Explore
Western Washington offers some of the most picturesque camping locations in the Pacific Northwest, with stunning coastal vistas, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a novice looking to explore the outdoors, you'll find a plethora of options to choose from. Memorial Day weekend is the
Explore
Barbecue, an age-old culinary tradition, has evolved into an art form that tantalizes taste buds and brings people together. The sizzling sound of meat on the grill, the intoxicating aroma of smoky flavors, and the promise of a mouthwatering feast make BBQ gatherings a cherished experience. Whether you're a seasoned
News
The VA will host public Memorial Day commemoration ceremonies at more than 130 of their national cemeteries this Memorial Day weekend. Please check out the list below to find ceremony dates and start times for a cemetery near you. Visitors are encouraged to contact the national cemetery to confirm ceremony information
News Front
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD - The 62d Medical Squadron celebrated Nurse-Technician Appreciation Week May 6-12, 2023, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The week's purpose is to spotlight how nurses and medical technicians, whether uniformed, civilians, or contractors, exemplify excellence within the 62d MDS by providing quality healthcare services to promote fit, resilient,
News Front
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD - The Nisqually Indian Tribe hosted their 16th annual Chief Leschi Honor Walk on May 6, where members of the tribe along with local members of the military and surrounding communities walked 7.2 miles through the tribe's ancestral homeland, which has been attached to what is now
News
VA medical centers across the country run a program that provides transportation to Veterans who are unable to get to their appointments. It's called the Volunteer Transportation Network, and it's supported by the national Veteran service organization Disabled American Veterans (DAV). The Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) offices and
Military Life
In 2022, Exchange shoppers stepped up and generously donated more than $1.5 million to Army Emergency Relief (AER) and the Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF). Since 2017, the Exchange has partnered with the relief funds to make it possible for shoppers to donate at checkout in Exchange retail stores. The Exchange
Military Policy
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) - To streamline the civilian reasonable accommodation, military religious accommodation, and all accommodation appeals processes, the Department of the Air Force has created the DAF Accommodation Portal. Airmen, guardians and civilians, as appropriate, are now able to apply for any of these options with the DAF-AP active on
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Join us for a Free Family Armed Forces Day Party on Saturday, May 20 at the America's Credit Union parking lot in Dupont from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This day will be all about saluting military families and their sacrifices and is sponsored by Chris Sayre at Origin Point. This
News Front
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD - The Seattle Recruiting Battalion hosted an educator's tour for instructors from schools across Washington state and the Idaho panhandle seeking to engage and improve access to geographically remote schools/districts. The tour showcased the Army lifestyle and allowed educators to get a glimpse of excellent training, education opportunities,
Health
Active-duty service members who are transitioning out of the military and filing a VA claim for disability benefits shouldn't have to attend different, but similar, medical examinations conducted by DoD and VA. Historically, they have, and now that's about to change. Why do you have to go to these exams at
Family
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD - With access to quality and affordable child care remaining a top concern at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, installation leaders met with child care program partners from across the state May 2 at the Eagle's Pride Golf Course in DuPont to discuss ways to combat the problem.
Recreation
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD - A computer and smartphone-based platform for all outdoor recreation activities on Joint Base Lewis-McChord training ranges, called iSportsman, will launch July 1. "iSportsman is a comprehensive outdoor recreation management system that?will improve the user experience through streamlined account registration, simple permit purchasing, interactive map to display open
News Front
There is a martial spirit to the sport of rugby that makes it appealing to military personnel who value raw physical courage, physical fitness, commitment, teamwork, self-discipline and trust. "The whole point of rugby is that it is, first and foremost, a state of mind, a spirit," French rugby player Jean
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Tacoma has a new event for garden enthusiasts. The Point Defiance Flower & Garden Festival grows fun for the first time Saturday and Sunday, June 3-4. This premier gardening event in the South Sound offers something for everyone, from seasoned green thumbs to budding plant enthusiasts. The festival takes place both
Focus
CAMP CASEY - The Army announced the Soldier Referral Program in January 2023, which incentivizes current soldiers to help boost recruitment numbers and inspire others to enlist in the Army. Soldiers in pay grades E-1 to E-3 can be promoted to the next higher rank within 60 days of a referred
Health
Health care is an inevitable need for all. Women veterans have unique physical, mental and spiritual needs that can be met through VA health care. Yet only 44% of women veterans are currently enrolled in VA health care. Health care decisions can be overwhelming, and women veterans might ask themselves "Where
Military Policy
The Overseas Cost-of-Living Allowance (OCOLA) is an allowance that ensures our service members who are assigned to a permanent duty station outside the contiguous U.S. (OCONUS) (i.e., foreign countries, U.S. territories, Alaska, and Hawaii) maintain the same level of purchasing power as service members stationed in CONUS locations - not
News Front
The Defense Health Agency's Hearing Center of Excellence Military Hearing Conservation Report for fiscal year 2021 revealed that hearing loss in the Department of Defense remains relatively stable among service members and civilians enrolled in hearing conservation programs. The report showed the percent of hearing-impaired service members increased slightly from 14.5%
Military Policy
April is the Month of the Military Child, a month highlighting the important role military children play in the military community. The Air Force surgeon general has made improving support for military children one of his priorities. The health and well-being of military children is always a priority for military personnel.
