Military Appreciation Celebrations

Congratulations Military Appreciation Veteran Awards 2023 Winner Lon Rake!

Lon was active duty in the US Airforce from January 1984 until December 1989. He was stationed at Eielson AFB in Fairbanks, Alaska, and Soesterberg AFB in the Netherlands. He traveled extensively throughout Europe during his overseas tours and returned to Alaska shortly after being discharged.

Lon now works for Copper Valley Telecom as their Plant Superintendent since January 2010. He remains involved Valdez community. He is on the involved with the Pioneers of Alaska, Valdez Fly-In, and Copper Valley Electric Association Board of Directors. He is also involved with his church functions, parades, school wrestling and many other community opportunities. He stated that he feels "it's important to give back to the community in which you live". 

Lon has lived in Alaska in multiple locations since 1984 but enjoys Valdez the most. He lives here with his wife, Sandra, and has a son who has moved back to Valdez after college. Lon enjoys hunting, fishing, cooking, barbequing, and making sausages or other types of charcuterie.   

Lon received a myriad of awards during his service:

AF Achievement Award

AF Outstand Award

AF Good Conduct Award

AF Longevity Service Ribbon

AF Overseas Ribbon Long & Short Tours

AF Training Ribbon