Operation Family Support
Not to be outdone by their colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate created in July of last year a bipartisan Military Family Caucus to focus on issues facing military families and on improvement of existing programs and services. The House Military Family Caucus is comprised of 76
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Capt. Jennifer Stringer is a registered nurse who serves in the Madigan Healthcare System. Earning her certification - and having it presented to her on Certified Nurses Day - made her smile broadly. "It represents the extra work you put into your specific nursing field," the psychiatric/mental health nurse said moments after
Focus
The dance down the long, dark and cold hallway had begun with a conversation and ended with a show of force. "We're training to perfect close quarters combat (CQC) skills," explained ‘Sgt. West' during an earlier briefing. "Once we've perfected our skills, we will be in a position to train others." After
Focus
Capt. (Dr.) Barrett Campbell faced a double challenge. During a patrol, he and four soldiers came across a vehicle that had been hit with an improvised explosive device. Sounds of a gun battle sounded surrounded them. One soldier lay on the ground, conscious with a severe laceration on his lower right leg. The
Veterans
The Lakewood Knights Lions Club exists as an example of humanitarian service in this community. "We are a family that cares for the community, and the community is our family," said Balarie McLeod, president of the organization. Her words hearken back to the history and mission of the Lions. Founded in 1917
Focus
The Chinook dropped out of the sky, hovered for an instance, and then gently touched down on LZ (landing zone) Goldfish. Moments later, approximately 15 Soldiers comprising "Red Platoon" and assigned to A Troop, 1st Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment came off the ramp, fanned out and dropped to the ground. As they
Health
At three years of age, Matthew Little is a happy boy. "His gift is his smile," said his mother, Christie, as she held his hand. "You cannot have a bad day with him." Born with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), Matthew is severely disabled. CMV is the most common congenital infection cause of
Military Life
Years ago, the enormity of a household move overwhelmed Becky Donkersley. "I was crying and a Soldier walked by me and said, ‘Everything will be OK,'" she said. She never forgot that act of kindness. Today the activities director at the Lakewood Healthcare Center, Donkersley welcomed approximately 30 Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM)
Military Life
Spc. Nathan Gumbert grew up poor. "Growing up poor is hard on kids," said the Joint Base Lewis McChord Soldier, who is assigned to the 47th Combat Support Hospital (CSH), as he sat in a Tillicum Elementary School classroom. "I grew up poor; I know what a lot of these
Focus
The sky was crystal clear and blue over Mount Spokane outside of Fairchild Air Force Base last Saturday. It was also very cold. "I'm excited to be out here today and learning more about winter survival," said Pfc. Kristina Steele, A Company, 341st Military Intelligence (MI) Battalion, Washington Army National Guard,
Focus
The Madigan Healthcare System's Green Team walks the talk of sustainability. "We practice sustainable health care," said Mike Kyser, an environmental protection specialist. That's an understatement. Over the past decade and a half, Madigan has partnered with Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Environment Sustainability Program and compiled an impressive and award-winning record of
Focus
Pfc. Joseph Wilson responded to the command, "Ready Up!" As his M-4 carbine came up to his right shoulder, he sighted in on a cardboard, human silhouette target 20 yards away and switched off the weapon's safety. Repeatedly, Wilson and approximately 30 Soldiers attached to B Troop, 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment,
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The Madigan Healthcare System has two very good reasons to smile. Staff Sgt. Joseph Vespe and Spc. Jose Velasquez recently were named Madigan's Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2010 and Madigan's Soldier of the Year for 2010, respectively. "It is great to be recognized," said Vespe. "I agree," added Velasquez. "Recognition by
Focus
Spc. Rafael Rios slung a rope over his right shoulder and began to quickly pull the green, hard plastic medical sled toward an evacuation point. "This is hard work," he gasped as he stepped aside to let Pfc. Tim Young step up and into the rope harness and begin pulling. "Like I
Focus
Some people in the area have noted that not everyone pays proper respect to the nation's colors during Retreat, the time of the day when the flag is lowered. "At lunch, a few military co-workers and I were discussing the problem of people on base not stopping in the afternoon when
Operation Family Support
There is a baby boom about to happen within the Joint Base Lewis-McChord community thanks to the arrival home last year of 18,000 troops. And, Anita Nowocin is ready to help make these moms and dads feel honored and thanked for their service. Despite organizations donating free diapers, formula, bibs, sippy
Veterans
It was a quiet, simple ceremony comprised of soldiers honoring a fellow soldier. In this instance, though, the soldier being honored is one from World War II, a member of the Greatest Generation. Assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, Staff Sgt. Alfred Eye survived the Japanese attack
Focus
Christian Hamilton is not your typical long-distance runner. "I'm here to show my support for those who have been wounded and those who have given their all," said the staff sergeant, who is assigned to the 17th Fires Brigade on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. While about 700 runners prepared for a 5K run
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Col. John Norris takes one last look at soldiers from 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division after relinquishing command to Col. Michael Getchell. During a tearful speech at Soldiers Field House, Norris could not thank enough the city of Lakewood, the JBLM community and his fellow Raiders for their support in
Focus
Preparing and training to successfully confront and defeat threats to this nation is at the core of the training each soldier undergoes. For the past nine years, the Army has conducted combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In prosecuting the Global War on Terror (GWOT), commanders and their soldiers have concentrated
