The Daily Alaska empire., 1945-02-27
Department Commanders Column
lThe Alaska Legionnaire

(The Alaska Legionnaire) Twenty-six years ago the veterans of World War returning to their homes and attempting to re- adjust themselves to civilian life For many it was a discouraging process as there was organized rehabilitation program and in sharp contrast to our present situation Alaska completely by-passed by war activities.
 We are approaching the end of another war and must avoid a similar situation for our returning service men and While the CT Bill of Rights will materially assist the veterans in their readjust- ment period, it behooves us to plan and prepare a program of development for Alaska that will insure these employment and a more permanent security Local capital is insufficient to adequately develop natural resources outside capital must be encouraged to do it for An Alaskan Develop ment Commission such suggested by the Juneau Chamber of Commerce and now being considered by the Territorial Legislature may be the answer to that problem.
 As we all know, the present war has brought to Alaska progress and publicity far beyond any pre- vous period in history. recent copy of the Los Angeles Examiner quoted one lecturer on the Territory as predicting future population of forty million for Alaska While this sounds fantastic to us at this time, we do know that ex-service by the thousands hope settle here and will welcome all those that the Territory can assimate. But must discourage any who might consider Alaska as a loafers haven in which to weather any depression that might occur during the readjustment period following the war Larges scale development of the Territorial resources to create employment must go hand Tn hand Wltn any great increase in population.
 Our mandate from the 1944 Juneau Department Convention to work for regional office in Alaska of the Veterans Administration is progressing but the need is so urgent that must intensity our demands for immediate action in establishing these facilities This program should include the establishment of a regional office adequately saffed to handle all phases the veterans affairs with suboffices in the larger towns to facilitate veterans needs.
 Adequate disqualification will require as mini mum two large hospitas-one in Southeastern Alaska | and one in Westward Central Alaska staffed and equipped to compare with similar institutions in the States Contracts with local hospitals could be con- tinued to accommodate ex-servce. for minor ailments in localities where the veterans hospitals are not situated.
 While the construction of hospital facilities takes time the Regional Office of the Veterans Administra- ton should be established at once not only to assist the ex-servce men but also all government agencies responsible and concerned in the rehabilitation pro- gram. They severely handicapped in theii efforts prompt cooperation under present set-up.
 We appreciate the consideration that has beer
 given us by the Regional Office in Seattle However
 the tremendous increase anticipated in veterans needs
 makes it imperative that the Territory be immediately 1 provided with it's Regional Office. | w E. HENDRICKSON Department Commander.