Veterans
When Gulf War veteran Todd Foster was shot in the head while on duty as a Long Beach Highway Patrol officer, he was already suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from a past deployment. On separate occasions over the next several months, Foster would learn how difficult it was to receive
Education
The U.S. Department of Labor recently funded a grant program called Air Washington. It is a consortium of 11 Washington state community and technical colleges that will be training 2,600 aerospace workers for careers centralized around aviation and other related fields by fall 2014. "There are multiple programs being offered that
Schools
Spirits were high, recruits were beaming, and proud parents celebrated as the first annual Recruit Enlistment Dinner (RED) commenced at Clover Park Technical College on May 22. Pierce County, in a first-of-its-kind partnership with the United States Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and local businesses, honored the 500 high school seniors
Focus
Cool wind tugs at your cheek, your gaze seizes the horizon where trees touch the skyline, and the adrenaline rush invokes a smile - you've just completed your first mountaineering climb. It's hard to believe something so simple can help heal a wounded warrior. But it's working for one participant of
Business News
When Army Ranger Nate Trodahl witnessed a female arguing with a male Soldier, he saw an opportunity to impress a pretty girl. It was 1995 and they were at a party during a deployment to Cuba. But this wasn't just any pretty girl - it was Spc. Leighann Durke, and she
News Articles
The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) and the Captain Meriwether Lewis Main Chapter (CMLM) has a new subchapter. The newly created AUSA Olympia subchapter formally met Soldiers from Joint Base Lewis McChord's 593rd Sustainment Brigade on May 9 at a "Right Arm" reception in Olympia. The Right Arm - a
Afterword
If you like playing tennis, Puget Sound is a great place to find a variety of clubs and organizations. You can play casual games, receive private lessons at recreational centers, watch championship tournaments, or join elite private clubs. Lakewood Racquet & Sports Club (LRC), Lakewood: Tennis and racquetball available. Tennis on
News Articles
Grace Campbell has high blood pressure, wears a heart-monitoring device and almost lost her home and belongings - all because of her job. The former Washington National Guard sergeant believed she was tormented and terminated because of her military service. Last week a federal jury in Seattle agreed, awarding Campbell $485,000
Military Resources
Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), in partnership with Pierce Transit and Intercity Transit, will be rolling out a commuter vanpool program as part of an I-5 traffic congestion relief initiative. Beginning this summer, 25 vanpools will be available as commute alternatives for Soldiers who live off base and government employees. "You only
Health
In the first scientific study of its kind, the National Center for Veterans Studies (NCVS) is investigating the relationship of shame, guilt and trauma among active duty military and how these variables affect Soldiers' suicide risks. "Guilt and shame are important psychological contributors to suicide risks," said Dr. Craig Bryan, a
Focus
Vietnam veteran Raleigh Showens gripped his shotgun tightly as he sat in his car outside the pain management clinic. This was his last chance - if this treatment didn't work, he knew what he had to do. Suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for decades, Showens left the gun behind and
Archives
Spring is here in full force and that means "light and bright" - lighter and brighter clothing, weather, days, colors, and you guessed it - beer. After months of winter ales and darker, heavier beers like Porters and Stouts, spring brings lighter-colored, refreshingly crisp flavors. This year, spring ales include Sam
Features
The city of Sumner is considered the "rhubarb pie capitol," but it also hosts quaint shops in its historic downtown area, especially antique shops. Alley on Main is three stores in one central location. The consignment store has fashion clothing, jewelry, accessories, refurbished and vintage furniture, and
Archives
The 29th annual Skagit Valley tulip festival runs this year from April 1-30, in Skagit Valley. And, though you might have the urge to "tip-toe through the tulips," the driving tour allows you to view millions of tulips as they burst into bloom and decorate the area. Visitors
Business News
Sapphire skies and puffy white clouds gave rise to balmy temperatures at the Barksdale Station Health Fair on April 21 in DuPont. The health fair had massages, raffles, giveaways, and a chance to win great prizes to the Oregon Beach and Great Wolf Lodge. A multitude of kids (many of whom
Explore
It's almost time for shorts and sandals again. Nature is shrugging off its slumber and flourishing with colors and fragrances, blooming flowers and leafy, green trees. The vibrancy and renewal of spring is here. It has arrived at Lakewold Gardens as well. Located on Gravelly Lake Drive in Lakewood and just minutes
Health
Vital Fitness gym will hold its spring open house on April 21, from 8:00 a.m. to noon in Lakewood (at 6002 Mt. Tacoma Dr., S.W.). The event will offer specials to help you jump-start your fitness goals, and will include one hour of free personal training, classes in kickboxing, boot camp,
Focus
The headlines splashed across newspapers, magazines, websites and the evening news haven't been kind to Soldiers at Joint Base Lewis McChord over the last few years. They paint a bleak picture of life at the base. Reports have been circulating about war crimes committed by Soldiers in Afghanistan; steroid abuse charges
Support
You know how it goes - every time you schedule "me" time, something seems to pops up - family drama, girlfriend meltdown, work crisis, the kids, or stuff you never remember later - and you postpone it. Of course, that's assuming you even have the luxury of considering "me" time.
Business News
The next time a JBLM Exchange employee smiles at you, take a moment to say hello - he or she may have just returned from serving your comrades or loved ones in combat. Charles Griggs is one such person. In fact, the 12-year AAFES employee has only been back stateside for
