Focus
"I will be back here eventually," said Joint Base Lewis-McChord Garrison Command Sgt. Major Matthew Barnes, who is on the verge of completing his third tour here. "My wife and daughter will be staying in the area and I'll need to come back and see the Seahawks play ... and
Focus
The 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment of Joint Base Lewis-McChord hosted an outdoor combat awards ceremony at Tacoma's Stadium High School last month, marking one of the first times that the more clandestine organization publically recognized its Soldiers. Though he was unable to attend the event, it sparked an idea in
Scene It
Like friendly competition? Want to prove that you remember the most about cars, know musical lyrics from all genres and can recall the batting line-up for the 1986 Mets? Then grab some friends and head out to trivia at any of these local watering holes...you may even get lucky and
Focus
Tech Sgt. Keith Sekora of the 446th Airlift Wing at McChord Field recently returned from the Warrior Games with a bronze medal in seated volleyball. "It was awesome," said Sekora, 42, of the third annual event, which was held April 30 to May 5 in Colorado Springs, Colo. "The camaraderie, the
Business News
"The first question new customers ask us when they walk through the door is ‘are these REAL bagels?'" laughed Betty Murrie, co-owner of Cascade Bagel in Lakewood. "I say we're the only bagels around!" For the past nine years, Murrie, a veteran military spouse herself, has owned and operated Cascade Bagels
Focus
"Now I'm not going to say that we first sergeants were looking to change the world with our event, but we did aim to bring the McChord family closer together," said Master Sgt. William Baker, first sergeant for the 627th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Baker, who is part of the McChord Field
Military Life
For Carla Richards, being named Mrs. Washington in 2010 was a lifelong dream. But it wasn't necessarily her greatest accomplishment. That much is obvious when she speaks about her family. "When you're having a hard time in life, it helps to reach out help others," she said. "Our family believes that and
Veterans
The Lakewood American Legion has 105 members and an auxiliary component with 30 members, and participation is on the rise. "We're growing in the city of Lakewood and we want to make it clear that we are here to service this community," said Roger Dube, who has belonged to the American
Focus
Victoria Prince's dream took shape in a paradise setting. She was born on the Big Island of Hawaii and recalled playing the ukulele and dancing the hula as a little girl. "Music was always a big part of my life," said Prince, 22. "I picked up the guitar when I was
Focus
Staff Sgt. Vester ‘Max' Hasson and Sgt. Fred Prince are just trying to keep their heads level, their hands steady and their practices hard. The Soldiers, attached to Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Warrior Transition Battalion, will head to Colorado Springs, Colo., next week to compete in the 3rd annual Department of Defense
News Articles
"He's my hero," said Lori Lidyard, wife of Master Sgt. Brian Lidyard. "We are in this together, always." The two high school sweethearts have been married for 32 years, since they were just 18 years old. Together they have raised three sons and have spent three decades serving the country as
Health
Kids and adults will be treated to a day of fun for free, right across I-5 from JBLM, Saturday, April 21. Located off exit 119 in Barksdale Station, the Health Fair will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. and feature prizes, photos with the Tooth Fairy, games, snacks, free
News Articles
"Today is about awareness," said David Coker, president of the Fisher House Foundation, Inc. "The start of the Fisher House was when Zach Fisher became aware of this need for military and their families." Coker addressed a crowd during the announcement this week that Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the surrounding community
Focus
When Staff Sgt. Robert Bales allegedly took the lives of 17 civilians in Afghanistan on March 11, he left behind more than just headlines. He also left a wife, Kari Bales, who was forced to face one of her worst nightmares under intense public scrutiny. "People just keep saying ‘I can't
Housing
The summer is when most Permanent Change of Stations, or moves, occur in the military. Therefore, when orders are issued in the spring - so right now - is when finding new housing and dealing with your current housing becomes a priority. While there are hundreds of options when it comes
News Articles
In late March, 90 single Soldiers from the 54th Military Police Brigade on Joint Base Lewis-McChord returning home from a deployment were pleasantly surprised with what awaited them in the barracks. "Every single Soldier received a laundry basket filled to the brim with things like soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent and more
Focus
Despite a plethora of recent negative press, the Army remains steadfast in its support of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. "Prior to coming here, and especially after being here the past two days, I remain confident in the leadership here and in the fact that they are taking care of things," said Gen.
Veterans
Just this month, Clover Park Technical College had 30 new students, all of them veterans, start classes, which brings their current total veteran enrollment up to 300. "Whether they are the veteran or they are a dependent, they have to come through me in order to get started," explained Glenda Epps,
Focus
Senator Steve Hobbs of the 44th Legislative District in Washington has served his country in one way or another for a quarter century. At the age of 17, he entered the Army Reserves (with his parents' blessing) to help with college costs and then close to a decade later he switched
Support
"Our troops, their families and I are eternally grateful for your generosity. We are truly honored...and humbled...by your support," said Operation Gratitude founder Carolyn Blashek in an email. Operation Gratitude, which was founded in 2003, sends care packages to Servicemembers downrange and Wounded Warriors that are back home. They have also
