Health
At three years of age, Matthew Little is a happy boy. "His gift is his smile," said his mother, Christie, as she held his hand. "You cannot have a bad day with him." Born with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), Matthew is severely disabled. CMV is the most common congenital infection cause of
Military Life
Years ago, the enormity of a household move overwhelmed Becky Donkersley. "I was crying and a Soldier walked by me and said, ‘Everything will be OK,'" she said. She never forgot that act of kindness. Today the activities director at the Lakewood Healthcare Center, Donkersley welcomed approximately 30 Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM)
Military Life
Spc. Nathan Gumbert grew up poor. "Growing up poor is hard on kids," said the Joint Base Lewis McChord Soldier, who is assigned to the 47th Combat Support Hospital (CSH), as he sat in a Tillicum Elementary School classroom. "I grew up poor; I know what a lot of these
Focus
The sky was crystal clear and blue over Mount Spokane outside of Fairchild Air Force Base last Saturday. It was also very cold. "I'm excited to be out here today and learning more about winter survival," said Pfc. Kristina Steele, A Company, 341st Military Intelligence (MI) Battalion, Washington Army National Guard,
Focus
The Madigan Healthcare System's Green Team walks the talk of sustainability. "We practice sustainable health care," said Mike Kyser, an environmental protection specialist. That's an understatement. Over the past decade and a half, Madigan has partnered with Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Environment Sustainability Program and compiled an impressive and award-winning record of
Focus
Pfc. Joseph Wilson responded to the command, "Ready Up!" As his M-4 carbine came up to his right shoulder, he sighted in on a cardboard, human silhouette target 20 yards away and switched off the weapon's safety. Repeatedly, Wilson and approximately 30 Soldiers attached to B Troop, 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment,
News Articles
The Madigan Healthcare System has two very good reasons to smile. Staff Sgt. Joseph Vespe and Spc. Jose Velasquez recently were named Madigan's Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2010 and Madigan's Soldier of the Year for 2010, respectively. "It is great to be recognized," said Vespe. "I agree," added Velasquez. "Recognition by
Focus
Spc. Rafael Rios slung a rope over his right shoulder and began to quickly pull the green, hard plastic medical sled toward an evacuation point. "This is hard work," he gasped as he stepped aside to let Pfc. Tim Young step up and into the rope harness and begin pulling. "Like I
Focus
Some people in the area have noted that not everyone pays proper respect to the nation's colors during Retreat, the time of the day when the flag is lowered. "At lunch, a few military co-workers and I were discussing the problem of people on base not stopping in the afternoon when
Operation Family Support
There is a baby boom about to happen within the Joint Base Lewis-McChord community thanks to the arrival home last year of 18,000 troops. And, Anita Nowocin is ready to help make these moms and dads feel honored and thanked for their service. Despite organizations donating free diapers, formula, bibs, sippy
Veterans
It was a quiet, simple ceremony comprised of soldiers honoring a fellow soldier. In this instance, though, the soldier being honored is one from World War II, a member of the Greatest Generation. Assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, Staff Sgt. Alfred Eye survived the Japanese attack
Focus
Christian Hamilton is not your typical long-distance runner. "I'm here to show my support for those who have been wounded and those who have given their all," said the staff sergeant, who is assigned to the 17th Fires Brigade on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. While about 700 runners prepared for a 5K run
News Articles
Col. John Norris takes one last look at soldiers from 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division after relinquishing command to Col. Michael Getchell. During a tearful speech at Soldiers Field House, Norris could not thank enough the city of Lakewood, the JBLM community and his fellow Raiders for their support in
Focus
Preparing and training to successfully confront and defeat threats to this nation is at the core of the training each soldier undergoes. For the past nine years, the Army has conducted combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In prosecuting the Global War on Terror (GWOT), commanders and their soldiers have concentrated
Focus
Cadet Anthony Orkiolla spoke to 60 fellow Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets in a clear and confident voice as they stood at the base of a 40-foot rappelling tower last Sunday morning. "Lock it up," he said as he brought the University of Washington's Kennear Husky Battalion to attention as the
Operation Family Support
To honor the service of active-duty and retired service members, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company is celebrating National Military Appreciation Month in November. "We greatly appreciate the service and sacrifice of those who serve us," said Tina Torfin, guest relations manager at Northwest Harley-Davidson in Lacey. To honor local service members, the dealership
Veterans
Jake Robinson stood in the light rain and held his right thumb against a wall under the name of a soldier - Jerry M. Shriver - with whom he served in Vietnam. "He was a great soldier," he said as he fought back tears. "A truly great soldier." A former member
Veterans
In researching this story on Veterans Day, I talked with and listened to a number of individuals about their service to this nation. While interviewing this diverse group of individuals, I asked each one of them if they were a hero. They all said no. There was no hesitation in any of
Focus
Mike Batnick knew the project he worked on in 1969 would be a part of American history. A talented electronics technician, Batnick worked as the quality control inspector on the passive seismic package that went with Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin when they became the first humans to
Focus
The timing was perfect. This past weekend, the nationwide "Make A Difference Day" and the National Guard initiative "Guard the Environment" coincided in a show of community cooperation. Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Washington Army National Guard soldiers volunteered to help the environment and strengthen community ties. "It is very important for us to
