The City of Lakewood and theCaptain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of theAssociation of the United States Army (AUSA) hosted a leadership deployment social for the 4rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team (4-2 SBCT) on Sept. 27 at Lakewood Ford on Pacific Hwy. S.W. in Lakewood. The brigade will be deploying soon to Afghanistan for the first time; it has deployed twice to Iraq since 2001.

"We look forward to these events where we can connect with Soldiers and their leadership," said Carlene Joseph, Captain Meriwether Lewis AUSA Chapter president. "It's a two-way thing - the Army gives to us, and we give back to Soldiers in ways such as this."

The event served both as a social and as a quarterly AUSA general membership meeting. It was also a chance for local business leaders and the civilian community to honor Joint Base Lewis-McChord troops through AUSA's Arrowhead Adopt a Unit Program, which is known for collaborating with neighboring cities to embrace Stryker Brigade units. The Lakewood AUSA Chapter adopted the 4-2 SBCT with the goal of supporting and developing relationships with its Soldiers and their families, including during times of deployment.

"Approximately 3,200 Soldiers will be deploying for nine months to southeastern Afghanistan," said Deputy Brigade Commander Lt. Col. Jody Miller. "We will be replacing 3-2 (SBCT) downrange, and elements of our brigade will be deploying as early as October."

In attendance were retired Maj. Gen. John Hemphill, retired Maj. Gen. Tom Cole and Madigan Healthcare System Commander Col. Dallas Homas, along with dignitaries from the city council, representatives from local businesses and commanders from 4-2 SBCT.

"It's so important as a community that Soldiers know we respect what they do," said Lakewood Mayor Doug Richardson. "And we want to make sure they know we'll take care of their families while they're gone, so they don't have to worry."

Deputy Mayor Don Anderson agreed.

"It takes many forms to say thanks and show that we are here for our troops," he said. "We know the difficulties that military families experience and we want to do whatever we can. Soldiers are stronger and smarter and more prepared than ever before, and we put them in stressful situations. Worrying about family should be the least of their concerns. This event hopefully sends that message."

The outpouring of community support, "makes doing what we do easier," said Ed Butac, 4-2 SBCT Public Affairs Officer. "We are deploying to train and advise and assist, and it makes it easier."