"We're going back to the future here, it's like I'm looking for the DeLorean," said Col. Philip Raymond, new commander of the newly re-activated 2nd headquarters, better known as a DIVARTY, overseas training for all artillery units supporting the second infantry division.

The unit's long history spans almost a century. Established in 1917, it saw action in both world wars, provided support for American and Korean troops during the Korean War. After the end of the Korean War, it relocated to Fort Lewis, Washington, where it made its home for decades.

But in November 2006 the Army deactivated its DIVARTYs so that artillery assets could be more easily dispersed in support of counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. "(Artillery units) have gotten used to deploying as modular units," explained Raymond.

But as American forces began drawing down in Iraq, the Army began re-evaluating its organizational needs. In December 2012 Maj. Gen. James McDonald, commander of the Fires Center of Excellence, submitted a proposal to bring back Field Artillery command headquarters.

In his remarks during the DIVARTY's dedication ceremony, Gen. Maj. Terry Ferrell, Commander of the 7th Infantry Division, said that this is part of the process of working to "restructure and re-right our forces" in response to the draw down in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's about planning for the future.

"So far, the 2nd Infantry Division's DIVARTY is one of three to be reactivated, with more on the way.

Lt. Col. Bill Coppernoll, the 7th Infantry Division's public affairs officer, explained that "this helps with standardizing training and procedures for units across the region."

>>> Col. Philip Raymond, incoming commander of the newly re-activated 2nd Infantry Division Artillery (DIVARTY) chats with Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza after the unit's reactivation ceremony Sept. 25.

Raymond and his staff will oversee training for all artillery units in Washington and Alaska. This DIVARTY is regionally oriented toward threats in the Pacific Region. "I am laser focused on Korea," said Raymond.

But, he specified that subordinate artillery battalions that answer to the DIVARTY can be deployed elsewhere should the need arise. Raymond said that in an ever changing security environment, they are training for any contingency that may arise.

But as he comes into his new position here, he's not solely focused on threats overseas, but also wants to spend time getting to know his new home at JBLM. He's a newcomer to the Pacific Northwest. He recently completed studying at the U.S. Naval War College, and said he and his family are excited for the change in scenery. "We're eager to meet the community," he said.

Realizing the impact of Prisoner of War and Missing in Action soldiers may be a little difficult for those not directly affected. That is, until watching a family member fight back tears during a Vietnam and POW/MIA Recognition Day event held Friday in front of the Capitol building in Olympia.

"It's an honor. It was a hard time and difficult time for the nation, as well as those of us that were serving," said Vietnam veteran and Washington Military Department Chief State Finance officer Daniel Swisher. "It's a lot of pride of nation for us. These people have given so much of their own lives to make this country what it is, and to forget that or not to honor that is just a tragedy."

Swisher was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969, and during Friday's ceremony he shared the impact of returning from Vietnam without a close friend with whom he had deployed as well as the sacrifices and risks of every deployed service member.

"It's important that we pass these stories on to our children, and they pass them on to their children, so we don't forget," Swisher said.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established in 1986, and more than 80,000 service members from the U.S. are still considered to be "missing in action."

>>> Minute Man Riders conducted a joint motorcycle ride as part of the POW and MIA Recognition Event at the Capitol Plaza in Olympia.  The ride started outside of Camp Murray and ended at the Capitol in Olympia. Photo credit: Gary Lott

That's more than 80,000 family members and friends who were never able to thank their service members for their combat service or feel that euphoria of embrace when welcoming them back home into their arms.

"The 50th Vietnam Commemoration is to thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war (POW), or listed as missing in action (MIA), for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans," said Brig. Gen. John Tuohy of the Washington National Guard during the ceremony.

>>> Col. Gregory Allen, the event's master of ceremonies, expresses his gratitude to the family members of POW and MIA servicemembers during a POW/MIA Recognition Event. Photo credit: Gary Lott

Events such as this highlight the special partnership between the Washington National Guard, the Washington Department of Veterans' Affairs and National Guard Association of Washington that take place throughout the year.

Brig. Gen. Wallace Turner, commander of the Washington National Guard and the 6,200 citizen-soldiers that serve the United States of America and the state of Washington, was also on hand to read the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.

"In recognition of a chapter in our nation's history that must never be forgotten, let us renew our sacred commitment to those who answered our country's call in Vietnam and those who awaited their safe return," said Turner, reading from President Obama's Vietnam Commemoration. "While no words will ever be fully worthy of their service, nor any honor truly befitting their sacrifice, let us remember that it is never too late to pay tribute to the men and women who answered the call of duty with courage and valor."

Since Memorial Day 2012, the Federal Government has partnered with local governments, private organizations and communities across America to honor and show thanks to the generation of service members who embarked upon one of the most challenging missions in U.S. history.

Along with the Washington Military Department and National Guard, which conducted the Sept. 19 ceremony at the Winged Victory Memorial at the Capitol, the Washington National Guard Military Funeral Honors performed the Honor Guard ceremony; the National Guard Association of Washington (NGAW) provided the traditional wreath; and the 133rd Army National Guard Band performed the event's music.

"The Washington Military Department, Washington Department of Veterans Affairs and Washington National Guard do a great job of honoring all these vets," said Swisher. "No one's forgetting, and that's truly special in itself."

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is Friday, Sept. 19, but at Joint Base Lewis-McChord - McChord Field the respects begin Sept. 15 at Memorial Grove and conclude Sept. 19 at The Club at McChord Field Ballroom. The annual recognition is to remember and honor those who have sacrificed so valiantly for their country.

The week of recognition starts at 11 a.m. with a wreath laying ceremony at McChord Field's Memorial Grove - honoring and paying respects to all POW/MIAs, past and present. If bad weather ensues the ceremony will be moved into the adjacent building.

Motorcyclists will gather at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 16 at Memorial Grove for their annual ride. Last year this was one of the more popular motorcycle rides in the Northwest. It presents a chance for veterans to meet new friends and renew acquaintances with old ones.

People looking for something more physically energetic can meet at 8 a.m. Sept. 17 for a 24-hour Memorial Run at the McChord Field Track. It's open to all members of the JBLM community. This is a fundraising event. For more information, call 253.982.3339.

The week of events winds up Sept. 19 for a POW/MIA luncheon at The Club at McChord Field Ballroom. RSVP required. For information, call 253.982.7161.

In Viet Nam, 2,338 military personal were originally listed as missing in action. Over the years some bodies have been identified leaving 1,875 military personnel still unaccounted for. It is a tradition for Americans to recover their dead but due to the difficult terrain in Viet Nam, bodies were often challenging to locate. Military personnel just yards apart often disappeared into the jungle and foliage.

Numbers of POWs were relativity small in Viet Nam given the size of the forces employed. The Vietnamese held 766 military personal in captivity, the largest number being pilots and crewmen downed over Hanoi. While in prisons, 114 died of wounds. The small number of captured was more a result of logistics rather than brutality. Guerilla forces, often moving fast and light, had no capacity to take prisoners and captives were often eliminated. 

Remembering MIAs and POWs has become a tradition. JBLM-McChord Field is proud to host the events.

Friday marked the dedication of Harrison Hall, the 7th Infantry Division's new headquarters at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Harrison Hall is named after retired Lt. Gen. William Harrison. Harrison is well known in both the military and local communities. After leaving the service he became an influential community leader and politician, being elected the first mayor of Lakewood after its incorporation.

"We honor his contributions not only for the military but for the community," said Maj. Gen. Terry Ferrell, the commander of the 7th Infantry Division as he addressed the audience.

Harrison was born in Pembroke, Kentucky on July 2 1933. He joined the Army in 1954 and was a career officer. His career took him around the world. He served in West Germany, Iran and Vietnam. While in Korea he led two companies of the 7th Infantry Division, and would later be the divisions' commanding general. In the U.S. he served in several staff positions at installations around the country, including I Corps at Fort Lewis. He retired from the Army in 1991.

>>> Maj. Gen. Terry Ferrell, commanding general of the 7th Infantry Division, speaks during the dedication of the Division's new headquarters, Harrison Hall. Harrison Hall is named for Lt. Gen. (ret) William Harrison, who was the ceremony's guest of honor. Photo credit: Kevin Knodell

After leaving the military, he had several posts in government and the private sector, serving as an advisor to the governor of California. He eventually co-chaired the Lakewood incorporation effort and was elected to the city's first city council in September 1995. He was elected the city's first mayor one month later.

Since then, he's been an instructor at Pierce College and currently sits on the Pierce College Foundation board. He also serves on the boards of the Lakewood YMCA, USO Puget Sound Area, the Pierce County Mental Health Oversight Board and countless other organizations.

>>> Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza, commanding general of I Corps, speaks at the dedication of the 7th Infantry Division's new headquarters. Photo credit: Kevin Knodell

Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza, commanding general of I Corps, thanked him for his service and ongoing support of the military, mentioning to the audience that Harrison has attended nearly every ceremony they've had.

When it was his turn to speak, Harrison was helped to the podium by his son, Lanza and Ferrell. The old soldier spoke softly into the microphone as he reflected on his service in uniform, and beyond. He specifically addressed those soldiers who were preparing to leave the service. "There truly is life after the Army," he told the crowd.

>>> Canadian Brig. Gen. Carl Turenne shakes hands with Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William Harrison after the dedication of Harrison Hall, the 7th Infantry Division's new headquarters named in his honor. Photo credit: Kevin Knodell

After the ceremony, attendees came up to shake hands and chat with Harrison. One of them was Brig. Gen. Carl Turenne, the Canadian army officer serving as the deputy commander of I Corps.

"It's an honor to be part of this team," he told The Ranger after chatting with Harrison.

Turenne said Harrison's career and his contributions to the military and his community sets an example to soldiers everywhere. "You want to emulate a guy like Lt. Gen. Harrison," Turenne said.

The 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment cased it colors this mornings in a well done ceremony as it prepares for a nine month deployment to the Middle East.

The unit is part of the 17th Field Artillery Brigade, which is commanded by Col. Tim Kehoe.

The battalion is no stranger to deployments. 

Over the past seven years, the unit has served multiple tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Kuwait.

"This day has been a long time in coming," said Lt. Col. Ian Bennett, the battalion's commander to approximately 300 soldiers assembled in front of him.

"It is time, and we will add another chapter to ‘First Round's' history."

The 5-3 is steeped in tradition and history.

The origin can be traced back to the late 1700s when it was part of the 2nd Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers.  As to its unique motto of "First Round," that was earned at the start of the Civil War when Battery D - the forerunner of the battalion - fired the first shot at the Battle of Bull Run.

The battalion is also credited with beginning the tradition of playing Taps over the grave of a fallen comrade.

"You are well prepared for what lies ahead," commented Brig. Gen. Paul Bontrager, deputy commander, 7th Infantry Division.

"You will do the hard work of our nation, and your efforts do make a difference."

During a week of hot weather, heavy clouds and a cold snap threatening when Lt. Col. James B. Bartholomees assumed command of 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment from Col. Gregory K. Anderson, July 24 at Watkins Field, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, he inherited a unit with a long and proud fighting history. The 2nd Ranger Battalion is the second of three elite special operations commando battalions belonging to the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment. Guests huddled together and waited for rain as events of the battalion were related.

World War II brought about a need for special units and, along with the 5th Ranger Battalion, was quickly formed at Camp Forrest, Tenn. Only the best soldiers are chosen for special commando units and the 2nd Ranger Battalion felt like the best of the best when they were trained and sent to Great Britain to prepare for the D-Day invasion. Six Ranger battalions were eventually formed during the war.

Lt. Col. James Rudder attempted to land three companies of the 2nd Ranger Battalion at Pointe du Hoc during the invasion. Nothing goes as planned, especially during war, and several landing craft capsized drowning soldiers and losing supplies. Any chance at surprise was lost when the remaining unit landed an hour late. Undeterred, the remaining 190 men scaled rope ladders and completed their mission by disabling a battery of captured French artillery used by the Germans and pointed at Utah Beach. The cost, however, was high and only 90 soldiers were able to continue the fight and held off German counter-attacks for three days. After being brought to strength, the battalion continued to fight in the Hurtgen Forrest and led the assault on Hill 400 at Bergstein.

>>> Col. Gregory K. Anderson and Col. James B. Bartholomees watch over the 2-75th Ranger Regiment change of command ceremony at Watkins Field, JBLM, July 24. Photo credit: Richard Baker

The 2nd Battalion was reactivated as an elite combat unit at Joint Base lewis-McChord Oct. 1, 1974 and considered "world-wide deployable" by the Chief of Staff of the Army. In 19 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, they have conducted more than 3,500 raids against the Taliban and al-Qaeda. One company is always available for deployment within 18 hours, the remainder within a day.

For Lt. Col. Bartholomees, the change of command is almost like a homecoming. He served with the regiment as a rifle platoon leader, as the battalion logistics officer, and ranger rifle company commander. He was later assigned as the battalion liaison officer followed by executive officer. After moving to regimental headquarters he served as senior liaison officer, operations officer, executive officer, and regimental deputy commander. Many men know and respect him as an honest, intelligent, and fair commander. He returns that respect.

>>> Col. Gregory K. Anderson salutes the 2-75th Ranger Regiment during the change of command ceremony at Watkins Field, JBLM, July 24. Photo credit: Richard Baker

On three occasions, outgoing commander Col. Anderson deployed three times with the unit to Afghanistan. He will continue his military career by attending the U.S. Army War College before commanding the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy.

During the ceremony, the band sparkled, the troops looked smart, and even the rain held back out of respect for one of the finest fighting units in the military. At the completion of the ceremony, the sky broke apart and the sun shone through. No change of command has been better orchestrated.

In his parting speech as commander of the 1st Special Forces Group, Col. Robert McDowell praised his unit, thanked those who have assisted in his career and reflected on his two years at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

He said it's been a fulfilling and rewarding moment in his military career that began after graduating from Ball State University in 1987.

"This has truly been the highlight of my 27 years in service," McDowell said. "It's an honor I'll never be able to top. Thank you for everything. I wish you the best. You are the best."

McDowell, who has been reassigned to Fort Bragg, is replaced by Col. Otto Liller, who began his military career in 1993.

"I wish you the very best," McDowell said to Liller during a 45-minute change of command ceremony today. "I know you're going to love this job. You'll love every bit of it."

Liller, who has been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and the Philippines, is no stranger to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). Prior to his promotion as commander to replace McDowell, Liller commanded the 1st Battalion, the 1st Special Forces Group on Torii Station in Okinawa, helping support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Philippines and throughout Asia Pacific.

Liller is looking forward to the challenge of his new assignment.

"This is more than a unit," Liller said. "This is a family and I'm glad to be home. I expect the utmost effort and professionalism from all of you. You should demand the utmost courage, compassion and leadership from me."

Liller first served with the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) from 1999-2002.

"Together we'll continue to uphold the finest traditions of the 1st Special Forces Group and the Special Forces Regiment," Liller said. "And we'll serve our nation proudly."

Brigadier General Darsie Rogers, the commanding general for USASFC, praised the performance of 1st Special Forces Group under McDowell.

"They're capable of adapting at a moments notice to a changing scenario or environment," Rogers said. "One that the 1st Special Forces Group has excelled here in the past two years under McDowell. They truly performed in any environment at any level."      

Rogers was confident that the 1st Special Forces Group will continue it's high level of performance under Liller.

"Now is the time to turn the page," Rogers said. "Otto and Wendy, you're no strangers to 1st Special Forces Group. You bring an in-depth knowledge of Asia and 1st Group. Under your command they'll continue to excel."

In 2005, Liller returned to 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) when he served as GWOT Operations Planner, Special Forces Company commander and Group Operations officer. After graduating from the University of Miami in 1993, Lillers' first assignment was with the 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

Col. Daniel Walrath captured the moment nicely when he said, "A deployment is still a deployment."

About one hundred soldiers assigned to the 4th Attack Reconnaissance Squadron, 6th US Cavalry returned home to Joint Base Lewis-McChord yesterday afternoon from a nine-month deployment to South Korea.

The unit, generally referred to as the 4-6 Attack Reconnaissance Squadron, deployed to Camp Humphreys, South Korea with 30 OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters.

The aviation unit operated in support of US 8th Army, 2nd Infantry Division and the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade as the Army assumes more missions in the Asia-Pacific region in support of the service's strategic rebalance to that area of the world. 

The squadron will leave its aircraft behind after the deployment for use by the follow-on rotational unit.

It is the first of two groups to return; the rest will return early next week.

>>> Wyatt Van Hook straightens out a couple of chairs while awaiting the return of his father, Spc. Peter Van Hook. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

>>> Dylan Davis signals what his father, Capt. Kyle Davis, 4th Attack Reconnaissance Squadron, 6th US Cavalry, will be doing when he gets home from his rotation to Korea. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

But for the family members sitting in the stands at Soldiers Field House, the deployment was over.

"I am very excited he is coming home," said Alissa Van Hook as she waited for her husband, Spc. Peter Van Hook. 

"This was my first deployment, and fortunately the time he was gone went by faster than I thought it would, and that was good."

>>> CWO2 Joel Garzelloni is happy to be reunited with his wife Karrie, and his children Enzo and Eva. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

During the squadron's deployment, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced in February a proposal to phase out the Army's entire Kiowa fleet as a part of the 2015 defense budget and its emphasis on drawing down the force.

JBLM's Kiowa squadron is among the first in line to close down. 

The Kiowa, the smallest combat helicopter in the Army, is used for scouting, observation duty and light-attack missions.

Closing the 4-6 affects the 400 local aviators and support soldiers.  After the soldiers take post-deployment leave, they will either move on to new units or separate from the military.

But for a while on a beautiful, sunny day yesterday afternoon, the emphasis was on family and reunions.

"They've been gone for about nine months, and I think it's great these soldiers have family members waiting for them," pointed out Gary Steffensen, as he waited for his son, Staff Sgt. Samuel Steffensen.

"And we are proud of every one of these soldiers."

On Flag Day the Olympia VFW Post 318 will host a fundraising dinner and also offer a patriotic service to the surrounding community.

The dinner will start at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 14 and conclude around 7 p.m. The menu that afternoon will feature steamer clams and spaghetti, not to mention oyster stew and oysters on the half shell for just $13 per person. There will be bottled non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase and a full cash bar will also be open.

All of the proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward building repairs at the post and then any additional funds will be part of the veteran service organization's monthly donations to the USO.

In honor of Flag Day, Post 318 will also be taking in any damaged flags, which are considered no longer fit to serve as a symbol of the country, so that they can be properly disposed by burning in a dignified ceremony.

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Beginning today, about 2,800 participants from across Washington state will compete in the 41st annual Washington Special Olympics at Joint Base Lewis McChord. The opening ceremony of the three-day event took place last night in JBLM's Hangar 1. Army Staff Sgt. Dayan Neely with the 20th Public Affairs Detachment was at the ceremony. JBLM has been hosting the Special Olympics for more than 40 years, with sports like swimming, soccer, track and field, powerlifting, and cycling. According to Neely, "Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lanza, I Corps commander, was a keynote speaker at the ceremony. Quoting the Seattle Seahawks' head coach, Pete Carroll, Lanza said, ‘If you wanna win for the rest of your life, you've gotta compete.' This set the tone for the athletes and supporters throughout the rest of the ceremony, which ended in celebrational dance to music provided by the I Corps band."

Below are the scenes Neely captured:

A young athlete competing in the Washginton Special Olympics extends high-fives to the supporting crowd as he and more than 2,800 athletes are welcomed to this year's SOWA games, May 30, 2014. Photo credit: Army Staff Sgt. Dayan Neely, 20th Public Affairs Detachment

A Wenatchee athlete extends high-fives to the supporting crowd. Photo credit: Army Staff Sgt. Dayan Neely, 20th Public Affairs Detachment

A young Federal Way athlete extends high-fives. Photo credit: Army Staff Sgt. Dayan Neely, 20th Public Affairs Detachment

A young athlete rides her father's shoulders as the supporting crowd cheers them. Photo credit: Army Staff Sgt. Dayan Neely, 20th Public Affairs Detachment

A young athlete lights the ceremonial torch to start the games. Photo credit: Army Staff Sgt. Dayan Neely, 20th Public Affairs Detachment