Military Resources
Over the last four months, the Department of Defense has waited anxiously to see if Congress and the president could agree on a plan to reduce the federal deficit and therefore avoid furloughing government civilian employees. Unfortunately, that decision was never reached and, as a result, the DoD is being
Military Life
The story begins in 1999 when Volker Brunke was serving in the German Air Force as an upcoming member of the military diplomacy and was tasked to be a part of a classified seven-nation conglomerate of intelligence. It was during this assignment that he met his future wife, Margarita, who
Military Policy
The Air Force recently announced that it would start the first phase of its fiscal 2014 NCO Retraining Program (NCORP), which invites noncommissioned officers to cross-train into undermanned career fields and be reclassified with a new Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC). Potentially, those that are currently in overmanned career fields
Housing
Last year, David Coker - the president of the Fisher House Foundation, Inc. - announced that they were launching a campaign to build a second Fisher House on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Since its inception, all of the Fisher Houses have saved active duty military and veteran families an estimated $192 million
Military Life
One spouse, two businesses and endless creativity. "I do not do background photography. I just love the feel of being outside and in a natural environment to capture these families," stated Autumn Samen, who did photography as a hobby for 13 years before starting her business, Trunks Photography. Samen classifies herself as
Military Policy
Before the technology age and the advent of Skype, there were love letters. They were the only way soldiers could keep in touch with their sweethearts back home and they were treasured by anybody who received one. Last week, married and single soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 94th Field Artillery Regiment,
News
With more than 60,000 female veterans in Washington state, it should come as no surprise that the upcoming WDVA's 2013 Women Veterans Conference is poised to host more than 500 attendees, comprised of both veterans and active-duty female servicemembers. The theme of this year's conference, which will occur Saturday, June 29
Military Life
"You've probably heard about American Cancer Society's Relay for Life but you don't really participate most of the time until it hits closer to home," said Tyrani Wells, co-organizer of the Relay for Life Team Madigan. Wells, who works at Madigan Army Medical Center, was personally inspired to get involved when
Military Life
Thursday, May 16, the Blue Star Families organization released the results of its fourth consecutive comprehensive survey, reflecting 2012. The survey is intended to take the pulse of the country's military families and pinpoint areas of strength, need and concern. Topics of interest ranged from suicide to the effects of the
We Recommend
As the Defense Department shifts its military power and presence from a shrinking Middle East war zone to the vast Asia-Pacific region, it also is rebalancing its focus within the increasingly important region. Wednesday, May 22, the University of Washington Tacoma will host a symposium focusing on
People Rule
Those who serve in uniform are typically driven to it because they want to help others, they want to protect their country and because it is a great way to see the world. "I wanted to travel and explore, so I joined the Army right out of high school," said Sgt.
Jobs
The transition from the military to civilian life is challenging, regardless of branch or rank; however, it is proving to be hardest for the lower enlisted who only spend a few years serving in uniform. According to the DoD's No Vet Left Behind, Inc., more than half of homeless veterans
News
Retired Brig. Gen. Rebecca (Becky) Halstead spent 27 years in the Army and was the first female graduate of West Point to reach the rank of general officer. She is living proof that life is a continuous opportunity for growth, education and improvement. "The day you stop learning is the day
Heroes & Awards
The Washington Veterans Home, located outside of Port Orchard, recently held an event to recognize its astounding number of volunteers. For the past year, volunteers at the home collectively logged 4,973 hours. This number was up more than 1,000 hours from last year. The Washington Veterans Home caters to 240 residents
Family
"One of the aspects of military life that civilians don't always get is that when you marry a Soldier, the military and your spouse are a package deal," said Heather Straub. Straub and her husband, Capt. Alex Straub, have been married for almost five years. They met working at a public
Focus
March Madness may be over, but sports fans can now focus on returning to the gridiron and the approaching football season - and the camaraderie it brings. Earlier this month, Seattle author Derek Johnson showcased that effect in Rooting From Afar: Military Members Follow Football while on Deployment, a collection of
Business News
For more than 150 years, Stars and Stripes has been delivering pertinent news to the military community and served as the primary news source for Servicemembers downrange. And, that history continues here in the South Sound next month when a weekly U.S. edition of the paper starts distribution May 2,
Focus
Losing a child is one of the worst things a parent can imagine. Losing two children, within one year, is quite simply unimaginable. For retired Maj. Gen. Mark Graham and his wife, Carol, this is a reality that they have coped with for close to a decade since the losses of
Focus
The repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) was a progressive step for the military community, but for the families, couples and individuals most affected, it was just the first step. Fort Bragg spouse Ashley Broadway's name has been splashed across headlines for the past month; despite being married to a
Housing
Whether you are about to PCS, move into a different area at your current duty station or choose your retirement locale, there are a number of criteria that families look at before deciding on a new town or neighborhood. Important factors can include school districts, census information and taxes of
