Capt. Tania Donovan of the 17th Field Artillery Brigade takes a few moments from her Thunder Rumble training to spread the word. ...

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - This year's 2nd Annual Thunder Rumble 5k/10k run will take place August 16, in Tumwater, Wash.

More than 200 participants, military and military supporters, hit the road last August to participate in the first Thunder Rumble 5k. 

The event is a partnership project between the 17th Field Artillery Brigade from Joint Base Lewis McChord and the Tumwater-Olympia Association of the United Stated Army Sub-Chapter. The run brings the community and our Soldiers together for a fun time in our hosting cities of Tumwater and Olympia. 

More than 350 participants are expected at this year's race which has been upgraded to a 5k and a 10k run. Both organizations look forward to the relationships built between the military community and both cities as a result of this event.

For more information about this year's Thunder Rumble 5k/10k please go to https://www.facebook.com/#!/ThunderRumbleRun where Soldiers, family and friends can register to participate in this year's event.

The 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division are about to get even more maneuverable on the battlefield.

This summer the brigade is upgrading their communications equipment to the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical Increment 2, a new satellite communication system that enhances a commander's ability to exercise mission command.

The upgraded equipment makes 3-2 SBCT a more adaptive and ready force for future missions around the world.  The new system helps the unit meet the chief of staff of the Army's vision of a globally responsive and modern force.

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The 7th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office has sad news to report:

A 2-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division Soldier was killed during a training exercise at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., June 21.

The Soldier has been identified as Pfc. Andrew J. Sass, 23, of Fremont, N.C.

Sass was an infantryman assigned to Company C, 2^nd Battalion, 1^st Infantry Regiment.

Sass entered military service in May 2013 and attended One Station Unit Training in Military Occupational Specialty 11B (Infantryman) at Fort Benning, Ga.  He arrived to 2-2 SBCT at JBLM in Oct. 2013.  He had not served on an overseas deployment.

His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

"[This is] a true loss to the Lancer team. He was a husband, warrior, and true friend to all. He will be missed, but we will not forget him," said Col. Louis A. Zeisman, commander of the 2-2 SBCT. 

The incident is currently under investigation.

The 2-2 SBCT deployed to the NTC in early June to conduct a month-long training exercise.

Retired Maj. Gen. John Hemphill captured the mood of the moment when he said, "Old soldiers may fade away, but we haven't done that."

He made the remark during the 64th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration held on the campus of the State Capitol in Olympia June 21.

Often referred to as the Forgotten War, approximately 400 veterans, family members and friends attended the event.

The Washington Korean War Meritorious Veterans League, the Washington-Tacoma Korean American Association and the Seattle Chapter of the National Unification Advisory Council sponsored the event.

The Korean War was a war between the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). 

The war began in June 1950 when communist forces from North Korea invaded South Korea. The United States intervened in support of South Korea. Fighting ended in July 1953.

>>> Honor Guard soldiers assigned to 17th Field Artillery Brigade don ascots just prior to the beginning of the 64th Korean War Commemoration in Olympia. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

"Sixty-four years ago the attack marked one of the first actions of the Cold War," said Col. Paul Bontrager, deputy commanding general, 7^th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

"We have a heritage of respect; we have forged an alliance that continues today."

Reminiscences amongst Korean War veterans, speeches of remembrance and renewed friendship and numerous wreath layings characterized the hour-long ceremony.

>>> Retired Col. Don Roberts, who served two tours of duty in Korea and 26 years in the Army.  Note the two stars on his Combat Infantry Badge. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

"It's really good to be here," commented Col. Don Roberts, a 26-year Army veteran who served two tours during the Korean War.

Above his ribbons was a rare Combat Infantry Badge with two stars.  He said only 400 have been awarded and that only 100 awardees are still alive.

Korean War veterans will fade away, but they will not be forgotten for the bravery and sacrifice they demonstrated that created today's free South Korea.

>>> Korean War veterans placed white chrysanthemums and saluted at the Korean War Memorial during the 64th  Korean War Commemoration. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

This just in from the 7th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office:

Approximately 50 Soldiers from the 787th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 3rd EOD Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, will case the unit colors Thurs., May 1, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., in preparation for their deployment to Afghanistan.

The ceremony is a military tradition officially marking a unit deployment or relocation. Once the 787th EOD Co. arrives at its final destination in Afghanistan, the colors will be uncased, marking the completion of the unit relocation.

This month the 7th Infantry Division will race to gain ground in the fight against sexual assault.

To raise awareness, 7th ID will host a sexual assault awareness run, April 29, on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

"In the month of April we are observing the 10th annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month," said Col. Louis Zeisman, commander of 2-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th ID, in a special message to Soldiers of his brigade. "Leaders at all levels must establish a climate of dignity, trust, and respect."

The intent is to educate leaders, Soldiers, and Department of Defense civilians on the consequences of not intervening to stop sexual assault before it happens.

In addition, each brigade under the Bayonet Division will hold a Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention safety stand-down day.

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