Focus
Military service is the Devens' family business. I Corps Operations Sgt. Maj. Ray Devens has served nearly 29 years. His father, retired Sgt. Maj. Raymond Devens, served 26 years. Big sisters Diane and Barbara are Army civilian employees, and daughters Sloane, 23, and Hailey, 20, are active-duty military, as is
Archives
After just four weeks on the job the 27th District's newest State Representative, Laurie Jinkins, has already made her mark on the State Legislature in Olympia. Jinkins was appointed vice chair of the Health and Wellness Committee (and sits on many others) and has already introduced 12 new bills. Last
Concert Alert
We list major concerts going on sale this weekend, as well as national touring acts performing in the Puget Sound this week and down the road. SECRET TICKET CODE TM = Ticketmaster, 253.627.TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com TW = TicketsWest, 800.325.SEAT, www.ticketswest.com TWEB = Ticketweb, 866.468.7623, www.ticketweb.com >>> ON SALE NOW 17th Annual Brazilian Carnival Seattle
Focus
With nearly 40 years of experience working in aviation across the military and commercial sector, Air Force veteran Larry Kanaster has lots of good stories to tell. Like how his F-4 Phantom navigator was overwhelmingly steadfast in his pursuit to make sure maintainers kept the duo's jet in tip-top flying shape
Focus
(62nd AW PA) - From providing Airmen with healthy food choices and exercise facilities to personnel records and mortuary affairs, the 627th Force Support Squadron is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Airmen and their families. "The force support squadron is important because we take care of the Airmen," said
News Front
In remembrance of Armistice Day and celebration of Veterans Day, the Thurston County Veterans Services Council hosted a Veterans Day event in the Capitol Rotunda, in Olympia, Nov. 11, 2015. Armistice Day is commemorated, every year, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to mark the
Focus
During his recent deployment to a major air transportation hub in Southwest Asia, Tech. Sgt. Ron Rendorio got a stark reminder of the importance of the mission he worked so hard daily to keep going. While moving a transfer case containing the body of a U. S. servicemember from one aircraft
Jobs
After a round of personnel cuts just two years ago, the Air Force plans to trim the ranks again in the coming years. The Air Force is looking to get rid of about 5,750 people by fiscal 2012, officials told Stars and Stripes in March 2010. That breaks down to cutting 1,373
Military Life
When Chuck Trakel found out that his wife, Master Sgt. Dana Trakel, was set to deploy with her Washington Army National Guard Unit, the 168th Task Force, he had an idea that he shared with their son, Easton. He thought that Easton's baseball team, the Yelm-based Milltown Bombers, could wear Master
Stage
Ric Hall and Ron Schmitt are phenomenal. They do pastel paintings working in tandem - not taking turns working on the paintings but working side-by-side and simultaneously, and, from what I've heard, with hardly any planning or discussion but reacting to one another with what has been described as a
Focus
The Madigan Healthcare System's Green Team walks the talk of sustainability. "We practice sustainable health care," said Mike Kyser, an environmental protection specialist. That's an understatement. Over the past decade and a half, Madigan has partnered with Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Environment Sustainability Program and compiled an impressive and award-winning record of
Focus
With OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters buzzing overhead, two Soldiers playing the role of insurgents and dressed in black beanies, sweat shirts and camouflage pants burst out of the dense forest and into the open field. Each hit the ground and started firing blanks at a nearby group of Soldiers scouting the
Focus
Pfc. Joseph Wilson responded to the command, "Ready Up!" As his M-4 carbine came up to his right shoulder, he sighted in on a cardboard, human silhouette target 20 yards away and switched off the weapon's safety. Repeatedly, Wilson and approximately 30 Soldiers attached to B Troop, 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment,
Arts
You could whip out your wee digital camera if you want to capture your image, but, let's face it, digital cameras are a flash in the pan. The real way to record the essence of you is one that kings and queens of old recognized - sit your booty down
Focus
Each branch of the military is unique in many different ways. Finding the branch of the military that best fits a servicemember's career goals is as important as choosing a job within that branch. Many times, servicemembers will start out in one branch and, while serving, notice more fitting aspects
Music
RED QUEEN THEORY >>> Thursday, Feb. 17 Red Queen Theory takes its name from a hopelessly complex evolutionary hypothesis that finds its inspiration in the Red Queen from Through the Looking Glass - the queen who had to run as fast as she could just to stay in the same place. To
Afterword
This summer I watched a woman do over 30 military push-ups at the Weekly Volcano's Best of Tacoma party. Impressed with her abilities and form, I wanted that strength for myself. I contacted Kjersten Salzman, owner and lead trainer at Elev8 Fitness, and enlisted in a month-long boot camp session.
We Recommend
Macklemore makes incredible music that represents our area well - that much is obvious. But this guy is a true class act. Ever heard about a baby being saved from getting hit by a car or train? It was Macklemore that came to the rescue. True story.
Music
Ladies, it's time to break out that sexy piece of clothing you've had sitting in your closet for a very special occasion, because Justin Bieber - I mean Macklemore - is coming to The Royal Lounge in Olympia Thursday, Feb. 24 - fulfilling every 16-year-old girl's dreams. If you've been
Scene It
Since starting this column, I've been careful to pay attention whenever I overhear the phrase "meat market." Like, when I heard a skinny brunette say, "The Swiss was fun. It was a total meat market." Or, "The Royal can be cool, but it's the biggest meat market in town." When
