Three community leaders were inducted into the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Hall of Fame ceremony at the Nelson Recreation Center on Tuesday, Sept. 6.
Established in 2003, induction annually recognizes one or more civilian community members who have contributed to Team JBLM for three or more years, and who through long-term support or short-term actions, have made an impact on servicemembers, military families or the installation.
The award has been known as the JBLM Civilian Hall of Fame. In 2015, however, and in honor of retired Lt. Gen. William Harrison, the award was renamed the LTG William H. Harrison Service Award.
This year's inductees are John Caulfield, Lakewood City Manager, and John and Margaret Farrell, owners of several local restaurants.
"It all starts here with volunteering," said Col. Dan Morgan, commander, JBLM, during his introductory remarks to the assembled group of area officials and soldiers.
"These people understand the unique and complex relations we have with the surrounding area and community leaders; they have made the South Puget Sound a center of excellence."
As Lakewood's manager, a hard working but humble Caulfield brings a wealth of experience.
He has worked for the cities of Mountlake Terrace and Federal Way. Since arriving in Lakewood, he has focused the city's attention of how Lakewood can of how Lakewood can best support JBLM through the Community Connection program.
"He came to us and made clear that he would work with us," said I Corps commander, Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza.
"We will continue to support JBLM, a support that began with Camp Lewis in 1917," said Caulfield.
He has played crucial roles in steering the South Sound Military and Communities Partnership toward areas of mutual interest, to include local road improvements, affordable off-base housing, and major involvement in the I-5/JBLM Corridor highway improvement project.
"You don't need to wear a uniform to serve," continued Lanza. "Service resides in your heart."
John and Margaret Farrell show a lot of heart.
The couple has been contributors to the JBLM community since 2005.
Their contributions have supported the JBLM Single Service Member program, the JBLM Santa's Castle, and the JBLM Fisher House.
Morgan pointed out that the Farrell's have given over $100,000 of burgers and pizza for redeploying troops and given over $10,000 to the Fisher House.
The couple built a "Farrelli's" in Iraq for the 555th Engineer Brigade, and they donated everything that was required to bring their neighborhood pizza to deployed servicemembers.
During the holidays, the DuPont Farrelli's have adopted a dozen military families. Additionally, they are avid supporters of Wear Blue, a running event that honors fallen military members and their families.
"We are the ones who are thankful; we love you guys," said Margaret Farrell.
The Farrells and Caulfield are the 23rd, 24th and 25th inductees to the Hall of Fame.