To usher in 2012, local business is launching another yearlong campaign to support local Servicemembers and their families, starting with events at the end of this month. Here's a glimpse into what is planned.

Coming up quickly on the calendar is Operation Fun, which will take place Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Main MWR tent. Sponsored by Army OneSource, VetsMeetVets, Metro Parks Tacoma and the Washington National Guard J-9, the event will feature vendors, entertainment and activities - like wheelchair basketball, bowling and roller-skating - all free to active duty families, retirees and veterans. To make a donation to Operation Fun, contact Tommy Carson at (253) 273-9816.

Mark the calendar, ladies. Feb. 25 is the annual Pampered Spouse Event, which is geared toward spouses of deployed Servicemembers. The event, which will run from 4 to 8 p.m., will be held at the GI Joe building in the Lakewood Towne Center and is sponsored by the Olympia Auto Mall. Sights are set high, and organizers hope to see more than 1000 spouses spoiled that day.

Also, through March 8, the Ranger newspaper has partnered with the USO Puget Sound and Massage Envy to give away weekend getaway packages to Great Wolf Lodge. The giveaway, which is open to all active-duty Servicemembers and spouses, includes a stay in a premium suite, all meals and water park passes (a $900 value, based on a family of four) and a VIP package with a selection of goodies. "We want to give away five of these packages, ideally one for each branch of the military," said Chrystal Morisette, Swarner's marketing services manager. Applicants should submit stories to publisher@ftlewisranger.com. Winners will be chosen by a committee, as well as by readers via a People's Choice vote.

During July and August, the Swarner Campout Series will be held for families belonging to JBLM units that have been adopted by local businesses. The campouts will include not only s'mores and sleeping under the stars, but also fun for the 50 families selected each weekend. Campout dates are set for the weekends of July 28 and 29, Aug. 11 and 12, and Aug. 25 and 26.

Also on the horizon are some events with days and times yet to be determined, such as an I Corps welcome home party in the spring, a Kids Fishing Derby to be held at American Lake in April, and a Nuts and Bolts forum to help educate Servicemembers and their families about a variety of topics such as buying a home, taking out a loan and cars.

Then there's the new FRG in a Box program, where local businesses help provide a location, food, and speaker or activity for unit Family Readiness Groups.

Last but not least, an Adopt-a-Unit program at McChord Field is underway so that local businesses can support Airmen and their families.