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' strategic rebalance toward Asia-Pacific.

While it will be a moderated discussion with scheduled speakers, there will be time for open questions from the audience as well. Attendees will get to here commentary from Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, deputy commanding general, I Corps, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Daniel Malarkey, deputy director, Washington State Department of Commerce, as well as high-ranking faculty from the UW.

"Why should Soldiers and Airmen and, really, anyone attend? Because it has to do with the state of Washington, primarily in that it is tied into the current administration's policies regarding the Asian-Pacific region, which is connected to operations at JBLM," explained Col. David Johnson, I Corps spokesperson, who helped to organize the event.

"This symposium will bring this all into context from not only a military perspective but a regional one," he continued. "It is an opportunity to hear from the military, commerce, nonprofits, academia and more - all in one setting."

The event is free, but registration is required; click here to sign up.

VIEWS ON THE PACIFIC, 4-6 p.m., William W. Philip Hall, University of Washington Tacoma, 1900 Commerce St., Tacoma, free admssion, 253.692.4000