Alaska Gov.’s Son Enlists in Army

Friday September 14, 2007 3:31 AMANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - The 18-year-old son of Alaska’s governor enlisted in the Army on the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Sarah Palin’s son, Track, will report for basic training next week at Fort Benning, Ga., said the governor’s spokeswoman, Sharon Leighow. Neither he nor family members are commenting on his decision to sign up Tuesday.

The Palin family wants to keep private some aspects of his decision, Leighow said.

Track Palin was adamant about not wanting publicity, said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Nagl, the station commander at the Wasilla recruiting office where he signed up. Nagl would not discuss details of the enlistment.

In a statement provided by the governor’s office, Track Palin said he had considered joining the military “for a while now” and that he looks forward “to the challenges that will come as I answer the call and serve my country.”

After training, he could be assigned to any infantry unit in the world, but Pentagon spokesman Cmdr. J.D. Gordon said all infantry units eventually spend a tour of duty in the Middle East.

Track is the oldest of four children, and the only son, of the governor and her husband, Todd Palin. The family lives in Wasilla, about 40 miles north of Anchorage.

Track is a former Alaska All Stars hockey player and played junior hockey in Michigan during part of his senior year, Leighow said.

Source: Guardian Unlimited