Military Life
"We all have our down days," John Peck said from the east coast by telephone, "but we can overcome them." This Marine speaks from experience. During his first deployment to Iraq in 2007, Peck's vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED); the explosion caused traumatic brain injury, amnesia, and an end to
Outdoors
The Russell Landing Marina on American Lake honors the service and memory of Admiral James Russell. Growing up on the lake where he learned to sail, Russell never forgot its importance in his life. After a 40-year career in the Navy -- culminating in his serving as Commander-in-Chief of the North
Outdoors
It's summertime, which means there are great festivals to attend. One of the biggest and best in the Puget Sound region is the Lakewood SummerFEST. Situated in the city's Fort Steilacoom Park, this summer extravaganza hosted nearly 45,000 in 2018, and it is poised to surpass that number this year. Kicking off
News Front
McChord Field's C-17s have returned. Since the work began in March, the base's 10,100-foot runway has undergone a number of much needed improvements. Its reopening was marked by a C-17 touching down at 10 a.m. this past Tuesday. Seventeen more aircraft landed throughout the day, bringing airmen and equipment back
Military Life
Bodybuilders are athletes who, through hard physical work and planned nutrition, chisel their bodies into works of art. In talking about his attitude about bodybuilding, noted bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger once said, "You look at your body and it doesn't even seem to belong to you. It's like a sculpture." On Saturday, June
News Front
The engineers had completed their work, and yesterday morning they watched and listened as the result of their hard work was recognized. "There is a legacy here," said Lt. Gen. Gary Volesky, I Corps Commanding General, moments before cutting a red ribbon to open the new Observation Point 10 Trench Training
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The red poppy has served as a symbol of remembrance on Memorial Day for almost a century. Millions of the red crepe paper poppies have been distributed in exchange for donations that support the welfare of veterans, active military personnel and their families. The wearing of red poppies on Memorial Day is
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Mike Brown held out his red cap. The words "Blue Max" bracketed a blue Maltese Cross with gold eagles between the arms. On the body of the cross appear the French words "Pour le Me'rite." They translate as "For Merit," and they characterize some of Brown's life and thinking. "I am an
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Foresight is the act or power of foreseeing, and it is characterized by prudence and planning. This ability is never clearer -- and more needed -- than for end-of-life planning. Mountain View Funeral Home, Memorial Park and Crematory presents seminars which provide valuable information to veterans and their families to allow them
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Cremation is rapidly becoming the preferred choice for families and friends to pay their last respects to those who have passed. About half a century ago, nearly all who died in the United States were buried and only about four percent were cremated. Since then, economic, societal and religious perspectives have changed
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At military funerals, there is a storied history and etiquette that surrounds the folding of the American flag. Before being stored overnight or presented at a funeral, the Honor Guard will form a triangular pillow out of the flag with only the blue-starred field showing on the outside. The flag is
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Moving a wheelbarrow full of wet cement is a hard chore, especially on a recent, warm Saturday at Mountain View Funeral Home, Memorial Park and Crematory. "Manual labor -- you have to respect it," commented Kimball Jardine as he sat on a pile of cedar lumber. "Not only do you appreciate the
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To take a knee means to pause to rest or make adjustments to a course of action. It also means to honor the fallen. Memorial Day presents an opportunity for the Joint Base Lewis-McChord and surrounding communities to take a knee and reflect on the service of those who gave the last
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To be compassionate is to see suffering and then work to alleviate it. "It takes a deep-rooted level of compassion to train for and respond to the needs of those who are suffering at all hours of the day," explained Ben Harris, chaplain and executive director of Tacoma-Pierce County Chaplaincy (TPCC). "Chaplaincy
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A funeral is a solemn occasion characterized by tradition and respect. It is a day of dignified celebration of a life lived. "The process of death is as important a part of the life cycle as birth," said Savannah Luna. "The beginning and end of life require a great deal of
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Since 1868, Memorial Day has been a celebrated day in American history, one in which all fallen veterans are remembered. Mountain View Funeral Home, Memorial Park and Crematory honors this sentiment, and it does so in an inclusive manner to embrace those soldiers that have given much to the country but
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Challenge coins are a tangible source of pride that extends back to the Greek and Roman armies. Some historians have commented on the fact that these soldiers carried coins to commemorate battles as proof of their bravery and unity in confronting an enemy. The record on the history of these coins became
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The honoring of passed veterans on Memorial Day is a responsibility that Mountain View Funeral Home, Memorial Park and Crematory and DuPont Cub Scout Pack 472 take seriously. "I've always been a big believer in American patriotism, and I think it is very important to not forget all of the heroes,
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In 2012, The Museum of Flight at Boeing Field in Seattle launched Project Welcome Home. "This project is for Vietnam veterans and the sacrifices they made," said David Cable, a former Navy A-6 pilot who flew 100 missions over North Vietnam. The effort raised about $3 million, and it restored and relocated
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Armed Forces Day allows Americans to thank those who currently serve. That said, it is also a good time to express appreciation to those who have served. This act can take the form of a strong handshake, a solid pat on the shoulder, a long hug, or a noticeable nod
