The next phase in gate upgrades is coming soon to the McChord Field Main Gate on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and drivers should prepare for more traffic pattern changes beginning the evening of April 13.

Contractors will begin Phase 2 of the construction project on that date with completion scheduled by May 2.

The new phase brings new traffic detours and diversions for access to the gate, said McChord Field's Installation Security and Plans Chief David Lenart. Currently, traffic is reduced to one inbound and outbound lane in what was the original lane leading out of McChord prior to construction's start. Phase 2 will shift traffic to the original inbound lanes, allowing contractors to cut across the roadway and lay new electrical wiring.

Access to the visitor center will change as well. Motorists should pay close attention to signage directing them to entry and exit points.

The current physical upgrades will improve the power infrastructure at and near the gates, said JBLM Chief of Security and Access Control Mel Austin. That includes improved physical protection features for security personnel, improved information systems connectivity and installing backup power generators and lights.

One major vehicle restriction is being placed on incoming and outgoing traffic through the McChord Main Gate - no oversized vehicles, Lenart said. Because the road entering McChord Field is narrower than the outbound lane and has a sharp turn around the visitor center, security officials are asking that people driving tractor-trailers, RVs and military vehicles use either the Commercial Gate or Barnes Gate, both located on Perimeter Road.

No vehicle or vehicle and trailer combination longer than 27 feet should attempt to enter or exit through the Main Gate.

The Commercial Gate will be open 24 hours daily throughout this phase of construction.

Traffic safety officials are asking everyone in the JBLM community who use the McChord Field Main Gate to continue the level of understanding they have already shown this past month during Phase 1.

Construction update information will be communicated through the Northwest Guardian, website updates and on readerboards and poster boards located throughout McChord.

"McChord customers have been very accommodating for the construction," Lenart said.

"Construction is going well and people are following directions well."

The Washington High School Air Force JROTC team traveled to Phoenix last weekend to compete in the Air Force Junior ROTC west coast nationals against top teams from western states including Texas, California, Hawaii and Arizona.

Under the leadership of cadet Joshua Stage, the team  competed in unarmed exhibition, regulation and inspection, and all team members competed in the unarmed drill down. In their best performance of the year, the team managed a second place finish in exhibition and also garnered a fourth in inspection. To top off the competition, cadet Brenda Munguia finished first out of over 250 participants in the unarmed drill down. While this was the team's first trip to Arizona, it was the third time in the past six years they earned a first or second place at the national level.

"The competition at nationals was fierce but our team's dedication and hard work paid off in the end," Stage said.

Other team members included Jesse Tuivaiave, Kushaiah Pritchard, Cody Hoefs (Franklin Pierce), Nick Patrick, Byron Crisostomo, Jasmine Kim, Mi Kyeong Jung, Francesca Pratt (FP), Alexandra Svendsen, Brenda Munguia, Collin Schaaff (FP), Nina Williams, Amanda Jimmie,Cody Barnett, Kennett Ashford-White and Meagan Dunmire.

MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- Which do you find more interesting, pro skateboarding or late night talk shows? If you find either, or both, interesting, then you might consider referring a friend to the Air Force Reserve.

Under the Air Force Reserve recruiting program "Get 1 Now," Reservists who refer a friend to a Reserve recruiter earn rewards. Two of the latest rewards being offered are two complimentary VIP tickets to Street League Pro Tour May 7 at Key Arena in Seattle, and two complimentary VIP tickets to see Jay Leno at McChord Field May 7. Both events also include backstage photo opportunities for those who earn the tickets.

The "Get 1 Now," program is open to all actively participating Reservists and Air Force Reserve Civilian employees. Referrals are submitted through the "Get 1 Now," Web site, by calling 877-786-2372, using on-line chat, or by e-mail through the "Get 1 Now," Web site.

"What's great is when our personnel tell their friends or family members about their first-hand experience in the Air Force Reserve," said Chief Master Sgt. Scott Terpening, senior recruiter for the 446th Airlift Wing. "It leads to qualified applicants much more often than someone who just stops by a recruiting office with no first-hand knowledge of what it's like to serve."

For more information about the Jay Leno or Street League Pro Tour tickets, or the "Get 1 Now," program, visit the Web site, or call Chief Terpening at 253-982-9084.    

MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- The Seattle Mariners professional baseball team is hosting its 9th annual Salute to Armed Forces event April 23. The Seattle Mariners will be playing the Oakland A's in a game that starts at 6:10 p.m. 

Salute to Armed Forces festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., with a special pre-game program honoring the United States Armed Forces, service veterans, and support organizations. 

This year the Air National Guard will represent the Air Force in on field activities, to include first pitch and accepting a plaque honoring the Air Force. 

Reservists can obtain discounted tickets through the 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs office. Order and pay for your tickets by April 8, by stopping in at the PA office, Bldg. 1214, Room 110 during duty hours. 

Discounted tickets are: View Reserved seats are $10, Field seats are $25 and Terrace Club seats are $30. Reservists who'd like to go as a group should buy their tickets at the same time. Checks or cash only will be accepted. Please make checks payable to "446 Orientation Tour." For more information, call (253) 982-3330.