GALLERY: Alaska National Guard initiates proactive response to coronavirus pandemic

WASHINGTON (SBG) - The Alaska National Guard has established precautionary efforts despite having some of the lowest coronavirus contraction rates and death tolls in the United States. According to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, there are 337 coronavirus cases and a total of 9 deaths statewide.

The state has had some of the lowest concentrations rates and death tolls in the nation.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, in early March, activated the State Emergency Operations Center under Alaska's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The purpose was to create a network of resources for local communities and agencies across the state.

According to the Department of Defense, Joint Task Force Alaska also worked with the Alaska Organized Militia. Alaska Organized Militia includes the Army and Air National Guard, the Alaska State Defense Force and the Alaska Naval Militia.

"I can't help but be aware of the fact that we stand, once again, on the stage of history," said Army Capt. James Tollefson, a Joint Task Force Alaska operations plans officer. "The COVID crisis will subside eventually and be followed by landmark reforms and legislation, just like [Hurricane] Katrina, the Enron collapse, the Great Recession and 9/11 were. Each of us engaged in this response will have played a small but essential part of that historical drama."

In situations like state emergencies and the coronavirus pandemic, the National Guard is often a last resort to help fulfill missions "when other state, private and nonprofit resources are unavailable or unable to meet requests directly related to an emergency or disaster."

During this pandemic, the Joint Task Force Alaska, the Alaska National Guard and the rest of the organized militia have worked together to support the communities throughout Alaska that are dealing with the effects of this pandemic.