Explore
When the clouds gather and raindrops patter against the windows, residents and visitors of the South Sound know it's time to adapt their plans. But fear not! Despite the drizzle, this region is brimming with indoor activities that promise to make your rainy day an unforgettable experience. Museums galore The South
News Front
2023 was a big year for TRICARE. Digital tools, demonstrations, and a strong TRICARE Open Season were just a few of the major stories. The Defense Health Agency delivers TRICARE, the military's health benefit. It provides coverage to approximately 9.6 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. There's an app for
News
Since its launch 20 years ago, Togetherweserved.com (TWS) - the leading online community of U.S. veterans - has provided its 2.3 million members the special opportunity to not only reconnect with the people they served with but to also preserve a detailed record of their military service, including unlimited photographs.
Military Life
When Tony Isaac retired from the Air Force, he decided to treat himself to a gift. "I wanted a fishing boat as a retirement gift and decided a kayak was the way to go," he began. "I really enjoyed the peace and quiet of being on the water in a kayak
Family
Retirement savings plans like a Traditional IRA and a ROTH IRA can be confusing, but understanding the difference between these two types of accounts is essential for making an informed decision about your financial future. Let's take a look at the differences between a Traditional IRA and a ROTH IRA
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We know the weather might not scream "let's visit a waterfall" but Salish Lodge can change that. Salish Lodge and Spa located about an hour from Joint Base Lewis-McChord could be just the winter escape you're looking for. Salish Lodge grants visitors a truly Northwest experience with its cozy interior perched
News Front
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD - Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent Johnny Victory leads the charge every day in keeping the CID Western Field Office at Joint Base Lewis-McChord at the forefront of the latest developments in forensic science. Understanding forensic science is a specialty Victory has devoted most
News
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the results of the 2023 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, the annual effort to estimate the number of Americans, including veterans, without permanent housing. The data showed that on a single night in January 2023, there were 35,574 veterans who experienced homelessness in the
News
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD - The Washington Vets to Tech program at St. Martin's University in Lacey celebrated a milestone achievement Dec. 15 when it graduated its 1,000th student in its 10 years of providing IT training and certifications to veterans preparing to enter the civilian workforce. Specialist Damien Thomas, an information
News Front
Both the House and Senate have passed the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which is expected to be signed by the president. Among other things, the bill authorizes a pay raise for both service members and civilian defense employees. "This important legislation not only authorizes a 5.2% pay increase for service
News Front
Basic allowance for housing, or BAH, rates for 2024 will increase by an average of 5.4%. The new rates, which are paid to all U.S.-based active-duty members of the uniformed services when government quarters are unavailable, take effect Jan. 1. "The proposed 5.2% basic pay increase plus the 5.4% increase in
Explore
Is it just us, or does nothing compare to the pure joy of gliding across frozen surfaces during the winter months? If you're anything like us, then you're eager to bundle up and find ice skating rinks in the area this holiday season. While there are not a ton of
Family
Fun is about amusement, enjoyment, entertainment, merrymaking and respite. But one thing is for sure - fun is easily recognizable. Tommy Carson, the Military Relations Liaison at America's Credit Union (ACU) on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, likes to have and share fun with others. To this end, he came up with the
News Front
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) - Chief Master Sgt. David A. Flosi was selected Dec. 11 to be the 20th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, adding a deeply experienced and proven airman to the top echelon of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin's emerging leadership team. In announcing the selection,
News Front
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD - Army defeated Navy in their 23rd annual flag football game 35-28 in a thrilling, triple overtime tilt at Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Cowan Stadium Dec. 8, to make it three in a row for the Army team, made up with players from JBLM. "Probably the most intense game
News Front
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD - Most Christmas trees tell a story through the ornaments hung with care from their evergreen boughs. Inside Waller Hall at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, two Christmas trees share the stories of heroes and sacrifice who have been lost while serving on active duty. The trees were decorated Dec.
News Front
FORT LIBERTY, N.C. - Commanders and command sergeants major from across the U.S. Army Forces Command footprint gathered at Fort Liberty for the FORSCOM Commander's Forum, Nov. 29-30, 2023. The conference brings together senior leaders from all Forces Command corps and divisions as well as the Army National Guard and
Health
The Defense Health Agency's electronic Caregiver Resource Directory provides more than 2,000 resources for caregivers of wounded warriors within three taps on their mobile phone, their computer, or tablet. "When we update the NRD with new resources, they can be immediately added to the eCRD with just a check box," said
Focus
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD - For several decades the Army's Hometown Recruit Assistant Program (HRAP) has been considered vital in recruiting soldiers into the United States Army while allowing recent trainees to return home to convey their experiences with other who may qualify for service. Pvt. Alex Dickson, a small arms/towed artillery
News Front
ALLS CHURCH, Va. - Do you get prescription drugs through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program? Copayments for most beneficiaries are changing. The new costs will start Jan. 1, 2024. "These new costs are part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018," said Melanie Richardson, a pharmacist
