Saluting military families

Enjoy a free afternoon of fun activities while local businesses say thank you

By Missy Bouchat on September 19, 2019

Every local community surrounding a military base has the opportunity to show their support every day, whether it be through a daily "thank you", a military discount, or even a free service. Lucky for residents of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), this community loves their military, and wants to show their thanks and appreciation with a free afternoon of fun.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, servicemembers and their families can enjoy an afternoon of free activities at Capital Christian Center in Lacey, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Local businesses will be on site with resources, information and activities to help families transitioning into or out of the JBLM community.

Kids can enjoy bounce houses, karaoke, free cotton candy and popcorn, and meet characters from Star Wars! Families can also enter our free raffle to win prizes like Boathouse 19 and Lobster Shop gift cards, family passes to the Hands On Children's Museum in Olympia, a free train ride for the whole family at Mt. Rainier Railroad, free swim classes at Kinder Swimmer, family passes to Northwest Trek, and tickets to see the Reign FC and Tacoma Defiance soccer teams playing at Cheney Stadium. Raffle tickets will be drawn every 15 minutes throughout the day.

The fun doesn't stop there. So many different businesses and organizations have offered their time and services to be sure our military families feel loved and supported by the community. Local business and veteran-owned Pinot's Palatte will be on site providing a free painting activity for the kids. Military spouse-owned Valerie Conrad Photography will also be giving free family portraits all day. Before you get your photo taken be sure to take advantage of the free haircuts provided by Olympia Barber College.

Be sure to get there early, as there will be free monogrammed dog tags given to the first 200 kids. Grab the family and head down to Capital Christian Center in Lacey so we can salute you. This event is sponsored by USAA, US Family Health Plan, and Norwich University. We can't wait to see you there.

Salute to Military Families, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, Capital Christian Center, 4431 Martin Way E., Lacey