National Guard Sponsorship

PRESS RELEASEAlaska National Guard Renews Partnership with the Iron DogOctober 8, 2010

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – For the second year in a row, the Alaska National Guard will be the presenting partner for the Iron Dog Race.“We are extremely proud and excited that we have the opportunity to continue the great partnership between the National Guard and the Iron Dog for 2011,” said Lt. Col. Joe Lawendowski, Alaska National Guard Recruiting and Retention commander.The popularity of The World’s Longest Toughest Snowmobile Race has seen enormous growth in recent years.“The Iron Dog Race showcases a rider’s physical endurance and mental toughness in a purely Alaskan manner,” said Lawendowski. “In this age of extreme sports this race is among the toughest.”The race begins in Big Lake, heads to Nome, and travels across 2,000 miles of some of the most grueling trails in the world, finishing in Downtown Fairbanks; impacting 26 communities across the state. As Race spectators watch the teams speed through their cities, and villages, they will get excited about not only the Iron Dog, but their opportunity to support the Alaska National Guard.The Guard will be sending two teams up the trail this year one Pro Class team and another Trail Class team yet to be determined. Details regarding the teams will be released at a later date.Iron Dog appeals to the same age group, 18-35, which is the prime age group for the Alaska National Guard and other Military services. The Alaska National Guard has a goal to recruit 600 new people this year. The Iron Dog allows the Guard to increase current recruiting efforts in Alaskan Rural Communities. This in turn will help the Iron Dog increase race participation from those same areas.Kevin Kastner, Executive Director of the Iron Dog states: “The Guard has been fantastic to work with. The ongoing relationship with the National Guard creates amazing opportunities for the Iron Dog. We’re extremely excited about 2011 and our plans to elevate the exposure for the National Guard and all our sponsors. I’m committed to helping the Guard with their mission as they help us with ours. It’s a great partnership.”For more information about the Alaska National Guard, visit their website at www.akguard.com