Health
There is a growing trend (no pun intended) that has veterans picking up trowels and hoes to plant seeds and at the same time benefit therapeutically. Agrotherapy helps veterans not only overcome difficulties like post-traumatic stress syndrome but also gain skills to help support themselves and their families. According to the
News
In 2012, Goodwill Industries International, backed by a national grant from the Walmart Foundation, launched Operation: GoodJobs in Tacoma, Austin and Houston. Since then, the program has expanded to 12 locations around the nation, all of which have high veteran populations. Operation: GoodJobs focuses primarily on post-911 veterans and their families, including
Schools
When looking for a new home at the next duty station, evaluating area schools is always a top priority for military families. Luckily there are a number of free resources that can help parents contrast and compare districts and, even more specifically, schools, whether they are public, charter or private
Military Life
It is a sad fact that the military is losing servicemembers to suicide at a rate that continues to climb. One former Army officer is poised to explore the problem, identify causes and, hopefully, work toward a solution ... through a film he is crowdfunding through Kickstarter. John Shaff, who described himself
Explore
Did you know that the Washington Army National Guard has an armory in downtown Olympia? Even if you did, do you know what they do? On a day-to-day basis, the building serves as the headquarters of the 2d Battalion, 146 Field Artillery Regiment, which is part of the 81st Armored Brigade
News Front
"We will be working to identify where the issues lie and then deciding what the next steps are to benefit our community," said Mary Huff, program coordinator for the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP). The SSMCP, which received more than $400,000 from the DoD's Office of Economic Adjustment to
Benefits & Deals
If you've ever wanted to start your own business but were hindered by the funding, there's a way to secure some seed money. Over the next six weeks, Army and Air Force veterans are invited to submit a video explaining why they want to open their own business. Entries will be
Rocket Science
Training at McChord Field recently became easier and more efficient with the addition of a new device that is indispensable to anyone in the aviation field. The device's testing allows aircrew members to learn their own body's warning signs for hypoxia during flight. Hypoxia occurs when tissues in the body are
People Rule
A local businesswoman and familiar face is throwing her hat into the ring to run for the open State Representative seat in the 28th District. "Over the past seven years I have tried to become more involved in our community and running for office is the next step to serving the
Military Resources
Whether you just pulled up to the front gates at Joint Base Lewis-McChord or it's on the PCS horizon for you and yours, there are some essential things every new arrival at JBLM needs to know. 1. This is a joint base and that means there are double the services and
News Front
The Washington Army National Guard's 96th Military Engagement Team (MET), which is currently based out of Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, may have less than 30 soldiers, but its accomplishments within the U.S. Army Central Command's (ARCENT) geographical area to promote regional security and stability cannot be quantified. The 96th MET primarily deals
People Rule
On March 20, the Olmsted Scholar Program announced the names of five Air Force officers who would join the Olmsted class of 2015. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, McChord Field's own Capt. Melissa Dombrock, a C-17 pilot with the 62nd Airlift Wing, was one of those five. The program, sponsored by the George
Military Life
"The Single Soldier Project has another 100 single soldiers, from 555th Engineer Brigade, returning from Afghanistan in June and we want to be ready for them," said Denise Dhane, who spearheads the operation for the DuPont subchapter of the Association of the United States Army. The Single Soldier Project was instituted
Military Resources
According to a report released earlier in 2014 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 62.6 million people volunteered through or for an organization at least once between September 2012 and September 2013. Sadly, that number is down from previous tallies over the last decade, however, in certain sectors, like
Military Resources
Looking for a way to give back but not sure how to get started or where to donate your precious time? A number of large organizations on Joint Base Lewis-McChord are staffed almost entirely by volunteers and more hands are always needed. USO Northwest, which operates the USO at SeaTac airport
People Rule
The Oscars were a ratings success this year, but the airmen of the 446th Airlift Wing on McChord Field far preferred their own annual awards banquet, which was hosted by the 446th commander, Col. Bruce Bowers. The event, which was held March 8 at the Museum of Flight, boasted a number
Explore
When spring finally rolls around, servicemembers are being invited to Evergreen Speedway to watch the Air Force tribute car, owned and operated by Boyatt Racing, speed around the track and compete in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series. "We run the super late model now - which means more motor, more
News
"People helping people, that is the whole point," stated Raechel Kilcup, executive director for Rebuilding Together Thurston County (RTTC). RTTC is an affiliate of Rebuilding Together U.S.A., an organization dedicated to helping rehabilitating less-advantaged homeowners' houses. "Veterans as a whole are part of the clients that we always serve," continued Kilcup, who became
People Rule
Firefighter Ashley Jeanes, 33, was recently named the 2013 Volunteer Firefighter of the Year for her substantial efforts and contributions to the Bald Hills Fire Dept. in Yelm. As if that wasn't accomplishment enough, Jeanes is also a mother to three children under the age of 10, a college student and
Military Resources
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is about to make the McChord Field Commissary one-of-a-kind. Starting Friday, March 7, DeCA will test its new club store format on the Air Force side at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The new format will feature a huge, new section of the store entirely dedicated to club
