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As summer draws to a close and the back-to-school season approaches, The Ranger and Northwest Airlifter newspapers are partnering with Capital Mall in Olympia to throw a big Salute to Military, Back to School Bash! Happening this Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., the day will be all about honoring
News Front
In coordination with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the U.S. Department of Defense has expanded eligibility for a benefit that will provide military families with another financial option for reducing the burden of the cost of dependent care, ultimately bolstering military readiness. The Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, or
News Front
Summertime is the best time to eat your fill, show off your cooking skills and enjoy the thrill of the grill! Your commissary is here to help you and your grill get fired up, with resources to help authorized customers, including eligible veterans, shop and save on the ingredients they need
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With a nod to Tacoma Beer Week happening Aug. 11-20, Tacoma Arts Live's newest summer festival, Sound & Sky, celebrates the 10th Annual Brew Five Three: Tacoma's Beer & Music Festival on Saturday, Aug. 12, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Chambers Creek Regional Park in University Place, situated next
Neighborhoods
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD - Composting is second nature to Joint Base Lewis-McChord; it's been happening for over a decade at the Earthworks facility. Natural wood waste, storm debris, leaves and food waste are combined to create a high-quality compost. Compost on JBLM is used for area beautification, stormwater filtration and
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There is still plenty of summer left, and there is no better way to soak up the summer than to get out on the water. The South Sound offers a treasure trove of natural beauty, and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in this stunning landscape is through
News Front
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho - An Explosive Ordnance Disposal platoon leader completed the Ironman Triathlon in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. U.S. Army 1st Lt. John G. Ziomek, a platoon leader from the 787th Ordnance Company (EOD), proved his mettle during the 140.6-mile endurance competition. The Ironman Triathlon included a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride
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In the early months of 2023, Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, sent a memorandum to all AMC commanders, detailing his orders in preparation for the next fight. Minihan stated that his intent for the command is to go faster, driving readiness, agility and integration for AMC and the Joint
Focus
Wounded warriors have driven facility dog evolution in the Military Health System. This reflects the respect these service members have for the dogs and their mission of providing comfort and support. Amy O'Connor, facility dog program manager at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, recounted how one wounded warrior
News Front
The president signed an executive order last week that changes how some crimes - including sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and murder - are handled within the military justice system. The executive order makes changes to the Manual for Courts-Martial. The changes, among other things, move responsibility for the handling
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BRISBANE, Australia - Technology by definition is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. With a force of more than 1.4 million service members, not including Reserve and National Guard component service members, Dr. Nathan Fisher says the U.S. Department of Defense is always looking years ahead
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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. - Hundreds of squadron commanders and their spouses throughout Air Mobility Command will now be awarded with a digital badge following graduation from the AMC Squadron Leadership Course at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. After attending approximately 40 hours of training, attendees leave the class with
News Front
WASHINGTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs announced Tuesday that it will conduct a scientific review to determine whether there is a relationship between three conditions - acute leukemias, chronic leukemias, and multiple myeloma outside of the head and neck - and toxic exposures for service members who deployed to
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JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD - It's a bird, it's a plane. No wait, it's just the new Defense Logistics Agency - Energy's aboveground fuel storage tanks being put into place. There are two new fuel stations coming to Joint Base Lewis-McChord with fuel storage tanks that experts believe will be better
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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The Army is prioritizing People First by improving the Army's culture and quality of life, including upgrades in housing, barracks, childcare, and spouse employment. However, healthcare may be one of the most important aspects to warfighters readiness and the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center's (Huntsville Center) Medical
Health
As part of continued modernization efforts from VA, veterans can now file supplemental claims online at VA.gov. Filing a supplemental claim is an option for veterans who disagree with a previously denied claim decision regarding VA disability compensation or pension benefits. This new functionality enhances the veteran digital experience while delivering
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ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) - With additional support from Congress on several pending reprogramming requests, the Air Force will restore funding to most military personnel programs that were suspended or closed last week. The Air Force will restore the Selective Retention Bonuses and the Aviation Bonus program beginning this week. Additionally, beginning this
News Front
YAKIMA TRAINING CENTER - The rhythmic beating of rotor blades echoes through the air long before the UH-60L Black Hawk emerges on the horizon. Painted in a distinctive green hue with red medical crosses decorating its belly and sides, the aircraft descends to a hover, prompting a sigh of relief from
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The Quality of Life (QL+) Program is seeking veterans with disabilities who would benefit from having custom specialized devices built for them to help with their active lifestyle or simply to enhance their everyday life. The QL+ program has helped everyone from Paralympic athletes to veterans looking to improve their ability
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WASHINGTON (AFNS) - The Justice Department announced July 14 that it has issued a letter to all state licensing authorities about new employment-related federal protections for military families. The letter informs state licensing authorities about Congress's recent amendment to the Service members Civil Relief Act that allows service members and
