Focus
August was a busy month for the Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Division Brigade Support Battalion. The unit began the month by welcoming the brigade Military Police platoon and battalion Personnel Security Detail (PSD) to its ranks. The unit then got right to work performing one of its
Focus
The Zodiac and its seven-member team silently oared across the water, parallel to a small beach. Gliding to a slow drift about 70 yards away, Sgt. David Aitchison, Arkansas Army National Guard, and I eased over the side of the boat and into American Lake. We headed toward shore. As "scout
Focus
The Madigan Foundation began 16 years ago because some wives with children had no strollers. "They had come to Madigan, but they didn't have strollers," Dr. Robert Whitney, DVM, RADM, USPHS (Ret) and president of the Madigan Foundation, explained. "We went out and purchased some strollers, and we grew from there." The Madigan
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The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties stands for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. "We put Christian principles into practice," Kim Ketcham, marketing and communication director at the Lakewood YMCA, said. "Our mission is health - in spirit, mind and body." The YMCA, or initially the Young Men's Christian Association, is
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Even when paralyzed, some veterans continue to serve all veterans. For more than 64 years, the Paralyzed Veterans of America has been on a mission to change the lives and build the futures of seriously injured heroes. "We advocate for spinal cord injured veterans and their health care benefits," Ernie Butler, the
Focus
The Fisher House at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) provides a "home away from home" for families and patients receiving medical care at the Madigan Army Medical Center. "You can get lodging anywhere in the area at any time," Jodi Land, Fisher House manager, said. "But what we provide here is compassion,
Focus
The little things in life can make a big difference. If the "little things" are defined as children needing a one-to-one relationship with an adult, and if the "big differences" are those adults who take the time to mentor a child, then you've got the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest
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The United Service Organization, or USO, began in World War II in order to provide morale support and recreation services to this nation's troops as home and overseas. Today, the USO serves over 1.4 million active duty Servicemembers and 1.2 members of the Guard and Reserves deployed around the globe. Here in
Focus
Since 1895, HopeSparks' counselors initially worked to strengthen civilian families. Over time, their work has extended to military families as well. "Why not have healthy Soldiers in our military?" Joe LeRoy, the program director of clinical services, said. "If individuals - civilian or military need help, we want them to come in
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The Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities, or TACID, is an organization that provides information, services, education, support and friendship to more than 4,000 people with many different disabilities in over 40 disability groups. "We promote independence," Ken Gibson, executive director, said. "We work with people with disabilities and the
Focus
When it comes to opportunities created within a community and the impact they have on individual lives, the United Way of Pierce County (UWPC) makes a positive difference. "The United Way always provides the traditional safety net, the emergency services for those in need," Sean Armentrout, Vice President of Community Education
Focus
As Linda Barnard walked the grounds at CenterForce, she greeted everyone she met with a kind word and a smile. "The clients here teach me as much as we advocate for them," she said. "It's a two-way street." Located near McChord Airfield at 5204 Solberg Drive SW in Lakewood, CenterForce is a
News Front
Do you know one or more foreign languages? You may be eligible for the Language Enabled Airman Program. The Air Force Culture and Language Center is forming a corps of multilingual airmen to take on missions around the world, and recently released a memorandum detailing the 2018 LEAP recruitment process. This year's
Focus
The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) allows individuals the opportunity to make an impact in this community. During its 50th Anniversary, the CFC remains the largest charitable giving campaign in the world, bringing in over $7 billion since its inception. "The CFC allows every federal employee and member of our Armed Forces the
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Liz Dunbar knows well what it is like to move from one culture into another. "I am an Air Force brat; I am very adaptable," the executive director of the Tacoma Community House (TCH) said. "I was in a lot of places and a lot of cultures; I am very empathetic to
Concert Alert
We list major concerts going on sale this weekend, as well as national touring acts performing in the Puget Sound this week and down the road. . SECRET TICKET CODE TM = Ticketmaster, 253.627.TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com TW = TicketsWest, 800.325.SEAT, www.ticketswest.com TWEB = Ticketweb, 866.468.7623, www.ticketweb.com . >>> NEW SHOWS ON SALE NOW Jeff Dunham Controlled
Focus
The day began with over 900 Soldiers and more than 100 family members formed up on Mustang Field. The weather was perfect for a run and at 0700 the first step was taken as the Mustang family began their two mile run with Soldiers, spouses, children and pets. As the
News Front
A C-17 landed smoothly at McChord Field last Sunday morning. Lt. Col. Mike Haedt and Capt. Kyle McElheran, both Reservists assigned to the 446th Airlift "Rainier" Wing, made it seem easy. The wing provides 1,900 combat-ready Reserve citizen airmen to support worldwide airlift and military operations. Haedt and McElheran taxied the aircraft to
Reviews
AdessoWhere: 109 Legion Ave SW, Olympia, 360.705.2529Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.,Tuesday- Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Sat 5-10 p.m.Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek, Italian and continental dishes of seafood, pasta, pizza, salads, sandwiches and appetizers.Scene: Casual dining with a somewhat Italian vibe. Furniture layout is uncrowded and decent for semi-intimate dining. Family-friendly,
Music
Last weekend was a blast! Mine started off Friday at Hell's Kitchen, where I saw Plaster get super heavy and play the most "metal" set I've ever seen the band whip out; they grabbed the crowd by the short ones and didn't let go ‘til the set was done. Mom's
