Focus
Since 1855, the Washington National Guard's citizen-soldiers have answered the call of duty. "We are one team, one fight," Brig. Gen. Bert Daugherty, commander, Washington Army National Guard (WANG), deputy director of the Washington Military Department and Assistant Adjutant General, said. "We meet all of the active duty Army's standards." "The future of
Housing
Antique shops are doorways to the past. "They are unique; antiques appeal to everyone, no matter their age," Ellen Laguatan, the owner of Sweets-N-Stuff, said. A pleasant woman with a quick smile, Laguatan offers customers a wide variety of candies and a perspective on Tacoma's Antique Row. "Every time you go around
Focus
Spc. Jeremy Baker patiently waited as a little girl climbed up the backside of an inflatable big toy called "Niagara Falls." As the youngster neared the top, Baker, who serves with the 46th Aviation Support Battalion, extended a hand and pulled her up. A moment later, she happily slid down the
Neighborhoods
The nondenominational Christian Fellowship House (CFH) exists for Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) personnel and their families. "We are a ‘home away from home' where Servicemembers and their families can come and experience the word of Christ," Carol Kohl said. "It's good to commit to something eternal and strive to lead your family
Focus
The Zodiac and its seven-member team silently oared across the water, parallel to a small beach. Gliding to a slow drift about 70 yards away, Sgt. David Aitchison, Arkansas Army National Guard, and I eased over the side of the boat and into American Lake. We headed toward shore. As "scout
Focus
The Madigan Foundation began 16 years ago because some wives with children had no strollers. "They had come to Madigan, but they didn't have strollers," Dr. Robert Whitney, DVM, RADM, USPHS (Ret) and president of the Madigan Foundation, explained. "We went out and purchased some strollers, and we grew from there." The Madigan
Focus
The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties stands for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. "We put Christian principles into practice," Kim Ketcham, marketing and communication director at the Lakewood YMCA, said. "Our mission is health - in spirit, mind and body." The YMCA, or initially the Young Men's Christian Association, is
Focus
Even when paralyzed, some veterans continue to serve all veterans. For more than 64 years, the Paralyzed Veterans of America has been on a mission to change the lives and build the futures of seriously injured heroes. "We advocate for spinal cord injured veterans and their health care benefits," Ernie Butler, the
Focus
The Fisher House at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) provides a "home away from home" for families and patients receiving medical care at the Madigan Army Medical Center. "You can get lodging anywhere in the area at any time," Jodi Land, Fisher House manager, said. "But what we provide here is compassion,
Focus
The little things in life can make a big difference. If the "little things" are defined as children needing a one-to-one relationship with an adult, and if the "big differences" are those adults who take the time to mentor a child, then you've got the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest
Focus
The United Service Organization, or USO, began in World War II in order to provide morale support and recreation services to this nation's troops as home and overseas. Today, the USO serves over 1.4 million active duty Servicemembers and 1.2 members of the Guard and Reserves deployed around the globe. Here in
Focus
Since 1895, HopeSparks' counselors initially worked to strengthen civilian families. Over time, their work has extended to military families as well. "Why not have healthy Soldiers in our military?" Joe LeRoy, the program director of clinical services, said. "If individuals - civilian or military need help, we want them to come in
Focus
The Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities, or TACID, is an organization that provides information, services, education, support and friendship to more than 4,000 people with many different disabilities in over 40 disability groups. "We promote independence," Ken Gibson, executive director, said. "We work with people with disabilities and the
Focus
When it comes to opportunities created within a community and the impact they have on individual lives, the United Way of Pierce County (UWPC) makes a positive difference. "The United Way always provides the traditional safety net, the emergency services for those in need," Sean Armentrout, Vice President of Community Education
Focus
As Linda Barnard walked the grounds at CenterForce, she greeted everyone she met with a kind word and a smile. "The clients here teach me as much as we advocate for them," she said. "It's a two-way street." Located near McChord Airfield at 5204 Solberg Drive SW in Lakewood, CenterForce is a
Focus
The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) allows individuals the opportunity to make an impact in this community. During its 50th Anniversary, the CFC remains the largest charitable giving campaign in the world, bringing in over $7 billion since its inception. "The CFC allows every federal employee and member of our Armed Forces the
Focus
Liz Dunbar knows well what it is like to move from one culture into another. "I am an Air Force brat; I am very adaptable," the executive director of the Tacoma Community House (TCH) said. "I was in a lot of places and a lot of cultures; I am very empathetic to
Focus
The Zodiac and its seven-member team silently oared across the water, parallel to a small beach. Gliding to a slow drift about 70 yards away, Sgt. David Aitchison, Arkansas Army National Guard, and I eased over the side of the boat and into American Lake. We headed toward shore. As "scout swimmers,"
Veterans
Bruce McKenty sits with his hands folded in front of him in his office on the second floor of the new Rehabilitation and Learning Center at the American Lake Veterans Golf Course. "One day Francine, my wife, came home from the McChord commissary with an application for the Military Order of
Operation Family Support
On the table against the basement wall stood a glass container of aluminum sulfite and a couple of jars filled with what looked like gunpowder. Some glass containers had wires leading out of them. Switches, steel wool and a soldering gun were nearby on a bench. Oh, and there was a grenade. Someone
