As commissioner for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and adjutant general for the Alaska National Guard, I am responsible for ensuring all personnel aggressively root out any harassment, hostile work environments, sexual assault or trading of sexual favors. These actions have no place in America’s work environment. This responsibility to our military family and our state workforce is nonnegotiable.

When Gov. Sean Parnell spoke at the Alaska Federation of Natives conference in Fairbanks last week, he clearly stated that respect is a traditional value that crosses all cultures. This is also true when it comes to the culture of the military. “Choose Respect” is not a slogan — it is a way of life for our military community, as it should be.