The link is an email...submit your story to that email...that's all you have to do. Good luck!!
I love the Pimms Cup. It's Pimms (1 oz), ice in a tall glass, lemon slice, cucumber slice and Sprite. Refreshing!!
Mireya, so sorry to hear of your disappointment in the gifts offered to your FRG. It's important to note that FRGs are not allowed to ask for support - so asking for more food and service isn't in the proper spirit of the evening. Our partners and we offer this support based on the resources we have available. The Melting Pot wants to honor and support military families. They had the means to offer roughly $200 in free food to your group, plus offer up the free meeting space and staffing. In addition, we were able to bring $140 in door prizes to the event. All of that was provided by local organizations dipping into their own pockets to show you and your group how appreciative they are of your sacrifices and service to this country. To be able to do this for you and other FRGs, there is always a limit to what organizations can do for free. Hopefully that helps to understand what FRG in a Box is all about. As you'll see in the story above, we use the word "snacks" not meals. Again, I feel badly that your expectations were higher, and that we didn't better explain the process before you arrived. Thanks again for you and your husband's service to this country.
Yes. Key Spouses are invited, too
We'll email winners today - tickets will be at our office in Lakewood.
We don't have a sophisticated enough system to handle transferign names for no-shows, etc. So sorry. Please, please, please join our JBLM Families Facebook so you don't miss out on future events. We make all announcements there. We have a kids fair coming up, fishing derby, summer camping series, and more on the horizon.
Yes, we sent everyone that entered in the timeline required an email three weeks ago announcing the distribution. We gave the leftovers out yesterday on post.
Yes, female troops too may RSVP :-)
No childcare...sorry.
Soon to deploy is up to you decide. We won't be checking. The important point is that we have a limited number of spots so RSVP soon.
An email went out last week to all those that signed up within the published dates of the offer. Please check your spam folders for directions provided you signed up prior to Jan 19th. If you did, and can't find the email, email me at publisher@ftlewisranger.com and I'll see the date and time stamp of your original entry, and if within bounds, I'll send you the details to get your diapers. Thanks so much for staying on top of this!!
Open to all branches, reserve and active.
If they are a boyfriend, just know their name and unit. Thanks.
Chlona, I am so sorry, but our resources are not enough to provide these services to all spouses. We do these events one to two times a year. If your husband isn't deployed now, chances are, he will deploy and we'll have an event to include you. In October, we were fortunate to invite ALL local military kids to a big party, deployed or not. BUT, do keep your eyes open for some parties we'll announce soon that are open to all spouses. Plus, check out our "deals" section for contests and offers we have that are also open to all.
Moms of single soldiers are welcome to attend if your soldier is currently deployed.
Thanks. Yes, our bad. Girl friends will need to have their boyfriends name and unit with them to enter. We'll correct that now.
DUE TO THE SNOW IT MAY TAKE US A COUPLE EXTRA DAYS TO LET YOU KNOW HOW WE WILL GET THE DIAPERS TO YOU. WE'LL HAVE A PICK UP LOCATION VERY CLOSE IF NOT ON JBLM. PLEASE STAND BY :-)
If you signed up, you'll get them :-) We still have plenty. We will announce Friday our distribution plan.
We are extending this through the 18th. You are in.
Yep, we'll likely send the details at the end of this week :-)
Yes on sizes. They are coupons for a free box....you choose your size at the store
We will contact you next week when the promotion ends where to get them :-)
Oops. Yep sometimes I forget to change the author - it defaults to my name. Thanks for the heads up...changing it now. If you look through the site, you'll see I am 99% accurate in giving the right credit. Much appreciate the heads up!
Thank you for the insights and comments in how we released this news. Again, please understand, this was an official news release sent by public affairs at JBLM that we reprinted. Beyond that, however, it is in our experience that getting the news out accurately has advantages. Once the rumor mill kicks in, the info can get distorted. False news that more than one person died, or 10 people were injured could start circulating, thus creating more anxiety. We feel it is better to get out the facts as they are "officially" known, even though a name hasn't been released, is better than leaving the facts to rumor and gossip. And believe me, after 22 years in this job here, that is exactly what happens. Of course, we always leave those facts to official sources, and allow the DoD to decide when and where to release information as it is known. I am sorry for the anxiety everyone in the 2nd Bde experienced. And we will continue to evaluate each DoD news release as we receive them.
The story that was posted was a release from JBLM PAO. We do not report on stories like this without approval from official DoD releases.
Oh, sorry....FIXED! Thanks!!
I can appreciate your views, however, we make a note not to sanitize issues. If spouses feel this way, we want others to have the chance to reflect on them. But, I appreciate your views, too - thanks for subscribing while you did. Hopefully you'll be back at a later date - you are always welcome to join us.
I wonder what link that was. The link is this: www.northwestmilitary.com/spouses-magazine/ SORRY!
Hurry, only a few days are left!!!
JBLM-North ... near the horse stables. Happy gardening.
Yikes, so sorry Lorin.
Sheila, call Clover Park High School in Lakewood, wa and ask them to connect you uwith the JROTC instructor. The number is (253) 583-5500
Call your Congressman - get behind this bill!
I'd like to encourage everyone suffering a loss to consider running in their names. This is a great organization.
One more ... It is the ability to take a joke, not make one, that proves you have a sense of humor. ~Max Eastman
Even the gods love jokes. ~Plato
The 411 on surcharges is here: www.commissaries.com/documents/contact_deca/faqs/surcharge.cfm
Hope this helps
Our deepest apologies. Thanks for the clarification.
Pick up the March 17th Ranger/Airlifter - in it, we'll do a complete Welcome Guide of Hidden Gems.
The emotional toll of the war is heartbreaking - I wish that our soldiers could all get help, but the common thread in all of the stories we've done is that the soldier must want to get help. I hope your situation can have a happy ending. Some stories that may help are: www.northwestmilitary.com/installations/military-life/2011/02/northwest-military-ranger-airlifter-newspaper-JBLM-loving-living-with-someone-PTSD/ AND www.northwestmilitary.com/families/support/2009/10/northwest-military-fort-lewis-ranger-coming-home-supporting-your-soldier/print/
Yes it's at the "T". That intersection is crazy-dangerous. I have mixed feelings though because the short-cut around the I-5 mess is going to get a lot slower, but that intersection is too dangerous so something has to happen.
Let me get things started. The Donut House in Lakewood on Gravelly Lake - no one can beat it. The best!!
Our prayers are with all of the family members and friends posting their feelings here about (obviously by the testimony) a great soldier and man. We speak on behalf of the entire JBLM community, may you find comfort in your time of pain. God bless you.
Congrats to Keeley Leakos who won our "Friend Us at Facebook" contest. She and her family won a night's stay at the Great Wolf Lodge on Feb 28. Look to this page for our next contests and give-aways.
I want to stress the point that the art contest is not about the best artist ... it's about "heart." A picture that shows a child's pride for his mom and/or dad's service to this great country.
At the end of the story is a website to link you up with them. Click the link above to get to the story.
What a really cool thing to find! Here's a link to the greater world of Armed Forces Radio history: www.museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=armedforces
We will have staff to help vendors set up....no problem.
No sign-up for prizes. We are offering prizes throughout the day at our two Ranger newspaper tables, plus prizes are available at each class.
You may come and go. A schedule will be handed out at the entrance, thought the class schedule is available on the sign-up page.
The event is open to ALL spouses - deployed or not. Please come and enjoy. Army, Air Force, Guard, all.
Lots of prizes throughout the day...come at 3:30 and enjoy.
Yes, teenagers are welcome. Yes, a lot like Valentine's Day ... but no food. Please tell your friends.
To register as a business, contact Christy Loe at our office - (253) 584-1212.
Kids would need to be heavily monitored and not allowed to take any of the gifts for themselves. One gift per family.
No child care ... sorry.
Registration ended Friday a.m. You may still attend, bring your trooper's APO address.
Lisa, by all means, have your friend attend at no charge.
Bring your husband's APO address with you and yes we can get you in.
We will offer the kids a snack and entertain them. We won't have formula, however, or any "full" meals.
No. Guests pay at the door.
Registration is closed. If you are a deployed spouse, show up anyway and we'll get you in. Please bring your soldier's APO address with you.
Sorry, just 16 and over. But I am glad you figured something out.
It's 2-6 p.m.
Yes, thanks for the concern. We NEVER print troop movements until they are officially released by Joint Base Lewis-McChord or the DoD (DA), etc... A release like this one is standard and only comes out one day before they touch down in the NW because they are long out of the war zone.
Yes, full APO address works really well.
If you inputed your children's ages into the RSVP system, you are good!! There is not a waiting list. Again, we were really hoping the daycare community would step up in Lacey, but they declined to do so EXCEPT the GREAT folks at Lacey Learning Center. If you know anyone needing daycare in Lacey, please refer them to Lacey Learning Center. The center is running our daycare on the St. Martin's site. I really wish we had more room. Maybe spouses could take turns watching kids at a local McDonalds or other kid friendly place and at least get 1-2 hours each at the event.
What great organization these are to support military spouses as they do!
Six-months on the list are fine. We have a fully accredited daycare running the show.
As for 16-year old daughters, they would count as a guest, which is $10. We would love to accept them for free, however, as you can imagine, the event is expensive and for the spouses and significant others.
You just mark you are bringing a friend and then pay for her at the door. You don't register her name.
Believe us, we are really disappointed we couldn't convince a local daycare or church to help support our spouses. If anyone knows someone - please have them contact us. Otherwise, no I am sorry, the event is adult only. There's just not much else we can do at this point :-(
The psychic services will be in a secluded area to offer people privacy. So, for those who wish to avoid it that will be easy. We hope you will join us.
Yes, feel free to show up anytime between 2 and 6...come late, leave early...it's up to you :-)
The RSVP appears to be working. Please try again.
If you RSVPd for daycare, you've got it. Beginning now, 9:45 a.m., 1/21 daycare is full. We are so sorry to announce that. Daycare no longer shows as an option on the sign-ups. We have the names of all that asked for daycare up to this point.
Fiancees and girlfriends need only to bring the name, unit and location of their loved one. That is good enough. We'll add that to the site above. Thanks!!
Two are fine.
Follow the sign-up link at the end of the story. On the RSVP site you may indicate that you need daycare. We look forward to seeing you at the event. Please pass this on to your friends.
John arrived safely back in the South Sound late Monday. We will post his last online piece tomorrow, plus have two great features in the Fort Lewis Ranger also on newsstands tomorrow. His final two stories will run January 7th in the Ranger.
Please keep your photo album pics coming to us at editor@ftlewisranger.com so we can share them with everyone.
Our hearts go out to all involved. The stress of the battlefield, loss of friends, confusion â€" nothing is simple or cut and dried. Remember to keep all in your hearts - officers and enlisted â€" it's not easy for anyone.
Thanks for the note. Please take a look at our Family section - lots of info for those here in the area. www.northwestmilitary.com/families/
John will have more to post on Monday so check back with us. Also, he has a couple exclusive stories lined up for the 12/17 issue of the Fort Lewis Ranger - copies available across Fort Lewis and in every community in the South Sound. Feel free to call our office for locations (253) 584-1212.
Great photos and video â€" puts a smile on all of our faces back home.
John stay safe and thanks for all you do to bring the photos and stories of our soldiers in the war zone home to the families.
Send us a copy Betsy and we'll post it.
Keep the comments coming!
If you would like to volunteer, or you have a business that would like to have a booth, check out our "organization" site in the community section here: www.northwestmilitary.com/community/groups/A-Valentines-Day-of-Pampering/forums/55/
We would love to hear your opinion on this story? Are these great celebrations and worthy for the air waves to keep the public in-tune with the sacrifices the children of military personnel make, or is it a recipe for disaster?
Great post Betsy. Thanks!!
So send in a nomination for her.
It was such an honor to be a part of this project. Kudos to Paula, Denise and Doyle - they had quite a vision!!
First, rest in peace to the deceased. God Bless the families left behind. And, to those at Fort Lewis already struggling with deployments and stress, I hope you can minimize the fear and understand that the Army's a large place and this incident doesn't mean it will happen here. Stay strong!!
It's a great pic. We've been promoting your family on our Facebook page