The Suburban Times » McChord AFB

Spring 2010 AARP Driver Safety Class filled

Jaynie Jones — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 02:14:21 +0000

Bridgeport Place welcomed 20 guests to the Spring 2010 AARP Driver Safety Class, which is an eight-hour course spanning two days’ time, and is geared toward drivers who are 50+. The class was taught by Merrie Sullivan, certified instructor, who is already scheduled to return again September 24 & 25 for another session. The Suburban Times graciously carried the announcement about the Spring 2010 Class. Drivers who complete the course receive a certificate that can be utilized for a discount on their auto insurance premiums. The class members were treated to coffee and pastries each morning and a complimentary lunch buffet each of the days. They expressed not only their appreciation for the use of facility as a meeting place for the class, but were also pleased by the hospitality and warmth of the staff and residents who welcomed them in, and the range of amenities. Some of the comments they penned included “Kudos to the chef!” … “This is a very warm and friendly facility. It’s like a country club. Thank you for the wonderful meals and snacks” … “The two meals broke my diet, but it was worth it” … “What could have been a grind turned into a great experience thanks to your hospitality and generous buffet. Have talked to some residents and they are so positive and happy here.” More than half of those who attended the class requested a tour of Bridgeport Place.

===> Posted on April 26, 2010 by Jaynie Jones. No comments.

Spring Event at Bair Bistro

Jaynie Jones — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:23:42 +0000

Forty-three members and guests of the Steilacoom Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a “Spring Evening at The Bair” on Thursday, April 22. Representing the Port of Tacoma, Connie Bacon was the featured guest speaker during the dinner. She stated that the Port is currently conducting a “nationwide search for a new CEO who is trustworthy, who will tell us the right story in business for the Port of Tacoma, who understands strategic thinking, and is a go-getter.” According to Bacon, the Port of Tacoma is “beginning to see a tiny rise in activity, but anticipates steady growth over the next five years.” She added that the Port has spent $170M to clean-up Puget Sound and Commencement Bay. There are ongoing negotiations with the Puyallup Tribe about possibly operating a terminal, as well. Bus tours of the Port of Tacoma are available to the public and scheduled every couple of months.

Steilacoom barber battles cancer; join his fight

Jaynie Jones — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:20:20 +0000

Pat Moon’s quaint barber shop in the heart of the Steilacoom’s Historic District has been a fixture there for many, many years. Customers could always count on a lively discussion of politics and other hot topics while getting a haircut. Now the town’s renowned barber needs your support in a different way. According to the Steilacoom Chamber’s newsletter, Moon has been diagnosed with cancer. Chamber members, friends, community residents, and customers are rallying to support him by holding a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser 5:30 – 7:30 on Friday evening, April 30. Proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go to Pat Moon to help with his cancer battle. Gather a group of friends and family together for the Pat Moon benefit Spaghetti Dinner at the Steilacoom Community Center, 2301 Worthington Street, Steilacoom. Phone 253.581.1076 for more information. http://steilacoom.org/event.htm

===> Posted on April 21, 2010 by Jaynie Jones. No comments.

50+ Driver Safety class April 23 and 24

Jaynie Jones — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:06:38 +0000

Merrie Sullivan, AARP Driver Safety instructor, returns to Bridgeport Place to teach the eight-hour AARP Driver Safety class. The course materials are geared toward senior drivers who are 50+. Bridgeport Place is hosting the AARP class, as it did earlier this year; another session is slated in the fall. The class will span two days. The class will be given beginning on Friday, April 23 with the second half of the program given on Saturday, April 24. Class begins promptly at 10 a.m. each day. Each day’s session is approximately four hours with a short break hourly and a lunch break at noon; sessions are expected to end by 2:30 daily.

Each person who attends the Driver Safety class will receive a free lunch each of the two days courtesy of Bridgeport Place, 5250 Bridgeport Way West, University Place. Upon successful completion of the course, each driver will receive a certificate, which may result in a reduced premium rate for auto insurance. Course fee is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. Seating is limited. Pre-registration is required. Call 253.565.1960.

===> Posted on April 19, 2010 by Jaynie Jones. No comments.

McChord 32nd Annual Military Retiree Dining Out

Ben Sclair — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 22:46:39 +0000

The McChord Retiree Activities Office (RAO) is busy planning the 32nd Annual Military Retiree Dining Out, which will be held on Friday, April 23, 2010, at the McChord Community Club.

Military Retirees, as well as active duty military, from ALL BRANCHES OF THE MILITARY, AND THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, are welcome and encouraged to attend! Meet old friends and make lots of new ones – share a few memories and “war stories!” Retired Military are encouraged to wear their uniform, if these still fit! Uniforms of all the services, and from World War II and forward have been an anticipated tradition. Dress is semi formal / formal.
Read more...

===> Posted on April 4, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord goes live Jan. 31

Ben Sclair — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:54:54 +0000

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – On January 31, 2010, Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base will consolidate, creating “Joint Base Lewis-McChord” or JBLM. As a result, JBLM is requesting traffic reporters to refer to the base as “Joint Base Lewis-McChord.” For those us listening to the reports, it will be wise to keep this in mind.

Combining Fort Lewis and McChord AFB comes from the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission decision which recommended the establishment of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. To help the news media, JBLM Public Affairs has sent out a stylebook (PDF download). Since civilians share the area and support the military, I think it appropriate to share what JBLM Public Affairs sent us.

McChord deploys Airfield Experts to Haiti tonight

Ben Sclair — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:31:09 +0000

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. – Airmen assigned to the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron depart for Haiti late Thursday (January 21) to bring specialized airfield operations skills and equipment to the humanitarian relief effort at Port-Au-Prince’s Toussaint L’Ouventure International Airport.

The 15-Airmen APS team is made up of experts in airfield operations and allows critical relief supplies to be unloaded from cargo aircraft with aircraft engines still running. This allows faster ground times for all aircraft bringing in relief supplies and departing with evacuees.
Read more...

===> Posted on January 21, 2010 by Ben Sclair. One comment.

McChord Airmen, C-17s ready for Haiti relief operations

Ben Sclair — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:38:00 +0000

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. – Two C-17 Globemaster III aircrews assigned here are on alert status to assist victims devastated by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake which ravaged Haiti Tuesday, leaving thousands of people dead and many others homeless. Air Mobility Command and McChord are participating in a swift and coordinated relief effort to save lives and alleviate human suffering in the aftermath of this devastating earthquake.
Read more...

===> Posted on January 17, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Release: ‘Surprising’ facts regarding people found not guilty by reason of insanity

Ben Sclair — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:23:58 +0000

Fifty-one percent of individuals charged with a crime who are found not guilty by reason of insanity in Washington come from King County, yet only 35 percent of them are released back to King County when treatment is finished. Those figures are among a number of intriguing statistics disclosed Thursday by Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood.

“I think the people of Pierce County would find it not at all surprising that our county contributes only 13 percent of the total population of our state’s mental health facilities, yet 41 percent are released onto our streets,” Carrell said. “It’s yet another example of how Pierce County has long been the dumping ground for not only sane criminals, but as we’ve just learned, those found not guilty by reason of insanity as well.”Read more...

===> Posted on January 14, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Pierce County teams with McChord AFB on fish passage

Ben Sclair — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:57:47 +0000

Salmon and other fish species once again have access to six miles of fish habitat thanks to a recently completed habitat restoration project.

Pierce County Public Works and Utilities, in partnership with McChord Air Force Base and the state Salmon Recovery Funding Board, constructed 600 feet of new stream channel to bypass the Morey Creek Dam.

The 12-foot-high dam, located on the east side of the air force base, has been a barrier to fish migrating up Morey Creek since it was built in 1976. The dam created Morey Pond, a popular fishing pond for base personnel, their families and military retirees.

Activities at Lakewood Community Center

Ben Sclair — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:42:39 +0000

Following are upcoming events and activities at the Lakewood Community Center:

Middle Eastern Belly Dance starts January 7. The six week program is offered on Thursdays from 6:00-7:00pm. The fee per participants is $40.
Puget Sound Gymnastics provides an introduction to tumbling and gymnastics. Classes for ages 18 months to 5 yrs are held on Mondays, starting Jan 4th, between 3:15-5:00pm. The fee for the four week program is $24 per participant.
Youth Korean Dance. The monthly program for ages 5-10 years is held on Thursdays, starting Jan. 7th from 4:00-4:30pm. The registration fee is $25 per month.

For more information or to register contact the Lakewood Community Center, 9112 Lakewood Drive SW, Lakewood, WA. 253-798-4177. All activities are part of the Pierce County Parks & Recreation Department.

===> Posted on December 17, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Click! Cable TV ON Demand showcases “Twilight Spotlight” about Quileute Nation

Ben Sclair — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:47:16 +0000

Click! Cable TV is the region’s exclusive outlet for a first-ever television program about the Quileute Nation. The program, produced by ReelzChannel, shows the culture, traditions and history of the northwest tribe made famous by the Twilight saga of books and movies. Read more...

===> Posted on December 3, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Reverse 911 leads to guideline creation

Ben Sclair — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:54:26 +0000

Pierce County is organizing a public safety work group to develop guidelines on the use of the telephone emergency notification system that quickly delivers messages to thousands of residents.

The Department of Emergency Management is leading the effort in response to feedback received as a result of the search for a missing man in Lakewood last week. At the request of Lakewood police, the county used its Intrado Target Notification System to call about 11,000 homes with a recorded message in an attempt to locate the man, who has serious medical and mental issues and went missing from his health care facility. The calls went out around 11:30 p.m. Thursday and at 6 a.m. Friday. The man was found early Friday.Read more...

===> Posted on November 29, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Where does the water go?

Ben Sclair — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:09:40 +0000

When the rain lands on your roof or driveway, you can hear it run through the gutter or watch it run down the street. You might be surprised to see where it goes next. And that knowledge could encourage Pierce County residents to better understand how their daily actions impact our local waterways.

Using innovative GIS technology, Pierce County has launched a Web site that enables residents to choose an address on a map and track the flow of water as it leaves their property. This water, called stormwater, picks up pollutants such as yard chemicals, pet waste and car oil leaks as it flows over our yards, driveways and streets.Read more...

===> Posted on November 24, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Pierce County Library System closed for Thanksgiving

Ben Sclair — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:13:01 +0000

Pierce County Library System will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27, to observe Thanksgiving. While the Library is closed, customers may continue to access free services online and download audio and e-book and use e-sources with subscription magazines, personal investment information, car repair manuals and more at www.piercecountylibrary.org.

===> Posted on November 23, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Military Appreciation Dinner

Ben Sclair — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:49:43 +0000

===> Posted on November 18, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Woodbrook Middle School Honors area veterans

Ben Sclair — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:03:07 +0000

By Karen Lebeter

A color guard from McChord AFB presented the flag in a solemn Veterans Day ceremony on Tuesday, November 10 at Woodbrook Middle School. The musicians in the music department put their instruments down and spent a week training as a choir. They sang several inspiring songs for us. On display was a art project that looked like a flag. It was composed of stars with veterans’ and soldiers’ names on them arranged on a blue background. After today, it will be displayed in the library.

Students and faculty brought in photos of soldiers and veterans. They were put together in a slide show that was very moving. Veterans were asked to stand to be acknowledged, and teachers that were veterans were thanked as well. Students were asked to write poems about service to our country in their English classes. A boy and a girl each read their heartfelt poems.

===> Posted on November 16, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

CPTC Veterans Day Ceremony

Ben Sclair — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:19:26 +0000

The Clover Park Technical College hosted a Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 9. Pictures of the event are on CPTC’s In The Spotlight blog.

===> Posted on November 10, 2009 by Ben Sclair. One comment.

Pierce County Library Board to discuss 2010 budget and other issues

Ben Sclair — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:51:48 +0000

At its November meeting the Pierce County Library System’s Board of Trustees will discuss its 2010 budget, results from the Library’s card drive, and other issues. The Board of Trustees will meet at the Pierce County Library System’s Processing and Administrative Center, 3005 112th St. E., in Tacoma on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Two of the primary issues the board will address include the following.Read more...

===> Posted on November 10, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Free BBQ for Active and Retired Veterans

Ben Sclair — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:57:48 +0000

Area Active and Retired Veterans (with Military ID card) can enjoy a Free BBQ Meal from the Select Menu at Famous Dave’s BBQ (1901 S 72nd Street, Suite C-39, Tacoma, WA 98408) on Veterans Day, November 11.

===> Posted on November 8, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Tacoma Power selected for $4.7 million in federal funding for new power source

Ben Sclair — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:18:23 +0000

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today up to $30.6 million in American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funding for the selection of seven hydropower projects that modernize hydropower infrastructure by increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impacts at existing facilities. Tacoma Power was selected to receive $4.7 million to help build a new generation facility at the Cushman Hydroelectric Project that will produce enough power for 1,700 homes. The total project cost is about $23.4 million.
Read more...

===> Posted on November 5, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Family, friends to welcome 10th Airlift Squadron home

Ben Sclair — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:40:36 +0000

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. – About 120 Airmen from McChord’s 10th Airlift Squadron will be greeted by family and friends here Wednesday evening after a 120-day deployment in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. The 10th AS Airmen were deployed as the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey and Ali Al Salem AB, Kuwait.

The C-17 squadron flew a record-breaking 3,400 sorties, equaling more than 8,100 hours, moved more than 150,000 passengers and delivered more than 117 million pounds of combat sustainment cargo for U.S. military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. They also transported 76 critical patients from theater to advanced medical care in Germany.
Read more...

===> Posted on November 3, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Returning soldiers experiences explored in ‘Into the Fire’ at Pierce College

Ben Sclair — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:10:13 +0000

The Pierce College veterans program is hosting a performance of Into the Fire, a moving play that chronicles the real-life experiences of veterans returning from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam with disabilities and combat-related trauma.

The free performance begins at noon Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Health Education Center, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, 9401 Farwest Dr. SW, Lakewood. Following the performance, the actors and playwrights will facilitate an interactive discussion of war’s effects on families and communities.

Into the Fire recreates the real stories of both male and female veterans with such disabilities as traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, loss of limbs, chronic pain, mobility challenges, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The stories are interspersed with humor and music to allow audiences to process the veterans’ powerful stories.

In addition to the play, Pierce is welcoming veterans, active duty military, and their families to attend a special Veterans and Military Resource Fair from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Health Education Center at Pierce Fort Steilacoom. Veterans and military personnel will connect with local resources that can help with confidential counseling, financial management, childcare, veterans’ benefits, pre-deployment readiness, vocational rehabilitation, and educational funding.

In addition, the VA Mobile Unit will be on-hand for further assistance.

For questions on the play or the resource fair, contact the Pierce College Veterans Services office via phone at (253) 964-6505 or via email at vetmil@pierce.ctc.edu.

===> Posted on October 29, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Help DuPont/Steilacoom Send the Holidays to Our Deployed Soldiers

Ben Sclair — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:02:46 +0000

A small group of retired military citizens in DuPont, Wash known as Operation Make a Soldier Smile (OMASS) are giving back to the troops. This group has been following their mission statement which is “The task ahead of us is never as great at the power behind us”. They are in their 4th year of collecting food, personal/entertainment and hygiene items for soldiers of Fort Lewis’. This year they are focusing on the 5th Stryker Brigade in Afghanistan.

Donations will be accepted every Saturday 9am-12pm through November 14 at OMASS Headquarters at 1100 Station Dr, DuPont, Wash 98327. Their final date to accept donations is November 14 at the same location.

They ask that you please visit their website www.operationmakeasoldiersmile.com for their entire donation list and additional drop off locations. Please note all items donated must be individual, trial or travel sized no large items please as their shipping boxes are limited in size.

The food wish list includes nonperishable foods such as Oberto beef jerky, licorice, candy, canned meats, (NO PORK PRODUCTS), peanut butter, crackers, cookies, nuts, protein bars and much more.

Also requested are used CD’s, DVD’s, zip ties, travel games, hand warmers, crossword puzzle books (paperback) and water bottle insulators, dust masks.

Hygiene care products such as deodorant, lip balm, bar soap, nail clippers, eye drops, floss, hand sanitizer and shampoo/conditioner.

Beanie babies-new and small balls for the troops to hand out to children may be donated.

Non-Tax deductible monetary donations to cover shipping or shortage of items may be made by check payable to Operation Make a Soldier Smile (OMASS) c/o First Citizens Bank, 1495 Wilmington Dr, DuPont, WA 98327.

Any questions contact Denise Dhane 253-686-1505 or Paula Watters 253-227-9092

They welcome you to join them on Facebook.

===> Posted on October 29, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Tacoma Power pole-top rescue team named state champs

Ben Sclair — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:46:34 +0000

Two of Tacoma Power’s employees can add “Winners of the Washington State Pole Top Rescue Competition” to their list of accomplishments. Earlier this month, Line Electricians Kevin Kelley and Ray Leske, who have represented the utility in the pole-top competition for many years, achieved a first place finish at the Governor’s Industrial Safety & Health Conference. They beat seven other teams from across the state for the title.

The competition challenges teams of line electricians from the electrical utility industry to rescue a victim from a utility pole in a mock industrial accident. The Tacoma Power team made it to the finals, where they received a mock situation that made the rescue more difficult and required them to think about the safest and most effective way to rescue the victim.Read more...

===> Posted on October 28, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Lancers football team featured in Army video

Ben Sclair — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:25:03 +0000

The Lakes Lancers football team was featured on the Web show Army Newswatch for their high rate of military-impacted athletes. Check it out.

===> Posted on October 22, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

555th Engineer Brigade headquarters redeployment ceremony Friday

Ben Sclair — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:22:48 +0000

Fort Lewis, Wash. – The 555th Engineer Brigade headquarters will conduct a unit redeployment and colors uncasing ceremony Friday, October 23 at 10:30 a.m. in the Stone Education Center.

The 555th Engineer Brigade headquarters recently redeployed from a 12-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Read more...

===> Posted on October 22, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

McChord Retiree Appreciation Day

Ben Sclair — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:26:24 +0000

McChord AFB presents the annual Retiree Appreciation Day / Health Fair on Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 10 am to 2 pm at the McChord Community / Collocated Club. This event, sponsored by McChord AFB, and under the direction of the McChord 62nd Medical Group, honors retirees of all branches of the Military and their continuing service to our communities and our country.

Health issues and Retiree military benefits will be highlighted. Blood pressure screening, dental, nutritional and pharmaceutical education, as well as cholesterol and bone density tests will be presented. Flu shots will be offered, if available.
Read more...

===> Posted on October 13, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

McChord Airmen deliver equipment to American Samoa

Ben Sclair — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:09:57 +0000

By Staff Sgt. Eric Burks, 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

10/2/2009 – PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — A C-17 Globemaster III from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., touched down at Pago Pago International Airport late Oct. 1, bringing nine Federal Emergency Management Agency members and 17,000 pounds of cargo to American Samoa in support of relief operations.

The mission was McChord’s first humanitarian airlift to the Samoan Islands, which were devastated by a tsunami Sept. 29 that left more than 150 people dead and thousands homeless.
Read more...

===> Posted on October 5, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Up Up and Away – Superhero Party

Ben Sclair — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:18:28 +0000

Action, adventure and fun waits youth of all ages at this party. Come dressed as your favorite superhero or wear a black t-shirt to Pierce County Park’s Superhero Adventure Party on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 4-6 p.m. at the Lakewood Community Center. An adult will need to be present for children five years old and under to participate.

Kids will have fun unleashing their own “special powers” with Superhero games and activities plus receive hero souvenirs, power packed punch and snacks! Participants must pre-register by Oct. 1. Register at the Lakewood Community Center, located on 9112 Lakewood Drive S.W. in Lakewood. The cost is $12 per youth. For more information, please contact Pierce County Parks at 253-798-4177.

===> Posted on October 1, 2009 by Ben Sclair. No comments.