Focus
With more than 800 family members, friends and local leaders in attendance, over 40 Rangers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment were recognized in a rare public appearance for their heroism. The unit is stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. "Our heroes are all around us," said Lt. Col. David Hodne,
News Articles
When the lead AH-64 Apache helicopter dropped out of the blue sky and touched down at Gray Army Airfield, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) added to its illustrious history. "This is the first time Apaches will be stationed here," Capt. Jesse Paulsboe, public affairs officer for the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, said. "This
Veterans
The motorcycles - two Harleys and a Victory - rumbled into a local Krispy Kreme parking lot. Jared Davis, Britt Anderson and Tim Thompson, Army veterans and members of the Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club, dismounted and entered the business. Bikers having donuts - there's a picture for you. Polite and well spoken,
News Articles
Secretary of the Army John McHugh announced during his second visit to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) today that Army will establish a new headquarters at the area base. "This new headquarters will provide command and control for several brigade-size units, many of which have been activated since 2003," McHugh said during
Schools
From boots to shirts, the color purple predominated at Pioneer Middle School last Friday. Designated "Purple Up! For Military Kids," a large number of students wore the color purples to show their support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices. Purple is the color that unifies all branches of the
Archives
Climb into my head for a moment: The venue is the farm country of northwestern Ohio where I grew up. A rural school, books to read, a BB gun to shoot and a dog to play with were my reality. Oh, and thousands of acres of corn, wheat and soybeans filled
Health
Remember the old saying, "Good night; sleep tight; don't let the bed bugs bite?" Well, the bugs are biting in record numbers. They are small, brown, oval in shape and ugly. Bed bugs prefer to dine on humans; their bites look like small mosquito bites. They are not known to spread diseases. But bed
Downrange Journal
I watched as PV2 Jonathan Prouse took measured steps on a road that led into Mutashim. Careful footfalls meant not triggering an improvised explosive device, or IED. A small village on the west side of the Argandab River in the Zharay District of Kandahar Province, its elders had asked for 1st Platoon,
Downrange Journal
Spc. Wendy Vickery: I want to tell my Mom, Dad and brother that I love them and that I hope I make them proud."
Downrange Journal
Spc. Jessica Kirt: "I want my Dad to know that I am carrying on the legacy, and I want to thank my Mother and niece for supporting me."
Downrange Journal
Spc. Heidi Olson: "To my friends and family - thank you for all of your support."
Downrange Journal
About 400 meters outside the wire from HR2 is the village of Mutashim, a small place on the west bank of the Argandab River. On a good day, it's an easy walk. On a day where there may be IEDs (or improvised explosive devices) in the road, it's a bit slower. HR2,
Downrange Journal
Sergeant First Class Wade Smith cuts a good head of hair. We didn't talk much as he worked; then again, I like to sit in a barber's chair and just think things through. "I've been cutting hair since I was 13 years old," the senior non-commissioned officer of the S-1, or Human
Downrange Journal
Spc. Diana Zuniga: "Let my parents know that I love and miss them and will see you in a month."
Downrange Journal
Guy Time: Sgt. Nic Cordeiro grabs a quick shave while Sgt. Vincent Raila observes.
Downrange Journal
Getting Ready: PV2 Travis Mienkwic oils his M4 before a mission. The protection of the soldiers and the villages they visit is vital.
Downrange Journal
1Lt. Ben Westman, 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company makes a point during a shura, or village meeting, in the village of Mutashim.
Downrange Journal
Spc. Wendy Vickery had a feeling that something wasn't right. On a recent mission with Charlie Company, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment and Afghan National Army, or ANA, soldiers, Vickery's feelings and training paid off. "I had a sense the ANA had not thoroughly search the back of the compound," she said. "So
Downrange Journal
Sgt. Ana Cuthbertson: "I want to thank my daughter, Lauren, that I am a component to a family and for maintaining my humanity."
Downrange Journal
Pfc. Heather Owens: "I want my fiancé, Gary, and my Mother to know that I love you, miss you and can't wait to see you."