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A lot has gone into the history of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, which celebrates 100 years in 2017. Some of the places we've all known and loved have a history worth noting in this centennial year. The following are some examples: The Soldier's StatueLocated at the intersection of 41st Division Dr. and
Education
Military families new to Washington state will discover that like any other duty station, public schools have a number of requirements exclusive to graduation in their districts. In Washington, one of the big programs involves as many as 100 hours of volunteer community service each year. Called the Culminating Project, this program
Operation Family Support
Ever wondered how different things would have been if you had been taught how to communicate and take care of your marriage before your first child was born? Some Air Force couples are getting an opportunity to do just that in a class being piloted at the McChord Clinic that is
Operation Family Support
Medical staff members and managers of military installation resources gathered Monday on a racquetball court in a Joint Base Lewis-McChord gymnasium to learn how to play a modified version of volleyball. The net was set 3.5 feet above the ground and instead of standing, the participants sat on the floor
Focus
About 33 spouses of airmen assigned to the 4th Airlift Squadron at McChord Field boarded a C-17 Globemaster III recently for the flight of their lifetime. During the one-and-a-half hour flight - which took them on a scenic tour of along the coast and over the Puget Sound - the spouses,
Focus
Evan Essex has a generosity of spirit that far exceeds his 13 years. When faced with the challenge of completing a project to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, he knew immediately that he wanted to do something to help others. During a brainstorming session with his parents on the way home
Focus
Between them, Ginny Venable and Loretta Olson have about 85 years of volunteer service with the American Red Cross. Venable, now 88, began as a volunteer who went door to door requesting donations while her husband, Ben Venable (now deceased), who retired as a U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and served
News Articles
About five years ago, the base realignment committee voted to combine Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base into a joint installation in an effort to save taxpayer money and improve operations efficiency. Since the process began in February 2010, visible signs of the transition have been implemented, including police cars
News Articles
On Monday morning, hundreds of servicemebers lined up outside the Carey Theater on Joint Base Lewis-McChord to attend an all-call conducted by Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During the meeting, which was conducted in a town hall format, Mullen discussed such issues as veteran homelessness, dwell
Operation Family Support
Sometimes it is not a lack of programs that prohibit military families from seeking help. Rather, it is a lack of direction or information on how to access those initiatives. At Joint Base Lewis-McChord programs are constantly being added and implemented to meet the needs of active duty servicemembers and their
Military Life
Putting together a honey-to-do list for her husband is the least of Susan Forester's worries as she prepares for her husband, Capt. Brian Forester, to return from Iraq later this summer. For one thing, Forester, a company commander for the 4th Brigade, deployed in October when his son, William, was about
Focus
Like any rite of passage, becoming a pilot has many components. There are some things - such as flying solo - that every pilot in training does but not necessarily at the same time. Then there are other things - such as breaking of the wings and getting dunked after the
Health
As the number of servicemembers returning from combat with severe wounds continues to rise, so do the reports of medication abuse and suicides with pain as a possible contributing factor. As a result, Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, Army Surgeon General and Commander, U.S. Army Medical Command, announced plans to make
Operation Family Support
Your spouse is deployed, and you are hundreds or even thousands of miles from your family, so who do you turn to when you have a problem? Perhaps a car broke down, or you were laid off from your job and your household monthly income has been greatly reduced. Or maybe
Operation Family Support
Moving to a new duty station can be a daunting experience to say the least. Many spouses that have been through it will tell you that educating yourself about the area helps tremendously. These spouses may research the obvious topics such as schools, public transportation, shopping centers, medical facilities, dentists, and children's
Focus
Lt. Col. Rodney Lewis tells his airmen, "Remember who you are." He wants to remind them that they are part of a rich heritage. "This is a way for me to remind them of the sacrifices made before they arrived in the squadron and to understand that we will leave our legacy,"
Focus
In May, Madigan Army Medical Center (MAMC) was among 270 hospitals that were recognized for their environmental achievements. However, MAMC was the only Army facility, (along with 26 civilian hospitals and facilities) that received the Partners for Change, with Distinction Award. The award is one of several bestowed on facilities throughout the
Operation Family Support
Are you looking for a special place to share a picnic lunch with your sweetheart? If so, Washington state has places along the Pacific Ocean, amongst the mountain ranges, in the National parks, on islands, near the beach, with views of whales, lighthouses, the Seattle skyline, and beautiful lush gardens. Before you
Operation Family Support
Every state in the United States boasts some unique bird-watching excursions, and Washington State is no exception. Whether you are out to see Bald Eagles, Laysan Albatross, Hermit Warblers, or Spotted Owls, Washington has some breathtaking locations for spotting birds. Some of the top locations include: Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, Olympic National
Operation Family Support
It costs about $60 for a family of six to visit the Seattle Art Museum. If that same family visited the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle, the cost would be about $40. However, from now until Labor Day more than 700 museums throughout all 50 states are offering free
