Veterans
There is a parallel between the Vietnam War and the present conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. "I served in Vietnam," said Jake Myers, an Army veteran and area businessman, during a telephone interview. "I also think we should be willing to help those who are now serving in harm's way." To that end,
Resources
A campfire can help to heal the wounds of war. "It's where the closure began, where soldiers could talk to other soldiers who understood what each other was saying," explained Chuck Spoerer. Closure for Spoerer meant coming to grips with the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) he suffers since serving as an infantryman
Education
Learning is a lifelong process, and Pierce College, a comprehensive, public two-year community college, is able to help soldiers and their family members achieve their educational goals. The college has two campuses, the Pierce College Fort Steilacoom site and the Pierce College Puyallup site. Moreover, the college has a Fort Lewis
Focus
When Staff Sgt. Emily Suhr attempted to enlist in the Army, she was told not to bother.The Air Force and Navy said the same thing.The Marine Corps, however, said otherwise.“The Marines were my last choice, and they took me,” said Suhr as she sat with her husband, Mathew. After six
Veterans
For families with loved ones deployed to either Iraq or Afghanistan, this weekend’s Deployment Fair should not be missed. The event will be held at the Evergreen Elementary School from 9 to 5; dependents must bring the service member’s name and address to enter.With approximately 17,000 soldiers from Fort Lewis
Focus
Staff Sgt. Shannon Harris is an important soldier.She is the noncommissioned officer in charge of Madigan Army Medical Center’s central material services. In other words, she oversees the work of 13 soldiers and 15 civilians to ensure that all surgical implements used at MAMC and 68 clinics are sterilized.“The tasks
Military Resources
Local businesses and their chambers of commerce strengthen the relationship between Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base. “The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce truly appreciates all that our troops and their families sacrifice to keep us from harm’s way and to protect our way of life,” wrote Linda Smith, president and
Focus
For Staff Sgt. Christina Winter, joining the Army was for her the best decision she has ever made.“No doubt, the best thing I have every done,” said the noncommissioned officer (NCO) who serves in the Madigan Army Medical Center’s (MAMC) emergency room.“I grew up sheltered, and while serving my country
Education
Laurie Brunk said she is responsible, smart, good with people and puts the needs of others first.Come to think of it, the qualities she described match what is expected of professional truck drivers.A placement specialist at Commercial Driver Services (CDS), Brunk is an integral part of the school’s success.CDS works
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As about 40 soldiers assigned to the 42nd Military Police Brigade, the rain increased in its intensity.“No matter, it’s good to be out of the office,” said Capt. Dan Naab, the brigade’s information operations officer.“It’s also a nice way for us to thank the community which supports us.”Nabb and the
Health
The Army is growing at Fort Lewis.Over the past year, the number of births at the Madigan Army Medical Center (MAMC) has increased.“Intentionally and unintentionally we are growing the Army,” said Col. (Dr.) Peter Nielsen, chief, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), with a big smile.The birth rate at MAMC currently ranges
Health
Contracting a seasonal flu is uncomfortable; contracting H1N1 (Swine) flu can be much more problematic. To be sure, the Department of Defense has labeled H1N1 as having minimal operational impact, and it is identified as being less severe than seasonal flu.With the potential of a flu epidemic in mind, the
Focus
Sgt. Nathan Boyce is dedicated to the Army.“I am up front with what I think,” said the native of Texas. “If I have a good thought, it will be articulated.”And what he is up front about is his dedication to his soldiers and the Army.“It’s what I am all about,”
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Small drawings can tell great stories.“I try to capture the mood, time and sense of a place,” said Patrick Haskett as he made a pencil sketch of Sgt. John Ordway.A noted artist with an unparalleled and heralded ability to paint military subjects in an impressionistic manner, Haskett respects soldiers and
Operation Family Support
For individuals wishing to know more about PTSD and its effects on family members, the local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) chapter will show a 30-minute film entitled, “Coming Home: Supporting Your Soldier” Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Lakewood.“It’s a very good
Operation Family Support
Jesseca Voorhies exuded happiness on Saturday, Oct. 3 as she walked through 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment’s headquarters.The reason for her happiness stemmed from the work of two photographers in an adjoining room.“The goal here is to allow family members the chance to send their deployed soldiers portraits of their
Focus
Staff Sgt. Richard Giertz couldn’t believe his eyes. “It took me a second to recognize that the house was on fire,” he said Saturday morning as he recalled a February 2009 fire. What Giertz did next saved a little boy’s life. Driving through Parkland, he and a passenger noticed a house on fire.
Education
There is a similarity between the game of football and the Army.Both are based on disciplined teamwork.During the 2009 high school football season, the United States Army and the Seattle Seahawks have been honoring Washington state student-athletes on a weekly basis who exemplify the values of academic and athletic achievements.Willis
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The Washington National Guard is busy. Dedicated to the mission of safeguarding lives and property in Washington state, the Guard also ably serves overseas. “Citizen soldiers offer a wealth of experience and knowledge,” said Maj. Wil Johnston, director, State Partnership Program (SPP). Created in 2002, the SPP maintains a long-term relationship designed to
News Articles
The cedar box is simple in its design and large in its message. On the cover is the crest of the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment. When the box is opened the following words appear:With deepest respect from the soldiers and families of the “Buffaloes” 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment
