Gov. Palin knows the surge has succeeded. She's the commander of the Alaskan National Guard . . . She has been in charge and she has had national security as one of her primary responsibilities.
Sen. John McCain
Interview with ABC News
September 3, 2008
Occasions in which Palin retains command authority over the 4,200-member Alaska National Guard are whenever the Guard responds to in-state natural disasters and civic emergencies, said Campbell, who also serves as the commissioner of the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
"We've deployed individuals in state service all over the state under Sarah Palin," he said. "We had defense men down in Seward for the (Mount) Marathon run doing security.
"Out west and northwest we had erosion problems, and the National Guard was involved in some of the protection out there. About three days ago, the Army National Guard picked up a lady from Little Diomede (Island) . . . at the request of state troopers."
Did Palin directly approve each of those activities?
No, Campbell said.
Official: Palin's never issued an order to Alaska Guard
Anchorage Daily News
September 3, 2008