News Front
Like the legendary Bigfoot, the Western Air Defense Sector is rarely seen or heard. But WADS is, however, legendary. "You are at the tip of the spear; you are an awesome force," said Col. Robert Hehemann, the Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) to the North American Aerospace Defense Command Director of Operations. On this
News Front
This past Sunday the country marked with remembrances the 15th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the sacrifice of Flight 93. The events of that day also led some to want to serve in whatever capacity. On Sept. 11, 2002, Charles Raquipiso enlisted in the Army,
News Front
The just concluded Bayonet Week is as much about the potential for further community involvement as it is about continued warrior teamwork and readiness. The event was held Sept. 6-9, and it represents the 7th Infantry Division's reestablishment of the tradition of building esprit de corps throughout the "Bayonet Division." The division
Outdoors
For a while last Monday morning and early afternoon, three pirates controlled all boating on American Lake. They had stormed Russell Landing Marina, showed their JBLM Recreation Qualification Card, filled out some easy paperwork and grabbed a few life preservers. In their little hands they held a treasure chest-sized picnic basket full
News Front
The Washington Army National Guard relishes an eight-wheeled challenge while partnering with active-duty units. "Transforming from a heavy armor brigade to a Stryker brigade is a great opportunity for us," began Col. Bryan Grenon, commander, 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT), located at Camp Murray. "The Strykers are relevant in the
News Front
Three community leaders were inducted into the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Hall of Fame ceremony at the Nelson Recreation Center on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Established in 2003, induction annually recognizes one or more civilian community members who have contributed to Team JBLM for three or more years, and who through long-term support
Military Life
The Bair family defines what it is to be an American family. He is an American who was raised in the Christian faith. His mother-in-law is a Muslim woman who fled Afghanistan in 1979 when the Russians invaded her country. His wife is a new mother, a Muslim and the child
News Front
Like a symphony, the call for artillery fire initiates an agreement between maneuver, artillery and, sometimes, aviation elements to produce a harmonious outcome. "The forward observer who calls in for fire support is like a conductor," said Maj. Jason Turner, operations officer, 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment. "He leads a
News Front
For a secretary, he did a pretty good job of driving a Stryker. "It was awesome!" an enthused Patrick Murphy, the Under Secretary of the Army, said Wednesday afternoon moments after exiting the vehicle. "This gives us an advantage in combatting our enemies." During his two-day visit to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Murphy took
News Front
Corporal Jason Ellis, his wife, Krysta, and their son, Jasper, are new to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Not anymore. They were heartily welcomed to their new assignment and to the local area during the 2nd Annual Field Day hosted by the Lacey sub-chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). Held at
News Front
In 2013, Americans ranked cyber attacks as the top threat to the country, second in danger to the current class of terrorists. This year in a recent Pew Research Center poll, ISIS and Iran's nuclear arms program polled first while cyber attacks ranked second, placing ahead of global economic instability, infectious
Travel
Outlet malls are well worth the time to visit. As I walked around the mall in North Bend, I marveled at the variety of products offered by such stores as Banana Republic and Lane Bryant to Kitchen Collection and Pendleton. Outlet malls feature scores of stores offering well-known consumer product brands, with
Outdoors
Ready to join the growing peloton and pedal around Pierce County? For those who like to ride their bicycles, the county has just published its seventh version of the Pierce County Bike Map. The free map focuses on the on-road bikeways, such as roads with wide lanes, paved shoulders, and designated bicycle
News Front
Ready to go to the 2016 JBLM Airshow & Warrior Expo Saturday, Aug. 27 and Sunday, Aug. 28? The weather should be fine; the visitors' count for the event may approach 300,000; and the static displays and aerial demonstrations will amaze. "After a four-year hiatus, we're pleased to bring this event back
News Front
The 2016 JBLM Airshow & Warrior Expo is on final approach and will touchdown at McChord Field on Aug. 27 and 28. Everything from the weather and parking arrangements to the new food and entertainment sites are ready to go. As to the aerial events - the mainstay of the Expo -
News Front
The Puyallup-Sumner subchapter of the Association of the United States Army's (AUSA) annual "Salute to the Troops" picnic represents continued service and the closing of a circle. The AUSA is a national organization, and the Puyallup-Sumner is one of 11 local subchapters within the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter. The organization is open
News Front
Since its organization in 1855, the Washington Army National Guard has adapted to meet the needs of the time. Comprised of more that 6,000 citizen soldiers who are dedicated to the mission of safeguarding lives, property and the state's economy, the Army Guard is headquartered at Camp Murray, adjacent to Joint
News Front
Picnics are great fun. "You can't beat this weather and park," exclaimed John Guarda, as soldiers and family members assigned to the 201st Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade enjoyed a day of fun and community. As the president of the Association of the United States Army's (AUSA) Gig Harbor Subchapter, Guarda would know. "This
News Front
For Maj. Gen. Mark Stammer, leadership is based on inspiration. "I hope to inspire those I serve with by my actions and words," he said shortly after his Welcoming Ceremony as Joint Base Lewis-McChord's newest deputy commanding general. The traditional military ceremony was held on Tuesday morning in front of I Corps
News Front
Hard work on the ground ensures success in the air. The 2016 JBLM Airshow & Warrior Expo is set to takeoff Aug. 27-28, and it promises to be a great show. "After a four-year hiatus, we're pleased to bring this event back to the South Sound," stated Col. Daniel Morgan, garrison commander,