Military Life
Imagine living in an apartment with no furniture other than a single twin bed and several plastic chairs to sit on. Captain Tai Nguyen does not have to imagine any of this; he lived it. "I distinctively remember folding blankets multiple times to lay out in the living room so that we
Military Life
You can't remember the 2017 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Chicago without the image of Team Army performing a Haka chant. That chant led by Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Sgt 1st Class Dave Iuli, became one of the greatest memories of those games. "I was voted team captain which was such an
Health
The Veterans Health Library has over 1,600 health sheets and 175 videos in both English and Spanish. It gives veterans access to health information to help them make informed decisions on their care. The medical content in the library aligns with the latest Department of Defense and VA clinical guidelines, and
Entertainment
We kick off our annual "Best Movies of the Year" tribute with the long and impressive list of films that fell short of making the cut but are well worth your time, and this year's group is one of the strongest in recent memory, including: Avatar: The Way of Water, Violent
News Front
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) - Effective Jan. 1, 2023, advanced academic degrees will be visible to promotion central selection boards considering major and lieutenant colonel ranks. The change will apply to all eligible Department of the Air Force officers and allow promotion board members to consider an officer's acquisition of valued
Family
MADIGAN ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, Joint Base Lewis-McChord - Majestic Tahoma, the ancient name of what is commonly called Mt. Rainier, peeked through the fog on a chilly morning, Riley's first full day. Madigan's first baby born in 2023 slept easy in the morning calm. Riley first made her appearance at 1:02 a.m.
Explore
Love Lakewood New Year, New You Event kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at Fort Steilacoom Park. Experience the power of community by joining us for a free Welcome Walk. The gentle 1.5-mile walk is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Starting at Shelter 1, the walk takes you
Health
On Dec. 15, Veteran Health Administration (VHA) Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning (OHIL) hosted the first-ever Veteran eXpeRience at the National SimLEARN Validation, Evaluation, and Testing (SimVET) Center in Orlando, Florida. At this event, more than 40 veterans experienced how VA is using extended reality (XR) to transform veteran
Military Life
Asked how he met the challenges he faced growing up in Liberia, SSG Golaybah Kamara said he "accepted the realities and made use of meager resources." The reality was that while the West African country was engulfed in a civil war, his father passed away when he was 11 years old,
Health
FALLS CHURCH, Va. - A new TRICARE contract that facilitates beneficiary health care in the civilian sector, known as T-5, is expected to start in 2024. The changes will improve the delivery, quality, and cost of health care services for services for service members, retirees, and their families. There
News Front
OLYMPIA - The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs announces the retirement of Director Lourdes E. "Alfie" Alvarado-Ramos effective at the end of January. Alfie was Governor Jay Inslee's first cabinet appointment on Jan. 16, 2013 and was confirmed by the Washington State Senate on Feb. 28, 2013. Alfie joined WDVA in 1993
Explore
The Yakima Valley in Washington produces over 77 percent of the total United States hop crop according to the Washington Beer Commission. It is no wonder that craft breweries are so abundant in Tacoma. The historic Brewery District in Tacoma was once home to several breweries including iconic brands like
Family
The Defense Department implemented annual changes to the Child Development Program Fee Policy and restructured total family income categories which determine child care fees. The policy change includes fee increases necessary to ensure the department's ability to find and keep skilled child care staff and to continue providing quality care
Health
As the new year approaches, make sure you're aware of changes to the TRICARE Pharmacy Program that may affect you. While these changes offer several enhancements, some of the changes may require action on your part. This will ensure you have access to the prescription drugs you and your family
Entertainment
When compiling the list of my favorite TV series of 2022, I've opted not to include continuation seasons in favor of spotlighting shows that debuted this year. 10. We Own This City (HBO and HBO Max) The creative team behind The Wire and many of the cast members of that seminal
Neighborhoods
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD - Restoring the South Sound prairie after training maneuvers is key to continued training. On Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Integrated Training Area Management team performs that task. During the fall, a new garden was started in a defunct set of bleachers overlooking the Artillery Impact Area. Planting the
News Front
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD - The ‘Cold Steel' soldiers of 189th Infantry Brigade Command hosted a Change of Responsibility ceremony Dec. 13, 2022, which saw Command Sgt. Maj. Robert M. Keith relinquish his responsibilities as the brigade's senior enlisted advisor to Command Sgt. Maj. Victor M. Benavides before a large audience
Military Life
Meals have always been an important part of military life - for sustainment as well as enjoyment. On holidays, the Defense Department has tried to provide especially delicious meals, as troops were often far from family and needed an extra morale boost. In 1933, the Christmas Day menu for Coast Guardsmen
Family
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD - "Don't ever forget them, and don't ever let their stories die." Damien Snyder is a Gold Star Family member. Snyder lost his sister, Sgt. Devin A. Snyder, while she was serving in Afghanistan in June 2011. "The last time I saw my sister alive was around Christmas time,"
Family
Team McChord volunteers box homemade cookies for Operation Cookie Drop at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Dec. 14, 2022. The goal of Operation Cookie Drop is to spread holiday cheer by giving single airmen a dozen home-baked cookies provided by the Team McChord community.
