Focus
Emosi Bainivalu grew up on the rural, volcanic Fijian island of Taveuni where he fished and hunted wild chickens and boars. Eventually, he would join the Army and play on the same rugby team. This week, he played on the Army team, with matches against four of the other service teams at the
News Front
More than 400 family members, with relatives who served in the Korean War or the Cold War who never came home, attended personalized briefings Aug. 15-16 in Arlington, Virginia, to get updates on how the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is progressing on their cases. "We do this each year because this
Military Policy
WASHINGTON - For soldiers, navigating between personal political views and their duty to be apolitical, can be a delicate balancing act. With campaign season here and political polarization increasing, service members need to be aware of political activities in which they may and may not engage. "Maintaining the hard-earned trust and confidence
Focus
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD - It's not every day that you implement a national and lasting impact on your entire career field, and it may not be every year either, but for Air Mobility Command's 2024 National Public Service Award nominee this notion has become reality through occupational understanding and a
News
VA's Claim Status Tool allows veterans to view the status of their VA claims online using their VA.gov login. This tool displays which claims are in process and identifies any actions veterans need to take. It also gives veterans the ability to review recent claim activity. Claim Status Tool enhancements VA recently
Focus
As the Army moves to enhance and modernize its force, one key aspect is in every leader's mind: the soldiers behind the equipment. Even with the newest technological advances being integrated into the fighting force and the endeavors to seek out more ways to improve, the soldier is at the
Explore
Prepare for an extraordinary maritime adventure at Olympia Harbor Days, brought to you by the South Sound Maritime Heritage Association. This cherished free community event returns from Friday, Aug. 30 to Monday, Sept. 1, with an expanded lineup of activities including a stunning drone show at 9:30 p.m. on Aug.
News Front
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD - On Aug. 9, 2024, the Team McChord First Sergeant Council hosted the third annual Dash for Danielle memorial run, a deeply significant event honoring the memory of Master Sgt. Danielle Lynch. A beloved first sergeant, Lynch tragically lost her life to domestic violence in 2020. The
News Front
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD - Master Sgt. Haley Rankin, a weapons director for the Western Air Defense Sector's 225th Air Defense Squadron, Washington Air National Guard, was selected as the Air National Guard's 2024 Outstanding Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year. She is only the fifth WADS member to win the national
Focus
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Army continues its mission to modernize and revolutionize how it feeds its soldiers with a visit from Chef Robert Irvine, on July 26 at the Pentagon. Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4 Lt. Gen. Heidi Hoyle - the Army's lead logistician - and several food-service personnel met
News Front
WASHINGTON - The Department of the Army broke ground Aug. 9 on a new barracks project at Joint Base Lewis-McChord that will use sustainable building materials. The new buildings, designed to house 168 soldiers of the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, will help the Army evaluate the benefits of using sustainable building
News Front
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - A team from Special Operations Detachment - Pacific took top honors during Leapfest 2024, the largest military parachuting competition of its kind, at North Kingstown, Rhode Island, July 29-Aug. 5. Lt. Col. Denny Frey and Command Sgt. Maj. Brendan Headrick from Special Operations Detachment - Pacific, supported
Focus
Frank Diaz wanted some barbeque. In 2007, the disabled Army veteran found himself at then Fort Lewis working for the Department of Defense. One morning he went to work craving barbecue. "I go onto base and there is no barbeque there; there is no barbeque nearby; and that's when my planning
News Front
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD - The U.S. Army is proud to announce a significant partnership with America's Credit Union (ACU) through the Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program. This collaboration was officially cemented in a signing ceremony on July 10, 2024, and formally marked ACU's participation in this vital initiative. The PaYS
News
"For the first time, I forgot about my pain and smiled," said Army veteran and VA employee Gary Ruc when recalling his first virtual reality (VR) experience. Ruc took the stage for a deeply inspiring testimonial during the 2024 VA Immersive Summit, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. Ruc deployed
Jobs & Education
TACOMA, WASHINGTON - Helping soldiers who are about to medically retire isn't for the faint of heart. Transition Coordinators (TCs) know helping a soldier in recovery find their future path isn't easy. TCs converged on Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) this week for annual training, where best practices, opportunities, and
News
VA announced recently the launch of the redesigned Airborne Hazards ("the Burn Pit Registry" or "the registry"). The Burn Pit Registry is a database that combines veteran and service member data to help VA better understand, research, and ultimately improve treatment for the health challenges faced by veterans exposed to
Explore
The South Sound region of Washington is a treasure trove of culinary delights, especially when it comes to breakfast. From cozy diners to chic cafes, there's a place to satisfy every morning craving. Here are some of the best spots to start your day off right. 1. The Pine Cone -
Explore
Legendary Donuts has carved a niche for itself as the ultimate destination for sweet treats, so it was no surprise our readers voted it as "Best Sweet Treat." Renowned for its innovative flavors, artisan craftsmanship and welcoming atmosphere, Legendary Donuts has become a beloved fixture in the community, drawing in
News Front
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD - Squadrons from across Team McChord will participate in Operation KENNEY'S RETURN Aug. 19-29, in Australia. The operation is named after Air Force General George C. Kenney who directed the successful air war in the Southwest Pacific during the long haul from Australia to the Philippines over a
