October 24, 2002
Thursday - 12: 30 am

Wasilla - Gov. Tony Knowles on Wednesday awarded a high school diploma to Wasilla sobriety activist Leonard Nugen, in recognition of his service to his country half a century ago.

"Honoring those who earned the diploma for a lifetime of learning is an important symbol of gratitude and recognition." ... Gov. Knowles

"When the world was in peril and Americans were under attack, thousands of young men heeded the patriotic call, left school, and joined the armed forces," Knowles said. "They fought the foe and made the sacrifices. Most who were lucky enough to return to the states simply got on with life, working and raising families. Many never returned to the classroom to earn their diplomas. Vets like Leo Nugen became productive citizens as civilians. They built their communities."

Born in West Virginia in 1924, Leonard Nugen enlisted in the Navy in World War II and served aboard the destroyer USS Philip in the South Pacific, island-hopping in hostile Japanese waters, often under attack. A shipfitter, Nugen performed repair and maintenance on the vessel and was assigned to a gun crew that fired on enemy shore batteries, submarines, and aircraft (including Japanese Zeros).

During his three-year hitch in the Navy, Nugen was allowed shore leave just once, for 17 days. He earned three medals and five battle stars for his service. After his discharge in 1946, Nugen returned to West Virginia to work in the mines and at other jobs to support his family. But Leonard had also started drinking while in the Navy. He was on the road to alcoholism - until he found sobriety.

Nugen began working with other alcoholics in Oregon. In 1966, Nugen and his wife Henrietta moved to Alaska, where he started working with others to develop alcohol treatment programs in halfway houses. After a slip from sobriety himself, Nugen realized that long-term treatment facilities were desperately needed.

In 1981, Nugen started the first long-term care alcoholism program in the state, Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services in Wasilla, also known as Nugen's Ranch. After over 35 years of sobriety, Leonard Nugen has helped many achieve a sober, productive life with his straightforward horse sense and ability to inspire. He retired in 1994 at age 70, but continues to live in the Valley and is never hesitant to talk about sobriety with anyone who wants to listen.

Backed by the Alaska Veterans Advisory Council, Knowles signed the veterans' diploma bill into law last year. It allows the state Department of Education to award high school diplomas to World War II veterans who didn't earn one back in the 1940's.

"Honoring those who earned the diploma for a lifetime of learning is an important symbol of gratitude and recognition," Knowles said. "To date, 143 diplomas have been awarded, and the response has been gratifying. These diplomas are a grand gesture of recognition of the contributions and sacrifices of the generation that served in World War II."

Source of News Release:

Office of the Governor
Web Site

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