Army West Blog
Attention Servicemembers and retirees enrolled in either TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) or TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR): Changes to the TRICARE program policy requires TRS and TRR beneficiaries to establish an automated method for payment of monthly premiums and discontinues the acceptance of checks as a form of monthly payment. UnitedHealthcare Military
Army West Blog
It's been a week of heavy competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord while 7th Infantry Division hosted Bayonet Week. Soldiers from every brigade and unit played hard, fought hard and worked to achieve the Commander's Cup. Thursday, May 23, the winners were left standing. When it came to combatives, the
McChord Flightline Chatter
The 62nd Airlift Wing, headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, McChord Field, has confirmed that Col. R Wyn Elder, 62nd AW commander, will relinquish command this summer to incoming Col. David J. Kumashiro. Kumashiro, who was previously the 436th Operations Support Squadron commander at Dover Air Force Base, is currently working with the
Army West Blog
Friday, May 17, Joint Base Lewis-McChord's 7th Infantry Division unveiled a much heralded and long awaited new website. The site, intended to highlight the Soldiers of 7th ID and their missions, as well as provide information to families, surrounding communities and even the media, offers information and interactive tools ...
Army West Blog
As the Defense Department shifts its military power and presence from a shrinking Middle East war zone to the vast Asia-Pacific region, it also is rebalancing its focus within the increasingly important region. Wednesday, May 22, the University of Washington Tacoma will host a symposium focusing on the United States'
Walkie Talkie Blog
Although Yelm is a small town, it is filled with a huge military presence that is best exemplified through the actions of its residents, such as the town's participation in the Memorial Day running event, wear blue: run to remember. Amanda Huston, an avid runner and longtime military spouse, had seen
Army West Blog
Sgt. Joshua Andrew, 26, a member of Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Warrior Transition Battalion, competed today at the 4th annual Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo. Over the course of his time downrange from 2008-2009, Andrew suffered several dislocations to his right knee and incurred a traumatic brain injury, which compromised his
McChord Flightline Chatter
"When I was in high school, if someone had told me I'd wind up a teacher, I'd have laughed," joked retired Lt. Col. Gary Roberts, Air Force JROTC instructor at Clover Park High School. "After I'd been in the Air Force working as a pilot, I was asked to be
Army West Blog
"The greatest investment in our history, in our veterans, has happened in the past decade," explained Donald Lachman, who has been with the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs for the past six years. "Companies and community leaders often ask us how they can help veterans and we are working to
Army West Blog
Recently the U.S. Army Cadet Command announced the eight winners of the annual MacArthur Awards for the 2011-12 school year. Out of the 273 senior ROTC units across the country, Pacific Lutheran University's program was selected as the best out of the 8th Brigade, which is comprised of 30 other
Army West Blog
Recently, the American Red Cross launched Safe in the Sound, a three-year disaster preparedness initiative in the Western Washington area geared toward helping individuals and entire communities develop the ability to withstand, adapt and recover from disasters. Safe in the Sound will also help military families build resiliency to catastrophes. "Within the
Army West Blog
With the veteran population consistently growing while also decreasing in average age, it should come as no surprise that technology is becoming more commonplace. From smartphone apps that help keep track of veteran records or claims to others that connect veterans across the country through niche social networking, there are
Army West Blog
Have you ever wondered how you could improve how the military handles reintegration issues? The Veteran Couple Study, which began in December 2012, is seeking eligible couples in the western Washington area to help generate information that could benefit military families in the future by strengthening their relationships before, during and
Army West Blog
If you've attended any fundraiser in the area or an event on base that will benefit Soldiers, Airmen and their families, then chances are you've met Carlene Joseph. Words like compassionate, driven, jubilant and sincere are frequently used to describe Joseph, who holds the position of Vice President of Community
Army West Blog
Operation Mend began in 2007 through a partnership with Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and the UCLA Health System. "In the first year there were only five patients in the program, but then the floodgates opened," said Melanie Gideon, UCLA Operation Mend
McChord Flightline Chatter
This year, for the first time, the annual McChord Holiday Craft Bazaar will be held on a Saturday in an effort to increase attendance. The event, which will run from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 1, is a great way to shop for the friends and family on your
Army West Blog
Mega game company Electronic Arts (EA) released the latest edition in its "Medal of Honor" franchise - "Medal of Honor: Warfighter," October 23. The game brings players back to the story of the popular "Preacher" character, who was introduced in 2010 when the game's battles moved from World War II
Army West Blog
Get ready to take a chance and help local veterans at the same time. Washington's Lottery is once again partnering with the Veterans Innovations Program (VIP), as run by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, to help veterans who are returning home to the state by launching the 2012 Veterans
Army West Blog
Remember when doctors used to carry an actual file folder in when they saw you? Nowadays, medical records are mostly computerized and the result is a need for qualified workers who can maintain, update and implement these systems. The U.S. Department of Labor recently awarded an $11.8 million grant to the
Army West Blog
The Madigan Foundation presented a $4,500 check Monday to the Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children (LDCC), which has four clinic locations around the Sound and routinely partners with the Clover Park School District. The funds will cover dental screenings and check-ups for approximately 300 students at the Greenwood Elementary School on
