Operation Family Support
Experiencing the death of a loved one is a fact of life. And when a loved one dies, it can be difficult to help children cope with the loss, particularly as the surviving parent(s) confront their own grief. Counselors say that how much children grasp about death depends upon their age, life
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Jennifer McPhee's eyes filled with tears as she struggled to find words. Her thoughts centered on her daughter, Megan Olivia McPhee, who passed away in March. She was 18 months old. "I think this event is so wonderful; it's a way to remember those we've lost," McPhee said as she tied a
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At a redeployment and change of command ceremony held Thursday morning on Watkins Field, a soldier received a Silver Star, a brigade was welcomed home and then reflagged and one commander relinquished command to another. Several thousand individuals turned out to officially welcome home 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division from its
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The Washington Army National Guard's 133rd Army Band adds a perfect note to summertime in the Northwest. "We are very fortunate to play for veterans and the surrounding communities," said Sgt. Christopher Coutsouridis, as he warmed up on his drums. "It is really good to be here and entertain the veterans at
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The McChord Honor Guard Team sets the standard in representing the colors, the United States Air Force and this country. "This team is very impressive," said Tech. Sgt. Bonnie Longie, a team member for two years and the team's noncommissioned officer in charge. In fact, the team has been so impressive that
Military Life
As soon as Staff Sgt. Cayle Fidel looked into the cockpit of the Super Blanik glider, he wanted to fly. "I am so sold on this!" exclaimed the Oregon Guardsman as he walked around the aircraft. Wounded serving in Iraq, Fidel is currently assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion. "I am so hoping
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Laurie Schlosser had not seen her husband, Spc. Edward Schlosser, since last October. "I am so pumped to see him," said Schlosser as she sat next to her friend, Ashley Bartels. "I have missed him so much." The couple reunited Monday evening during a ceremony in a crowded Wilson Fitness Center at Joint
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Gen. George Casey liked Spc. Brian Roberts' hard plastic footwear."Some pretty fancy slippers you got there," quipped the relaxed and easygoing Army chief of staff. "Sorry for being out of regs, sir," replied Roberts, who sat in a wheelchair with a camouflage blanket over his legs. Casey awarded Roberts a Purple Heart
Veterans
The American Legion's Operation Comfort Warriors, or OCW, program is another example of soldiers taking care of soldiers. Since December 2008, the American Legion family has raised more than $570,000 for this effort, which has significantly improved the quality of life for wounded military men and women who are recovering in
Military Life
Ashaleena White smiled as Traci Chepoda carefully applied eyeliner. "I didn't think I would win the total makeover contest sponsored by the Ranger Newspaper," said White. "Then I got a call from the salon, and that's when it hit me." White said that between raising her son and going to school to become
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Alexsandr Martynov walked into the ring and picked up the 10-pound shot. He rocked back and forth four times and then put the shot. It landed about 20 feet away. "That was a great shot!" yelled Spc. Jamie Ryan as she recorded the distance the shot flew. "You should be proud
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The Washington National Guard at Camp Murray rolled out the red carpet last Saturday in hosting a Heritage Day. The day's events celebrated the service of Guard personnel from the past and present. "This is my first time here," said Richard Jones, a retired Indiana Guardsman and former Marine who served
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Willow owes her freedom to the Fort Lewis Dog Park. A Siberian husky, the big white and light brown dog chased after a red ball and returned it to her master. Due to time constraints, Willow's previous owners did not have the time to give her enough exercise. "She needs to be
Operation Family Support
Kim Roeddle loves to organize events. "It is a strength I have," she commented as she sat in a local coffee shop. "I like to think outside of the box." A veteran journalist and committed military wife, Roeddle is the driving force behind the area's first ever Liberty Natural Beauty Pageant. "This event
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"Every Army cadet must show up here, be evaluated and show they have the command capability to lead American soldiers," said Jeremy O'Bryan, a public affairs officer for the 8th Brigade, U.S. Army Cadet Command. Formally known as the Leader Development and Assessment Course, or LDAC, and commonly referred to as
Veterans
The Garfield Barracks at the Washington Soldiers Home near Orting is an eye-catcher. In 1891, the State of Washington built for Union veterans of the Civil War the home in a place of peace and beauty. Time has taken its toll, and the home is in need of community support. There now exists
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The word professional defines the soldiers who serve in the I Corps Command Honor Guard. "We are the professional representation of the Army," said Sgt. Alex Silva as he sat in the guard's ready room next to a cabinet containing highly shined belt buckles. "We are what the public sees." The measured
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Seven score and nine years separate Spc. Aaron Aamot and his great, great, great grandfather, Horace Hinds. Assigned to 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Aamot died outside of Jelewar, Afghanistan in November 2009 when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. Before enlisting in 2006
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The 4th Airlift Squadron has reason to stand tall and smile broadly. The oldest active airlift squadron in the Air Force, the unit is preparing to celebrate its 75th birthday. "We're looking forward to this event," wrote Senior Master Sgt. Keith Schnug in an e-mail. The party will begin at 1 p.m.
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The Army faces a fast paced operations tempo that demands the best of its leaders. Developing the best among noncommissioned officers, or NCOs, begins with attending and completing the Warrior Leader Course, or WLC. The 15-day course hones leadership, training and war fighting skills. The training during WLC promotes leading from
