GALLERY: Alaska National Guard initiates proactive response to coronavirus pandemic

WASHINGTON (SBG) - The Alaska National Guard has established precautionary efforts despite having some of the lowest coronavirus contraction rates and death tolls in the United States. According to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, there are 337 coronavirus cases and a total of 9 deaths statewide.

The state has had some of the lowest concentrations rates and death tolls in the nation.

Alaska Army National Guard Soldier Sgt. Kekoa Maclovesramirez stacks boxes of food donated from local Alaskan food banks at Beans Cafe in Anchorage, Alaska, Apr. 8, 2020. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Alaska National Guard Soldiers have taken the weight of the load for much needed volunteer hours at Beans Cafe, that feeds thousands of local Alaskans in the Anchorage area. (U.S Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Seth LaCount/Released)

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, in early March, activated the State Emergency Operations Center under Alaska's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The purpose was to create a network of resources for local communities and agencies across the state.

According to the Department of Defense, Joint Task Force Alaska also worked with the Alaska Organized Militia. Alaska Organized Militia includes the Army and Air National Guard, the Alaska State Defense Force and the Alaska Naval Militia.

Alaska Army National Guard Sgt. David Osmanson, assigned to the AKARNG Recruting and Retention Battalion, prepares sliced turkey entrees for prepackaged hot lunches in the kitchen at Bean's Cafe in Anchorage, Apr. 8, 2020. "We couldn't do what we're doing without these Soldiers' help," said Scott Lingle, Food Service director of Bean's Cafe. "We appreciate the labor, the attitude and the willingness to help." (Alaska Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Seth LaCount/Released)

"I can't help but be aware of the fact that we stand, once again, on the stage of history," said Army Capt. James Tollefson, a Joint Task Force Alaska operations plans officer. "The COVID crisis will subside eventually and be followed by landmark reforms and legislation, just like [Hurricane] Katrina, the Enron collapse, the Great Recession and 9/11 were. Each of us engaged in this response will have played a small but essential part of that historical drama."

In situations like state emergencies and the coronavirus pandemic, the National Guard is often a last resort to help fulfill missions "when other state, private and nonprofit resources are unavailable or unable to meet requests directly related to an emergency or disaster."

Alaska Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the AKARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion volunteer at Bean's Cafe in Anchorage in an effort to feed thousands of local Alaskans amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Apr. 8, 2020. The prepackaged meals are distributed to Alaskans in the Anchorage area, that are sheltering at local Sullivan and Boeke arenas. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Seth LaCount/Released)

During this pandemic, the Joint Task Force Alaska, the Alaska National Guard and the rest of the organized militia have worked together to support the communities throughout Alaska that are dealing with the effects of this pandemic.