News Front
Since the Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, it's very likely the vaccine will soon become mandatory for Defense Department personnel, the Pentagon press secretary said. "Now that the Pfizer vaccine has been approved, the department is prepared to issue updated guidance, requiring all
Family
KB Home's new Stewart Crossing community features affordably priced, single-family homes in a desirable Pierce County, Washington location. The new community offers easy commutes as it is situated just 15 miles from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in the historic city of Puyallup. Stewart Crossing is close to shopping, dining and entertainment
News Front
The roaring of a C-17 Globemaster III engine fills the cargo aircraft as the troop doors are lifted open. The wind rips across the faces of the jumpmasters checking the perimeter of the doors, while the clicks of static lines being hooked to the anchor cables ricochets throughout the cabin. The drop
News Front
Keeping skills fresh and learning new ones is a competitive advantage in today's job market. But the cost of professional development can be a barrier for military spouses. The Department of Defense's Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program has made it easier for spouses to reach their career goals
Health
Navigating a healthcare system can be challenging. While clinics and hospitals strive to ensure timely access and relevant care, it's also important that patients feel confident advocating for their needs. To build better understanding of both short- and long-term care, Dr. Miriam Kennelly with Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed) addresses common
Family
The Washington State Fair is right around the corner and the smell of hot fresh scones and Krusty Pups is in the air. And after a year of no fair, boy are we ready. Located about a 25-minute drive from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Puyallup, this is a yearly tradition that
Focus
In 1976 a bored Gordon Jay wandered into a recruiter's office. "I was attending college at Centralia Community College, but I had to wait for the guy who carpooled with me from Elma to finish his classes," began the retired warrant officer. "I started talking to the guy, and the rest
Military Policy
In a memorandum released Aug. 9, 2021, the secretary of defense explained how he will ensure the continued health and safety of the U.S. military through the use of the available COVID-19 vaccines. "I will seek the President's approval to make the vaccines mandatory no later than mid-September, or immediately upon
News Front
The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals declared victory this week after the practice of drinking the blood of cobras was axed from the multinational Cobra Gold military exercise in Thailand. Killing the snakes to demonstrate a jungle survival technique was scuttled at the exercise earlier this
Explore
As the dog days of summer linger on, there is no better time to get out and explore two local trails. And yes Fido can join the family on your adventures as well. Some people might not know that behind Dupont City Hall is the entrance to Sequalitchew Creek Trail. Visitors
Family
While military members and their spouses choose a military career, their children do not. But, those same kids have to make sacrifices for their country just like mom and dad. They leave friends, change schools, go through life with a parent deployed ... sometimes in scary places. Military children know all too well
Focus
Rick Patterson has been involved with the Washington National Guard since he was a youngster. "My family spent many summers on American Lake, and we stayed in National Guard-owned camping trailers parked at the Guard's beach there," he began. "Later, when both my brother and I were ready to enlist for service,
Family
As summer winds down and the upcoming school year approaches, military families are still on the move, Permanent Change of Station move that is. According to Jacqueline Flowers, traffic manager for the Fort Jackson transportation office, primary and peak PCS season runs from May 15 until Labor Day where thousands of
Military Policy
Male airmen will be allowed to tattoo their scalps and grow their hair half an inch longer under an update to Air Force dress-and-appearance standards taking effect in October. The service is also doing away with some restrictions that micromanage specific behavior while in uniform - such as putting hands in
News Front
MADIGAN ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, Joint Base Lewis-McChord - From their earliest days of troops drilling on horseback to prepare to join World War I to today, the parade grounds of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, known as Watkins Field since the Korean War era, have provided soldiers the space to perform. Madigan
News Articles
An active-duty soldier, an Army reservist and two Navy ensigns in the Reserve will trade their name tapes and uniforms for sashes and sequined gowns to compete for the crown of Miss America. After the dust settled from final state competitions in July, at least four military women earned spots in
News Front
WASHINGTON - Troops can apply for an exemption to the pending coronavirus vaccine mandate for certain health conditions or religious reasons, but others will face punishment for refusing the shots, chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday announced he would add the coronavirus vaccine to
News Front
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD - A potential Army Command Post prototype underwent operational testing during the annual Bayonet Focus Exercise here recently. Soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division's 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team tried out the Command Post Integrated Infrastructure (CPI2) System gear while preparing for their upcoming National Training Center rotation. 2nd
News Front
WASHINGTON - Lawmakers recently approved a $521 million National Guard reimbursement plan to help the military bureau recoup funds it used to secure the National Capital Region in the wake of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. National Guard training and readiness opportunities were at risk if Congress did
News Articles
Military-funded researchers are developing a gel that would stop rapid blood loss without the need to apply pressure to a wound, which could potentially save lives on the battlefield and in civilian hospitals. Medics can apply coagulants like QuikClot to wounds to stem blood loss long enough for a service member