Military Resources
Local businesses and their chambers of commerce strengthen the relationship between Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base. “The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce truly appreciates all that our troops and their families sacrifice to keep us from harm’s way and to protect our way of life,” wrote Linda Smith, president and
Focus
For Staff Sgt. Christina Winter, joining the Army was for her the best decision she has ever made.“No doubt, the best thing I have every done,” said the noncommissioned officer (NCO) who serves in the Madigan Army Medical Center’s (MAMC) emergency room.“I grew up sheltered, and while serving my country
Education
Laurie Brunk said she is responsible, smart, good with people and puts the needs of others first.Come to think of it, the qualities she described match what is expected of professional truck drivers.A placement specialist at Commercial Driver Services (CDS), Brunk is an integral part of the school’s success.CDS works
News Articles
As about 40 soldiers assigned to the 42nd Military Police Brigade, the rain increased in its intensity.“No matter, it’s good to be out of the office,” said Capt. Dan Naab, the brigade’s information operations officer.“It’s also a nice way for us to thank the community which supports us.”Nabb and the
Health
The Army is growing at Fort Lewis.Over the past year, the number of births at the Madigan Army Medical Center (MAMC) has increased.“Intentionally and unintentionally we are growing the Army,” said Col. (Dr.) Peter Nielsen, chief, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), with a big smile.The birth rate at MAMC currently ranges
Health
Contracting a seasonal flu is uncomfortable; contracting H1N1 (Swine) flu can be much more problematic. To be sure, the Department of Defense has labeled H1N1 as having minimal operational impact, and it is identified as being less severe than seasonal flu.With the potential of a flu epidemic in mind, the
Focus
Sgt. Nathan Boyce is dedicated to the Army.“I am up front with what I think,” said the native of Texas. “If I have a good thought, it will be articulated.”And what he is up front about is his dedication to his soldiers and the Army.“It’s what I am all about,”
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Small drawings can tell great stories.“I try to capture the mood, time and sense of a place,” said Patrick Haskett as he made a pencil sketch of Sgt. John Ordway.A noted artist with an unparalleled and heralded ability to paint military subjects in an impressionistic manner, Haskett respects soldiers and
Operation Family Support
For individuals wishing to know more about PTSD and its effects on family members, the local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) chapter will show a 30-minute film entitled, “Coming Home: Supporting Your Soldier” Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Lakewood.“It’s a very good
Operation Family Support
Jesseca Voorhies exuded happiness on Saturday, Oct. 3 as she walked through 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment’s headquarters.The reason for her happiness stemmed from the work of two photographers in an adjoining room.“The goal here is to allow family members the chance to send their deployed soldiers portraits of their
Focus
Staff Sgt. Richard Giertz couldn’t believe his eyes. “It took me a second to recognize that the house was on fire,” he said Saturday morning as he recalled a February 2009 fire. What Giertz did next saved a little boy’s life. Driving through Parkland, he and a passenger noticed a house on fire.
Education
There is a similarity between the game of football and the Army.Both are based on disciplined teamwork.During the 2009 high school football season, the United States Army and the Seattle Seahawks have been honoring Washington state student-athletes on a weekly basis who exemplify the values of academic and athletic achievements.Willis
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The Washington National Guard is busy. Dedicated to the mission of safeguarding lives and property in Washington state, the Guard also ably serves overseas. “Citizen soldiers offer a wealth of experience and knowledge,” said Maj. Wil Johnston, director, State Partnership Program (SPP). Created in 2002, the SPP maintains a long-term relationship designed to
News Articles
The cedar box is simple in its design and large in its message. On the cover is the crest of the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment. When the box is opened the following words appear:With deepest respect from the soldiers and families of the “Buffaloes” 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment
Operation Family Support
Jeannie Sweezer knows how a spouse new to the military with little resources feels when a loved one deploys.“I know what it is like to be the one who has no resources,” said Sweezer, a family readiness support assistant with the new Raider Family Center. “We’re here to assist families
Focus
Sgt. Kenny De La Fuente exudes confidence.Then again, as a soldier assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Battalion, he is one of America’s elite soldiers. His sense of being the best defines his role as a noncommissioned officer.“A good NCO should have a clear sense of competence toward whatever
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It’s the bottom of the ninth inning of a tied game with two outs and the winning run at third.“I’m a coach with a whole bunch of blue chip players,” said Col. Jerome (Jerry) Penner, commander, Madigan Army Medical Center.The outcome of the game is assured; Penner’s team will score.“My
Focus
It is not a stretch to say that noncommissioned officers are the bonding element that holds the Army — and its family members — together.Just ask Sgt. 1st Class Victoria Lischalk, the soldier who oversees the Remote Warrior Care Program for the Warrior Transition Battalion, or WTB.“This mission is 24/7
Business News
The screen saver on Michael Zahringer’s computer read: “Smile … and customers will leave smiling.”The general manager of the post’s Firestone Tire & Auto Center, Zahringer is committed to making sure his customers — most of whom are soldiers, their dependents and retirees — are well served.And with fall and
Focus
“9/11.”That was Sgt. Daniel Fortune’s simple and direct answer when asked why he joined the Army.“I saw what happened to our country that day, and I wanted to do my part to bring America back,” added the California native.Enlisting in the Army after graduating from high school, Fortune serves as
