By Michael Tolzmann
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – When the son of a Mineral couple steps outside, inhaling crisp air on a base surrounded by mountains and pristine wilderness in America’s “last frontier,” he is far more likely to run into a bear or moose than an enemy of the United States.
But Air Force Staff Sgt. Raymen C. Gordon, son of Raymond and Janette Gordon, Belmont Road, Mineral, and the rest of his colleagues, are strategically as close to North Korea as they
are to Washington D.C. Gordon recently participated in a massive American military exercise called “Northern Edge,” where more than 9,000 U.S. service members sharpened their skills for responding to crises throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Gordon is an F-15 fighter aircraft electrical and environmental systems specialist with the 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “I’m responsible for overseeing electrical and environmental system repairs pertaining to the F-15 C and D models. I am also responsible for providing training to young airmen, so they 
may become proficient at their assigned jobs,” said Gordon, a 2000 graduate of Spotsylvania High School.
Military maneuvers over the Gulf of Alaska and areas of the Alaskan wilderness, in an area the size of New Mexico, allowed for aircraft to conduct maneuvers in ways that cannot be done anywhere else.
Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel participated with aircraft flying in simulated air combat, many times flying in excess of the speed of sound, a restriction 
found nearly everywhere else in the United States. Naval warships and land-based forces also synchronized with aircraft in creating a large combined force.
For Gordon, this important exercise provides an opportunity for his unit to better itself in combat situations and in working with other American military services.
“Being a part of this exercise helps me to better function with the other military services. My command will gain experience and show everyone else that we can work together with other services, becoming stronger than we were and be able to destroy anything that threatens the American way of life in our area of responsibility,” said Gordon.
With Alaska situated between Russia and Canada, and within a good part of the Arctic Circle, the region provides a unique setting for both 
professional and personal experiences.
“To train in Alaska is a very challenging and rewarding experience. I personally like the fishing, wildlife and beautiful scenery. Alaska is truly the last frontier,” said Gordon.
Gordon’s personal military background illustrates why his experience is ideal for military operations in Alaska, such as this one.
“I’ve been in the military for nine years and I served in Iraq and Kuwait in 2006. My future plans are still undetermined, but I plan on finishing my bachelor’s degree. I really enjoy being in the military and plan on making a career out of it,” said Gordon.
With the sounds of jet aircraft screaming overhead, wildlife such as moose and bears are undeterred from randomly appearing at this frontier base. But with vigilance found by service members serving in this geographically important location, their efforts will help keep the region’s greater threats at bay.
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