The Operation: Turkey Drop program, now in its eighth year, helps check off meals from servicemembers' holiday checklists.

Servicemembers from a variety of active and National Guard units began receiving turkeys from the program Nov. 25 across Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Camp Murray, offering relief from the financial burdens of holiday expenses.

"Last year, one brigade had the recipient families' onsite to collect their turkeys," said Carlene Joseph, president of the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter for the Association of the United States Army. "It was very heartwarming to meet these families and to see how appreciative they were."

These types of heartwarming memories will only continue to grow.

"This year, we plan to distribute about 745 turkeys, compared to last year's 400," Joseph said. "Due to our fundraising efforts, for the first time, we'll be able to expand our outreach to the Air Force and National Guard in Eastern Washington.

"It's very rewarding to show JBLM and Camp Murray just how appreciative our community is of their work," she added. "Operation: Turkey Drop gives some of our local businesses the opportunity to visit and spread good cheer during the holiday season." 

>>> Once again, the Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse truck was the command center for Operation: Turkey Drop at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Camp Murray Nov. 25. Photo credit: Gary Lott

>>> Operation: Turkey Drop delivered more than 700 turkeys to servicemembers this year compared to the 400 that were dropped last year. Photo credit: Gary Lott

>>> Operation: Turkey Drop sponsors pose with 446th Airlift Wing staff on JBLM Nov. 25. Photo credit: Gary Lott

>>> Master Sgt. Todd Wivell smiles as he fends of the rain and waits for the 62nd Airlift Wing commander, Col David Kumashiro, to arrive and assist with collecting turkeys for their unit. Photo credit: Gary Lott

>>> The 62nd Airlift Wing Commander Col. David Kumashiro and Chief Master Sgt. Gordon Drake show off their birds, after receiving more than a dozen holiday meal turkeys for the 62nd AW. Photo credit: Gary Lott

This program continues to grow with the help of its many sponsors. For example, DaVita has sponsored the program for several years now, and this year it more than doubled its contribution. Also, Northwest Harley-Davidson and Brothers in Arms have hosted a Freedom Ride for five consecutive years.  The amount raised from this year's event was twice what was raised in previous years. Lastly, the Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse has purchased 100 turkeys each year of the program and has provided a "now infamous" box truck that can be seen transporting and delivering the turkeys across JBLM and Camp Murray to various units.  

"The Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse recently won a statewide community service award, and one of the deciding factors included their role in Operation: Turkey Drop," Joseph said.

>>> The staff of the Joint Services Support Directorate of the Washington National Guard prepared accompanying holiday meals for the turkeys that were provided by Operation: Turkey Drop. Photo credit: Gary Lott

>>> Deborah Discolo, Washington National Guard's Family Assistance Center coordinator, gives candy to the daughter of Sgt. Phillips during Operation: Turkey Drop on Camp Murray, Nov. 25. Photo credit: Gary Lott

Along with the listed sponsors and dozens more listed below, the various business partners of the Pierce Military and Business Alliance have been incredibly generous by purchasing turkeys for the Washington National Guard and their families.  

This year, Operation: Turkey Drop will also deliver more than 250 turkeys to Fairchild Air Force Base outside of Spokane for the first time in the program's history.

"The AUSA Minuteman subchapter will be coordinating those efforts and will be working with the Washington National Guard's Family Programs Directorate to identify the families," Joseph said. 

Joseph, who volunteers for the program, also works for Harborstone Credit Union, which has been a strong supporter of Operation: Turkey Drop since day one. It also strongly supports both the Air Force Association and the Association of the United States Army.

"Harborstone Credit Union has been with us since day one and has allowed me to coordinate the program since its inception," said Joseph. "Again, with all of these generous supporters, we were able to nearly double our turkey purchases compared to last year."

The program's success has relied upon recurring sponsors, but continues to evolve.

"We have been fortunate enough to have recurring sponsors who seek us out before we can begin the planning process," Joseph said.

If you miss out on the Thanksgiving campaign, the program also conducts Operation: Ham Grenade for the Christmastime season. That holiday meal program is scheduled for Dec. 18.

"It truly is an honor to have you all here doing such a wonderful thing for our service members," said 62nd Airlift Wing Commander Col. David Kumashiro. "This is a good thing, and we are lucky to have all your support throughout the year, and especially during the holidays."

>>> Command Sgt. Maj. Matt Barnes, former CSM for Joint Base Lewis-McChord, smiles in front of 700-plus turkeys. Photo credit: Gary Lott

>>> This little soldier, dressed like his dad, picked up their complimentary holiday turkey as part of the ongoing program, Operation: Turkey Drop. Photo credit: Gary Lott

SPONSORS FOR OPERATION: TURKEY DROP & OPERATION: HAM GRENADE

DaVita; Northwest Harley-Davidson; Harborstone Credit Union; Brothers in Arms; Caliber Home Loans (formerly known as Cobalt Mortgage); AUSA-Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter; SGT Audie Murphy Club; Navy Federal Credit Union; Auburn Volkswagen; Fixit Auto Body of Gig Harbor; Support America's Armed Forces; and the Hawks Prairie Rotary Club. 

PIERCE MILITARY AND BUSINESS ALLIANCE DONORS

Harborstone Credit Union; The Boeing Company C-17 Program; Support America's Armed Forces; GEICO Local Office; Tactical Tailor; American Lake Credit Union; Cargill and Associates; Lakewood Chamber of Commerce; Pet Brigade; Northwest Airlifter/The Ranger; Lemay-Pierce County Refuse; Patriot's Landing; Cannon Construction Inc.; Saint Martin's University; Northwest Harley-Davidson; Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel; Caliber Home Loans (formerly known as Cobalt Mortgage); RE/MAX; Auburn Volkswagen; Little Caesar's Pizza; American Red Cross-Mount Rainier Chapter; US Family Health Plan; Sumner RV; The Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse; Olympic Eagle Distributing; Best Western Premier Plaza Hotel & Conference Center.

The I Corps Public Affair Office has released a statement announcing 16 personnel supporting Operation United Assistance will arrive at Joint Base Lewis-McChord Tuesday. ...

Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA - Sixteen personnel supporting Operation United Assistance will arrive on McChord Airfield, Nov. 25, as part of the Department of Defense's 21-day controlled monitoring policy. 

The breakdown of personnel is five Army, eight Air Force, one Marine, one Navy and one civilian.  None of these personnel are assigned to JBLM, and none have presented symptoms consistent with the Ebola Virus Disease.

JBLM is one of five stateside military installations identified by the DOD as a 21-day controlled monitoring area for service members and civilians returning from the EVD outbreak areas in West Africa.

The personnel will be transported to the Lewis North area of JBLM and housed in barracks separate from the rest of the installation. 

DOD civilian employees who are assigned, deployed, or transited through the Ebola outbreak area can volunteer to participate in controlled monitoring.

According to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction, CJCSI 4220.01, dated Nov. 14, 2014, all DOD service members, including active, reserve, and national guard will undergo a 21-day controlled monitoring program upon returning from, deployment to, transitioning through, or having been stationed in the Ebola outbreak area in West Africa as declared by the Centers for Disease Control (to include service personnel assigned to United Nations mission or to U.S. Embassies in the Ebola outbreak area).

Three senior master sergeants from McChord Field were selected for promotion to chief master sergeant and part of the top one percent of the enlisted force Nov. 19.

The Air Force released the list of 479 senior master sergeants selected for the promotion and the following Airmen are McChord's newest chief master sergeant selects:

• Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Frese, 627th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle fleet manager
• Senior Master Sgt. Erik Johnson, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron blue aircraft maintenance unit assistant superintendent
• Senior Master Sgt. Jerry Miller, 62nd Aerial Port Squadron passenger services superintendent

The average score for those selected was 671.45, with an average time in grade of 3.21 years and time in service of 21.84 years. The average score for enlisted performance reports was 135. Average decorations score was 24.22, and the average USAF Supervisory Exam score was 69.91. The average board score was 393.84.

Those selected will be promoted according to their promotion sequence number beginning in January of 2015.

The traditions of military Thanksgiving dinners were borne out of necessity. In earlier times when travel options were limited and the continuation of training took precedent over time off, most servicemembers remained on duty during the holidays.
With times of war and overseas duty as exceptions, most military members today are afforded the opportunity to travel home for the holiday and gladly oblige. Still, some are required to work, and some choose to remain at installations for various reasons. Those who do are the objects of a longstanding and rich military tradition.

The Association of the United States Army and Pacific Lutheran University would like to honor and thank those troops celebrating Thanksgiving in the South Sound. The university based in Tacoma's Parkland neighborhood will host 120 Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldiers for Thanksgiving dinner at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26. AUSA will pay for the meals.

Here's what PLU has to say in regards to the special dinner. ...

Read more...

Veterans Day can be described simply as the day set aside to honor our country's veterans.

"This is about service, about the sacrifices that give us our rights, liberty and environment," explained Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza this afternoon to the student body of St. Francis Cabrini School.

Invited by the school to speak, the commander of I Corps at Joint Base Lewis-McChord arrived with his wife, Madeline, and without an entourage.

The first person he shook hands with was a veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

"Thank you for your service," Lanza said.

Soon surrounded by students wearing red, white and blue and waving flags, Lanza spoke about the need to remember the service and sacrifices of our nation's veterans. 

"This day of honor began on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918," he began.

During his remarks, a couple of first- and second-graders asked questions.

Without breaking stride and wearing a big smile, Lanza took the time to answer their questions - but with an enduring message to his young audience.

In talking about those who have sworn an oath to uphold and protect the Constitution, Lanza closed by quoting President John Kennedy.

"A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers."

Veterans Day is always officially observed on Nov. 11, the anniversary of the signing of the treaty that ended World War I in 1918. Originally called Armistice Day, it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all American military veterans and their service.

On Saturday, the city of Auburn held its annual Veterans Day Parade. This year, the observance paid special tribute to the Military Order of the Purple Heart while also recognizing the 49 years that Auburn has honored veterans with its celebration and parade.

"It's very important for us to be here and show the community that we are both soldiers and citizens," said Sgt. 1st Class Duane Cruz, marketing manager for the Washington National Guard's Recruiting and Retention Battalion. "All of these guys who come out and dedicate their time are volunteers and eagerly do these events to show their own support, inform the public of what they do, and thank the community for all of their continued support."

Auburn has been designated by the Veterans Day National Committee and the U.S.  Department of Veterans Affairs as a regional site for celebrating Veterans Day. The parade has been hosted in Auburn since 1965 and is now one of the largest Veterans Day parades in the United States.

It focuses on honoring the country's veterans and active-duty military personnel, as well as honoring their military missions defending freedom around the world, such as World War I.

The 2014 Auburn Veterans Day Parade wasn't just about military vehicles traveling down a mile strip, however. The celebration was a daylong event and included an American Legion breakfast, static displays and seven exhibit showcases, a Remembrance Ceremony and the traditional Lighting of the Flame, the parade, a marching band competition, a veteran's luncheon and the Auburn VFW Post #1741 Open House. The day's celebrations concluded with Sweet Swing! A Tribute to Veterans, a one-of-a-kind show held in the Auburn Avenue Theater.

Before the actual parade started, a pancake breakfast was provided by American Legion Post #78, and a Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame event took place at Veterans Memorial Park. 

Jim Sims of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) was the parade's grand marshal. This year's parade theme was the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

With more than 200 individual military units participating and more than 20,000 spectators, it is apparent that the event continues to grow in the Pacific Northwest. The general public even had an opportunity to walk down a street loaded with military vehicles and equipment and could even climb a rock wall courtesy of the Washington National Guard.

Later in the day, during the Auburn Noon Lions Club Luncheon, the Joint Services Support Directorate of the Washington National Guard received the 2014 Service Team Award from the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs for, "Outstanding Service to Veterans and their Families."

Along with the team award, four Distinguished Service Awards were given to individuals who excelled in supporting veterans, one of whom was Robin Baker, manager of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Army Career and Alumni Program.

"A lot of people don't really know what we do, so it's nice to share some information about what we do and the equipment we use," said Spec. Justin Near from the 110th Chemical Battalion at JBLM. The unit conducts site exploitation, which is when service members use detector equipment to determine what exactly is on any particular site.

"We have detector information here used to detect radiation and chemical warfare agents. That way we can keep ourselves and our sites safe," Near said. "I think it gives the public a sense of security to see us out here, and we're honored to assist."

LINK: More photos from the 49th Annual Auburn Veterans Day Parade

A zombie apocalypse took over part of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, forcing hundreds to battle through hordes of zombies. Luckily, these zombies didn't have a taste for human flesh; they only wanted the blood red flags each runner wore around their waist.

Halloween excitement at JBLM reached the zenith with the inaugural JBLM Zombie Apocalypse 5k Run Nov. 1, bringing servicemembers and families together for this ghoulish and heart-pounding event hosted by the JBLM Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare & Recreation.

More than 200 people joined in the scary fun, and tried their luck surviving in the face of 100 volunteers dressed as zombies.

"Everyone's on a big hype of zombies, right now, with shows like Walking Dead, they're huge and it's great to take part of something that's so big right now in our generation," said Spc. Bruce C. Svendsen, a military policeman assigned to the 66th Military Police Company, 504th MP Battalion, 42nd MP Brigade.

>>> Photography by Staff Sgt. Micah VanDyke/19th Public Affairs Detachment

Lizza Lockett, an intramural coordinator with JBLM's DFMWR, broke down the unique aspects of the 5k run compared to others and how the zombie interaction was planned out. She pointed out how the run is not going to be like the movie World War Z, which had fast zombies, but rather it will be slow moving zombies trying to snag the runners flags.

"The goal is to complete the course with at least one flag left and you'll be entered in a special door prize to win a Dell laptop," said Lockett. "We have other door prizes, such as tickets to (LeMay - America's Car) museum, tickets for tattoos and gift certificates from AAFES."

>>> Photography by Staff Sgt. Micah VanDyke/19th Public Affairs Detachment

Many participants brought their children to compete in the run and dress up as zombies.

"It's awesome. We're trying to keep our kids active and it's fun to be a part of the first (zombie run) on the post," said Sgt. Patrick Moorer, who is in Bravo Company, 47th Combat Area Support Hospital, 62nd Medical Brigade, JBLM. "They really enjoyed it and had a great time."

The appeal of this type of event encouraged many people to put down their tablets or smartphones, and children to hold off on picking through Halloween candy until after the run.

"It's great to see everybody outside getting away from the TV and other technology; staying active and being fit," said Moorer. "So, it was a good time for the family."

Svendsen was excited about the role of playing as a zombie and really enjoyed the evening.

"It's a riot. I love it, and I have my own make-up on. I wanted to use it for something and this gave me a chance to do it," said Svendsen. "People are getting some exercise and we're getting the screams and scares."

>>> Photography by Staff Sgt. Micah VanDyke/19th Public Affairs Detachment

Everyone, young and old, survived the run but only a few kept at least one flag to compete for the grand prize and bragging rights. The JBLM Zombie Apocalypse 5K Run is set to be a yearly post-Halloween event. If this year's run was any indication, it will quickly become one of most the anticipated DFMWR events.

Staff Sgt. Micah VanDyke is with the 19th Public Affairs Detachment.

Monday, Nov. 3, the Lakewood City Council celebrated Veterans Day early with its annual Veterans Day Proclamation.

The council honored Lt. Gen. William Harrison (Ret.) - Lakewood's mayor emeritus, President of the AUSA's Captain Meriwether Lewis chapter and of the Pierce Military and Business Alliance Carlene Joseph and Rally Point/6 founder and CEO Anne Sprute. They also proclaimed November to be Veterans Appreciation Month.

The ceremony featured members of Clover Park High School and Lakes High School ROTC programs as color guards, and a video presentation honoring veterans. Each service was recognized as veterans were asked to stand as their service anthems were played.

Lakewood Deputy Mayor Jason Whalen spoke about the contributions the honorees have made to the community, and congratulated them for their accomplishments over the course of the year. The council thanked Harrison for his service to the city and congratulated him on the recent dedication of Harrison Hall, the new 7th Infantry Division headquarters at Joint Base Lewis-McChord named in his honor.

Joseph received the AUSA's 2014 Maj. Gen. Anthony J. Drexel Biddle Medal, an award for members who've significantly contributed to advancing the interests of the AUSA. The council thanked Sprute for her tireless efforts in support of veterans through Rally Point/6, one of the most ambitious veteran support organizations in the state.

>>> Lakewood Deputy Mayor Jason Whalen honors Rally Point/6 CEO Anne Sprute at the Lakewood City Council meeting Monday, Nov. 3. Photo by Kevin Knodell

All the honorees received a city of Lakewood challenge coin. The coin, a military tradition, is meant to symbolize the community's military roots. The young city of Lakewood has deep military roots indeed.

>>> Lt. Gen. William Harrison (Ret.) / photo credit: Kevin Knodell

After leaving the Army, Harrison was one of the leading members of the campaign to incorporate the city in 1996, and was elected Lakewood's first mayor shortly after. Owing to its proximity to JBLM and Camp Murray, Lakewood has a large population of both active-duty military members and their families. Many decide to reside there permanently after leaving the service, with a large veteran population as well.

Floating easily over the steep mountains of Yakima Training Center, Washington, the twin rotor CH-47 Chinook gracefully carried the massive weight of an M777 howitzer cannon and its crew toward their destination. Their mission was to drop in, quickly set up their guns and suppress simulated enemy air defense, allowing infantry units to advance forward with the help of close air support.

This training was the first time that 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team tested their howitzer crews, who have been training for months, with a full-scale air raid mission that culminated with firing live rounds.

Read more...

The soldiers of 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment shared a little of their cavalry history with their spouses as they took part in a spur ride Oct. 8.

SecondLt. Dan Jester, a platoon leader in the regiment, explained that when soldiers joined a cavalry they were required to earn their spurs. That rite of passage continues today for soldiers and their spouses.

 "I think it's a good way to build the unit's morale and get the families more involved," said Jester. "In my opinion, anything that we can do to get the families involved is going to increase soldier morale and our capability to fight."

The spouses were placed in five teams based on their soldier's troop before completing an obstacle course, a confidence course, a rappel tower, a rifle range and a litter carry relay.

Jester explained that the teams were being graded on how well they performed in each segment and given an overall score.  

>>> Sgt. David Diaz, left, with the 595th Military Police Company, receives a certificate from Lt. Col. Robert Halverson, 1-14 Cavalry Regiment squadron commander, for participation in the unit's Spouse Spur Ride at JBLM. Photo credit: Staff Sgt. Antwaun J. Parrish

Sgt. David Diaz, a military policeman assigned to 595th Military Police Company, participated as a spouse, because his wife Pfc. Kristina Diaz is a member of 1-14th Cav. Reg.

"I'm dual military, so it's easy for us both to understand the army," said Diaz. "Spouses sometimes don't understand what it feels to be on the other part of the perspective."

Diaz expressed that he'd already completed the obstacle courses before with his unit, and he was glad to see that the other spouses were doing so well throughout the day.

"The level of motivation is great," said Diaz.

Caitlyn Stauss, whose husband Sgt. Matt Stauss is a cavalry scout assigned to 1-14th Cav. Reg., expressed how excited she was to participate in the spur ride.

"I'm really proud of him, so it's good to see what he does at work," said Stauss.

Stauss admits that it was tough, but she was proud that she was able to get through all of the day's events and enjoyed most of the obstacles.

Diaz and Stauss were a part of the team recognized at the closing ceremony as the overall winners of the Spouse Spur Ride.

Staff Sgt. Antwaun J. Parrish is with the 19th Public Affairs Detachment.

>>> Spouses of soldiers assigned to 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, navigate through an obstacle course during the unit's Spouse Spur Ride held at JBLM. Photo credit: Staff Sgt. Antwaun J. Parrish