There is a chain of understanding between Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the neighboring communities. One of the most important links in that chain is Maj. Gen. Stephen Lanza, commanding general, 7th Infantry Division.
"As the Army transitions from its mission in Afghanistan, it is important to maintain and build the trust we have with the American public," Lanza said as we sat in his office. "The Army must stay connected with the American public."
Lanza emphasized that the 7th Infantry Division is committed to its Community Connector Program, a partnership between local communities and various units within the division.
"This is a very important program that allows us to remain connected to those who support us," he said.
Sunday, Nov. 17 at Patriots Landing, Lanza will be the guest speaker at a monthly event hosted by the Mount Rainier Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.
Founded in Los Angeles, Calif. in 1929, MOAA is the nation's largest and most influential association of military officers. It is an independent, nonprofit, politically nonpartisan organization.
Presently, MOAA has a membership of more than 380,000 members and is the nation's largest military officers' association. Its mission is to provide assistance and advice to officers, help with career transitions, enhance military benefits counseling and encourage educational assistance to the children of military families.
"I want to thank these individuals for their continued service and support," Lanza said. "They have been instrumental in helping JBLM accomplish its missions."
Lanza said that his remarks to the MOAA will center on JBLM's rebalancing its mission set toward the Pacific Ocean area and the work done to become a "contingency response force."
"We are moving toward an expeditionary force posture," he continued. "JBLM is a power projection platform that involves the Army, Navy and Air Force."
Lanza added that the joint training that has occurred between JBLM soldiers and countries like Japan and South Korea builds stronger relationships and understanding in the Pacific.
"But the real issue is the American soldier; it is about people and their families here," he said.
Lanza will soon see a personal change. Earlier this month, the Army announced he will receive a promotion and will succeed Lt. Gen. Robert Brown, the current commander of JBLM's I Corps.
Brown will move to Fort Leavenworth, Kan. where he will assume command of the Combined Arms Center.
A change of command ceremony is planned for the third week of January 2014.
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