Navy Seaman recruit Wayne M. Cook completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. He is a 2006 graduate of World Harvest Christian Academy in Eagle River.

Governor Sean Parnell on Nov. 9 named Brig. Gen. Thomas Katkus of Chugiak as the new adjutant general of the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. He fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Lt. Gen. Craig E. Campbell, of Eagle River, who was sworn in as lieutenant governor on Aug. 10. The adjutant general serves as commander of the Alaska National Guard and oversees the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Katkus most recently served as acting commissioner of the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. He worked for more than 20 years with the Anchorage Police Department and, concurrently, nearly 32 years with the Alaska Army National Guard. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from St. Michael's College in Vermont and a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

His appointment must be approved by the Alaska Legislature to become official. The Legislative session begins Jan. 19, 2010.