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In the center of a sun-filled supply bay in a motor pool near Sheridan Gym, 10 soldiers grunted and sweated on yellow and black mats as they worked on their grappling moves. "They're practicing hard to perfect their ground games," said Sgt. 1st Class David Jones, the senior instructor at Joint
Operation Family Support
For the fourth straight year, Joint Base Lewis-McChord hosted a Surviving Family Members Appreciation Day Aug. 13 at the American Lake Community Center. "This is a good place to bring together all the information and services for survivors and family members," said event director Luann Brooks. "The tradition of helping those
Focus
The Greek historian Herodotus described an Athenian warrior who had been struck blind "without blow of sword or dart" when a soldier standing next to him was killed. Psychiatry calls the invisible wound Herodotus described as post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. This diagnosis - which became widely known after the Vietnam
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Cindy Mozingo's red, white and blue stovepipe hat drew a lot of attention. "Oh, it's a friend's hat, and she made me wear it," she said with a smile after being interviewed by a local television station. Her friend's husband was one of the 250 soldiers assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord's 4th
Focus
There were 11 soldiers, two sailors and one Coast Guardsman standing on the helicopter landing deck on the stern of the USS Port Royal. A part of the Seafair Parade of Ships last week, the ship and its crew were pleased to witness the naturalization of fellow service members. "As we
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It was a small ceremony, but its implications were large. "You are combat veterans, and that is something very special," said Col. George Abbot, commander, 96th Troop Command. "But more important, we are here to help you." On hand for the Freedom Salute Ceremony at the Tacoma Armory Aug. 7 to honor
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If Brig. Gen. Lloyd "Milo" Miles has his way, the soldiers assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord will be dancing under the lights. Alluding to boxing great Muhammad Ali, Miles made it clear that greatness comes only through hard work and preparation. "Before the next fight - before we dance under the lights
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For about 500 loved ones and friends, the hours long wait at Sheridan Fitness Center for their soldiers last Friday morning was worth it. To while away the time, individuals checked text messages, kids bounced and kicked beach balls and babies did the only smart thing - sleep. But finally the wait
Focus
Storybooks for Healing is an eight-week group-writing program designed to assist individuals burdened with grief to return to an active life. Moved by the death of a friend's daughter, in 2008 Joan Hitchens began laying the foundation for the program. At its core, SFH is about putting pencil to paper in order
Focus
If compassion is the only coin of value, then the memorial tree planting ceremony held in honor of Staff Sgt. Chenin Iglowitz was priceless. On a perfect summer afternoon on July 31, approximately 60 family members and friends assembled at the east end of the Madigan Pond for the memorial. The
Jobs
Editor's Note: Photojournalist J.M. Simpson recently spent four weeks with a number of students who underwent truck driver training. In bringing products to market, the trucking industry leads the way. While ships, trains and airplanes carry a significant amount of commercial cargo, only the trucking industry provides door-to-door delivery and pickup for
Veterans
Desiree McKinney slowly began to paint a yellow sun with orange rays in the middle of a quilting square. "I came mainly for her," said her mother, Bernita McKinney, an Army veteran. But after watching her daughter work for a while, McKinney began to paint on an old camouflage jacket. "This
Operation Family Support
Staff Sgt. Chris McMillen stood on the shore of American Lake and watched the fishing boats come in. "It is really excellent to be here today and being able to go fishing," he explained. Assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, McMillen has returned from Afghanistan recently. "This
Operation Family Support
Experiencing the death of a loved one is a fact of life. And when a loved one dies, it can be difficult to help children cope with the loss, particularly as the surviving parent(s) confront their own grief. Counselors say that how much children grasp about death depends upon their age, life
Veterans
Iraq war veteran Rick Lawson has a unique way of helping himself and other veterans honor their service. "Painting onto the back of my uniform jacket was a way to honor the memories that only those who wear the uniform can understand, and at the same time convey those experiences to
Veterans
For some veterans, the Korean War is an experience to be remembered and honored. That remembrance occurred the morning of July 24 for a wreath laying ceremony at the Washington State Korean War Veterans Memorial on the East Capitol Plaza in Olympia. The event marked the 57th year since the signing
Focus
Jennifer McPhee's eyes filled with tears as she struggled to find words. Her thoughts centered on her daughter, Megan Olivia McPhee, who passed away in March. She was 18 months old. "I think this event is so wonderful; it's a way to remember those we've lost," McPhee said as she tied a
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At a redeployment and change of command ceremony held Thursday morning on Watkins Field, a soldier received a Silver Star, a brigade was welcomed home and then reflagged and one commander relinquished command to another. Several thousand individuals turned out to officially welcome home 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division from its
Focus
The Washington Army National Guard's 133rd Army Band adds a perfect note to summertime in the Northwest. "We are very fortunate to play for veterans and the surrounding communities," said Sgt. Christopher Coutsouridis, as he warmed up on his drums. "It is really good to be here and entertain the veterans at
Focus
The McChord Honor Guard Team sets the standard in representing the colors, the United States Air Force and this country. "This team is very impressive," said Tech. Sgt. Bonnie Longie, a team member for two years and the team's noncommissioned officer in charge. In fact, the team has been so impressive that
