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Cadet Anthony Orkiolla spoke to 60 fellow Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets in a clear and confident voice as they stood at the base of a 40-foot rappelling tower last Sunday morning. "Lock it up," he said as he brought the University of Washington's Kennear Husky Battalion to attention as the
Operation Family Support
To honor the service of active-duty and retired service members, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company is celebrating National Military Appreciation Month in November. "We greatly appreciate the service and sacrifice of those who serve us," said Tina Torfin, guest relations manager at Northwest Harley-Davidson in Lacey. To honor local service members, the dealership
Veterans
Jake Robinson stood in the light rain and held his right thumb against a wall under the name of a soldier - Jerry M. Shriver - with whom he served in Vietnam. "He was a great soldier," he said as he fought back tears. "A truly great soldier." A former member
Veterans
In researching this story on Veterans Day, I talked with and listened to a number of individuals about their service to this nation. While interviewing this diverse group of individuals, I asked each one of them if they were a hero. They all said no. There was no hesitation in any of
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Mike Batnick knew the project he worked on in 1969 would be a part of American history. A talented electronics technician, Batnick worked as the quality control inspector on the passive seismic package that went with Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin when they became the first humans to
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The timing was perfect. This past weekend, the nationwide "Make A Difference Day" and the National Guard initiative "Guard the Environment" coincided in a show of community cooperation. Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Washington Army National Guard soldiers volunteered to help the environment and strengthen community ties. "It is very important for us to
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Oso grinned as she gnawed on a chew toy. A little over a year ago, several soldiers assigned to 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, serving in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, found the pup digging for food in a garbage pit. "One of my buddies brought her back," related Sgt. Phil Bourrillion. The undernourished pup
Education
Earning an education can be the start of turning an individual's life around. For almost 40 prisoners incarcerated at the United States Army Regional Confinement Facility, Joint Base Lewis-McChord Main, the opportunity of making that turn is a reality. Formerly known as the Fort Lewis Regional Correction Facility, the Level II medium-custody
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There is strength in brotherhood. In a rare confluence of wanting to serve their country and earning the benefits that come with such service, three brothers - Senior Airman Tristan Barton, Senior Airman Josiah Barton and Senior Airman Jeremiah Barton - present themselves as a small "band of brothers" within the
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Talking with country western singer Jo Dee Messina is as real and comfortable as wearing a pair of well-worn blue jeans. "I don't wear fancy clothes; I am not a product of the industry," said the singer during a telephone conversation from Nashville, Tenn. "You either like me or you don't." Born
Operation Family Support
As Ken Stockton made animals from balloons and Christopher Bance conjured cards from his jacket's lapel, the City of Lakewood saluted its military neighbors at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. "It's nice to be here and see that folks here support us," said Pfc. David Stinar, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. While there was
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"I have been honored to serve with heroes like you," said Col. David Funk as he looked across Watkins Field at 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. "The Army and nation cannot show you enough gratitude," he added before he and Command Sgt. Maj. Alan Bjerke uncased the brigade's colors. Since being certified
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Fifteen former Marines riding Harley-Davidsons rolled into a Lacey parking lot Saturday morning. Members of the Marines Motorcycle Club, they wore their scarlet and gold globe and anchor patches proudly. "Anytime we're asked to help out, we are glad to do so," commented Wayne Cook, the chapter's president, as he stood
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Since the inception of the Madigan Healthcare System in 1944, one of its points of excellence is its state-of-the-art research platform. At the center of that platform is the Department of Clinical Investigation, or DCI, a premier basic medical research center. "We can rival any major university in research capability," said
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Despite the steady rain that fell yesterday morning, Major General John Johnson, commander, I Corps, thought the weather brought relief. "It's a great day in spite of the rain," commented Johnson prior to the 17th Fires Brigade's uncasing ceremony at Soldier Field House. "It beats the heat these soldiers felt while in
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Under a cloudy sky with a hint of sunlight squinting through, soldiers and civilian employees at the Madigan Healthcare System joined hands around the Madigan Pool. This simple action reinforced the idea that in light of the attack on the United States on 9-11, Americans have not forgotten and are unbroken
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In a simple and time-honored tradition that stretches back to the Roman Empire's legions, Command Sgt. Maj. Miguel Guante-Rojas assumed Madigan command sergeant major responsibilities last Friday. "Today, the NCO is of greater importance than ever before," said Col. Jerome Penner, commander, Madigan Healthcare System, the second largest medical center in
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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
