. Have been an investigator in Alaska for the past 30 years. I possess a Detective Agency license, PD-1183 and work independently. If I can be some assistance, at no cost, please let me know.

  7. I have known Charlie and Becky for more than 30 years.

    They are the Great American couple.

    Charlie will always do the harder right, rather than the easier wrong- even when no one is around to see.

    ALASKA could do no better.

    RLTW

Comments are closed.