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.
