Eagle Forum Dinner & 1st Annual Fall Feast

Representative John Coghill accepted the Eagle Award from state chair of Eagle Forum Debbie Joslin in front of a full house at the cermony at Dalman's Family Restaurant in North Pole.

The award is given out each year by the Eagle Forum the people who stand out in their service to God, Country and Family. Representative Coghill ran for public office because of his beliefs in the rights of unborn children, preserving the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, and preserving families.

Representative Coghill's wife, Luann, along with his sons and daughter attended the dinner along with their spouses and Representative Coghill's three grandchildren. Representative Coghill's dad, former Lt. Governor Jack Coghill was scheduled to attend, but weather conditions prevented him from driving up from Nenana. He was missed.



Steve Joslin and three of his and Debbie's kids sing "God Bless the Last Frontier" before dinner begins.


District 11 Secretary Debbie Vance got to introduce Lt. Governor Loren Leman. She said it was her first time speaking before a large group so she said she was a little nervous. She didn't show it and did a great job.






Lt. Governor Loren Leman told the audience the first time he met Rep. Coghill he didn't like him, because they were on rival high school basketball teams and Nenana whooped Leman's Ninilchik team.

But the second time he met John Coghill he knew they had a lot in commonwith their faith and the position on family issues. Lt. Governor Leman said several times when he has been unable to attend a function, he has asked Representative Coghill to take his place. Guests from the west side of the borough, Dave Williams and Mike Dalton listen to Lt. Governor Leman along with vice-chair of District 11, Doug Isaacson.

Representative Jay Ramras thanked Representative Coghill for serving as his mentor.

Joe Miller speaks about Rep. Coghill being a significant influence for him running for the state house in 2004. Keep an eye on this guy. Although he lost in 2004, expect to see him in public office someday.

Josh Coghill listens to Representative Jay Ramras talk about his dad's influence on his political decisions. Jay said Representative Coghill has taken him to the principal's office more than once to straighten him out. Josh is holding his niece Grace Green.

Representative Ramras and Fairbanks Hostess Miss Ruby Riddle welcome to North Pole Rick VanderKolk. Rick is committee aide for the Joint Armed Forces Committee of the Alaska State Legislature. Rick was an instrumental behind the scenes strategist for the presentations to the BRAC Committee to Save Eielson.

Jonathan and Ruth Ewig share their table with the Joslin kids. Jonathan and Ruth are loyal Right to Life volunteers.

Dr. Peter Marshall, Brenda Hewitt, Kathleen and Joe Miller awaiting a delicious steak and shrimp dinner.

Mike Prax, Mike Miller, Jacqueline DiSpoto, and Lenny and Ellen Ayotte listen to Representative Coghill's acceptance speech. He was grateful for the award and said it was a motivater for him to accelerate continue battle the activist courts that are rewriting our laws.

The food was delicious and the service was first class. Dalman's Family Restaurant pulled off their first banquet with perfection. Thanks, Debbie, Jamie, and Elizabeth.

The District 11 Executive Committee met with former Senator Mike Miller and Representative Coghill after the dinner to discuss the coming up elections. From the far left clockwise: Debbie Vance, Secretary; Leslies McFarlane, Badger #2 precinct chair; Mike Miller; Representative Coghill; Mike Prax, Chairman; and Doug Isaacson, Vice-Chairman.