C-9 Blog

Scaparrotti Briefs Media

2012-02-07T14:30:00.000-08:00

Army Lt. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, Commander, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command and deputy commander, U.S. Forces - Afghanistan, will brief the media at 9 a.m. EST, Feb. 8, in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations.

Sen. Murray Rescheduled

2012-02-06T16:29:00.000-08:00

RESCHEDULE

MILITARY AFFAIRS FORUM

Military Affairs Committee

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

Date & Time: THURSDAY, February 23, 11:30 – 1:00 p.m.

~~WEDNESDAY,~~ ~~January 18, 11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.~~

Place: Pacific Grill Events Center

1530 Pacific Ave., Tacoma 98402

~~La Quinta Inn,~~

~~1425 E. 27^th St.~~~~, Tacoma 98421~~

Price: $22.00 pre-paid by Feb. 17, noon

$40.00 walk-ins/at the door

Parking: FREE. Validations at registration. Parking available in LOTS G, A and B of the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center starting with LOT G, on Commerce off 15^th Street.*

Information: Janice Hutchins, (253) 683.4882

DUE 12 noon, Feb. 17 (Friday)

RSVP:

If you’ve already registered without refund, you are still registered. No action necessary.

If you’ve cancelled/refund your prior registration, you must register again.

If you already registered and cannot attend now, apply for your refund.

If you haven’t ever registered, register here.

Event Speaker: Sen. Patty Murray

Congressional Update from Sen. Patty Murray.

Helping a New Generation of Veterans Transition Home

Join Senator Murray as she discusses the unique opportunities and challenges that the South Sound and Washington state face as thousands of veterans continue to return to our region. The discussion will focus on the support the community can help offer returning veterans, the economic impact of their transition on our local economy, and the benefits of living and working in a military community. Senator Murray will also discuss some of the biggest issues facing our nation’s veterans community as a whole, including the need to put our veterans back to work.

Committee Assignments

Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee

Within the HELP Committee, Senator Murray is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety. Murray also serves on the following subcommittee:

Children and Families Subcommittee

Appropriations Committee

Within the Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies. Murray also serves on the following subcommittees

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee
Energy and Water Development Subcommittee
Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee
Defense Subcommittee
Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee
Homeland Security Subcommittee

Committee on the Budget

Committee on Veterans' Affairs

PARKING*

There are three lots to choose from, and as you can see in the map below, one LOT G is right across the street on the same level as the Courtyard Marriott’s Commerce Street entrance (see symbol below). And two others A and B, up one level.

Again, simply take 15th street up the hill one block from Pacific Avenue to Commerce, and turn left in past the Marriott. The first lot you will come to is LOT G on your right.

If you find lot G to be full when you come to it (and it most often is not), simply continue along Commerce as shown on the map below, and turn right on Jefferson and right again on Broadway back into the other lots, A and B, both of which are also free. Then simply use the stairs to come down to Commerce, as these two lots are up one level.

Cut through the Commerce entrance of the Courtyard Marriott to Pacific Avenue and the Pacific Grill Events Center (see symbol below). And you are “home free.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Military Affairs Forums

March 9 Howard Schmidt, the cyber-security czar for the Obama administration

April 24 Howard O. Scott Citizen-Soldier Award with keynote speakers Tom Knight, Deputy Garrison Commander, JBLM and Dan Penrose, Project Manager, South Sound Military and Community Partnership

May 7 - 9 Washington-to-Washington, D.C./Pentagon

June 13 Evergreen Fleet Cruise

C-9 Blog

The Chamber’s newest blog: C-9 Blog, focuses on the armed forces and civilian relationships, with an emphasis on the Pacific Northwest. Please visit and subscribe to this free information source.

Chamber on Facebook

You can now find an official Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Facebook page on the popular networking site used by over half a billion people.

Vintage Russian Plane Transits Tacoma

2012-02-04T11:30:00.000-08:00

A rare World War II Russian attack plane rolled off a ship Thursday (Feb. 2) at the Port of Tacoma.

Among the last of its kind, the plane, called a "Shturmovik," will head by truck early next week to join the Flying Heritage Collection at Paine Field in Everett, Wash. The aircraft is the only one of its type in flying condition.

The plane's fuselage and wings were transported on separate cargo trailers aboard the Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics' Morning Composer. The plane flew to an airport near St. Petersburg late last year to be dismantled for shipment to Tacoma via Bremerhaven.

The Shturmovik (Russian for "storm bird"), was the nickname of the Ilyushin II-2, a two-person armored attack aircraft flown in World War II. The plane was produced in large volumes in the Soviet Union during the war and flew in combat on the Eastern Front against Nazi Germany.

This specific plane is made from parts discovered at a number of aircraft wrecks in the northwest regions of the former Soviet Union.

The plane will be re-assembled at Paine Field and put on display as part of a private collection owned by philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen.

About the Flying Heritage Collection Founded by Paul G. Allen, the Flying Heritage Collection contains rare and legendary World War II-era aircraft, many of which are the last of their kind. The collection is operated by Friends of Flying Heritage, a nonprofit organization committed to educating the public about these rare, historic aircraft. Learn more at www.flyingheritage.com.

The Chamber requested additional photos (below) from the Port of the port movement. Article and photos reprinted with permission.

Clean Tech Defense Symposium Set

2012-01-30T14:03:00.000-08:00

Click on Image for a Larger View

Military Forum at Madigan

2012-01-27T12:52:00.000-08:00

MILITARY AFFAIRS FORUM

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

Date & Time: WEDNESDAY, February 8, 7:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Place: Madigan Army Medical Center

Price: $5 estimated for a good breakfast buffet.

Information: Janice Hutchins, (253) 683.4882

RSVP: DUE 12 noon, Feb. 3 (Friday)

The next Military Affairs Forum will be Wednesday, February 8, 7:30 a.m. at Madigan Army Medical Center.

Col. Dallas Homas, Commander, will give us a briefing about Madigan's current operations, followed by congressional updates and then a short tour of the facility highlighting technology, community and green efforts, and the new WTB barracks.

The breakfast will be at the dining hall and is cash only. Less than $5 usually covers a good breakfast.

Registration will be through the Chamber (JaniceH@tacomachamber.org) and meeting notices will give you directions on the registration procedure.

Reservations due by Feb. 3!

Maps and gate passes (arrival at 0715) will be sent out via email to registered attendees who register through the Chamber. Those who do not register early will need to be at the main JBLM gate at 0600 to get a pass.

Military Affairs Forums

Please note we are coordinating with Sen. Murray’s staff in a collaborative effort to reschedule her presentation. At this time, that is most likely to be the late February Congressional recess.

March 9 Howard Schmidt, the cybersecurity czar for the Obama administration

April 24 Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year w/ Kiwanis Club

May 7-11 Washington-to-Washington, D.C./Pentagon

June 13 Evergreen Fleet Cruise

C-9 Blog

Chamber on Facebook

You can now find an official Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Facebook page on the popular networking site used by over half a billion people.

New BRAC Round

2012-01-26T14:56:00.000-08:00

The President will ask Congress to authorize a new BRAC round, said Defense Secretary Leon Panetta during a Pentagon news briefing today held to preview DOD's fiscal 2013 budget request.

"We simply cannot sustain infrastructure beyond our needs," Panetta said in explaining the need for a new base closure round.

The announcement confirms speculation that has been swirling around Washington since it became clear that DOD would need to find almost $500 billion in spending cuts, and possibly a total of $1 trillion, over the next decade to comply with last August's agreement to raise the nation's debt limit.

Once DOD asks Congress to authorize a new round, it will be up to lawmakers to approve the request. Lawmakers most likely would take the matter up as part of deliberations over the FY 2013 defense authorization bill. As a result, Congress' intentions may not be clear until late in the year.

“I have been a strong supporter of BRACs in the past. But I’m not able to support BRAC domestically until we reduce bases in particular in Europe,” Senate Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) said, according to CQ Today.

Separately, Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, questioned the need to close bases, following the bitterness associated with previous BRAC rounds.

Noteworthies with a Local Link

2012-01-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta announced today that the President has nominated Army Lt. Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, for reappointment to the grade of lieutenant general and assignment as director, The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.

Scaparrotti is currently serving as commanding general, I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord and commander, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command/deputy commander, U.S. Forces - Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan.

Governor Declares State Emergency

2012-01-19T09:43:00.000-08:00

Gov. Chris Gregoire has declared a state of emergency due to this week's snow and ice storm, according to the Secretary of State's office. This authorizes the use of the National Guard.

CANCEL TODAY'S LUNCHEON WITH SEN. MURRAY

2012-01-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

TODAY'S LUNCHEON IS CANCELLED DUE TO THE WEATHER FORECASTERS BEING RIGHT!

THE CHAMBER WILL SHARE WITH ALL REGISTRANTS ANY OPPORTUNITY TO RESCHEDULE THIS EVENT.

MILITARY AFFAIRS FORUM

Congressional Update from Sen. Patty Murray.

Wed., Jan. 18, 11:30 a.m.

La Quinta Inn & Suites

AF Civilian Reductions Minimal for WA

2012-01-13T15:33:00.000-08:00

The Air Force has identified 4,500 of its civilian positions as part of the effort to meet budgetary constraints.

The effort is intended to increase efficiencies by standardizing the level of service for specific functions among installations. In November 2010, the Air Force said it would eliminate 9,000 civilian positions (but adding 5,900 in priority areas).

The Air Force is eliminating 3,850 positions from headquarters and overhead areas in Air Staff, major command installations, field operating agencies and direct reporting units.

Installation support account for 1,700 of the civilian positions eliminated. Below is the civilian personnel reductions for Washington State.

Click on Images for LARGER VIEW.

CANX: WNG's Night at the Museum

2012-01-07T15:35:00.000-08:00

CANCELLED

Washington National Guard Museum

The Arsenal, Camp Murray, WA 98430

Where the History of Washington’s Militia Comes Alive!

On behalf of the
Washington National Guard

State Historical Society
Board of Directors

and the Staff of the

Washington National Guard Museum

Please join us for

Night at the Museum

** An Open House **

Wednesday January 18^th, 2012

6:00 PM

light refreshments will be served

See us on the web at http://washingtonguard.org/museum/ FACEBOOK HTTP://www.FACEBOOK.COM/WNGSHS

Please RSVP to 253-512-7834
Directions enclosed

New Strategy for New Budget

2012-01-06T10:33:00.000-08:00

Commander in Chief (President) Obama has issued a new new military strategy that calls for involvement in fewer prolonged conflicts, reducing lower-priority forces and consolidating duplicate operations, according to a report released Thursday at a Pentagon press conference by President Obama, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Martin Dempsey.

The report, "Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership: Priorities for 21^st Century Defense," is available at http://www.defense.gov/news/Defense_Strategic_Guidance.pdf.

The strategy that will guide decisions needed to trim $450 billion in defense spending through 2021.It calls for a leaner but more agile force and investments in special forces and additional technological innovations. The strategy shift will guide specific budget planning, which Pres. Obama and SecDef Panetta said would be announced in the coming weeks as part of the Administration's full budget request, reflecting spending cuts mandated by Congress.

"Spending has to be driven by strategy, not the other way around," Obama said, stressing that while growth in the defense budget will shrink, defense spending will still grow and will remain larger than it was when he took office in 2009.

SecDef Panetta said he has briefed key Congressional leaders on the new plan and feels "confident" that many of the proposals given the fiscal and security realities facing the country, but he expects resistance from some on Capitol Hill, saying that is part of making hard choices.

Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Buck McKeon said, “The President has packaged our retreat from the world in the guise of a new strategy to mask his divestment of our military and national defense."

For more information

Read the strategy: http://www.defense.gov/news/Defense_Strategic_Guidance.pdf

Read the DoD press release: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=66683

Watch the President's remarks: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/StrategicR

Watch Secretary Panetta's remarks: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/DBr

Read Chmn. McKeon’s release: http://mckeon.house.gov/this_in_detail.aspx?NewsID=2013

A Replacement C-17

2012-01-05T16:33:00.000-08:00

Congressional defense appropriators added funding in Fiscal 2012 for the Air Force to procure a C-17 to replace the loss of another C-17 that crashed at JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, in July 2010.

The Air Force did not request this replacement, but lawmakers included the $225 million in the 2012 omnibus spending bill that President Obama signed into law late last month.

USAF spokesman Maj. Chad Steffey confirmed that the extra aircraft will bring the size of the service's total C-17 buy to 224 airframes to meet its authorized fleet size of 223.

CANCEL: Senator Talks About Vets and Jobs

2012-01-04T13:18:00.000-08:00

TODAY'S LUNCHEON IS CANCELLED DUE TO THE WEATHER FORECASTERS BEING RIGHT!

THE CHAMBER WILL SHARE WITH ALL REGISTRANTS ANY OPPORTUNITY TO RESCHEDULE THIS EVENT.

MILITARY AFFAIRS FORUM

Military Affairs Committee

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

Date & Time: WEDNESDAY, January 18, 11:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Place: La Quinta Inn, 1425 E. 27^th St., Tacoma 98421

Price: $22.00 (members) pre-paid by Jan. 13, noon

$30.00 (non-members)

$40.00 walk-ins/at the door

Information: Janice Hutchins, (253) 683-4882

RSVP: DUE 12 noon, Jan. 13 (Friday)

Event Speaker: Sen. Patty Murray

Congressional Update from Sen. Patty Murray.

Helping a New Generation of Veterans Transition Home

Committee Assignments

Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee

Within the HELP Committee, Senator Murray is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety. Murray also serves on the following subcommittee:

Children and Families Subcommittee

Appropriations Committee

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee
Energy and Water Development Subcommittee
Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee
Defense Subcommittee
Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee
Homeland Security Subcommittee

Committee on the Budget

Committee on Veterans' Affairs

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Horizons 2012 Economic Forecast Event

January 13, 7:30 9:00 a.m., Greater Tacoma Conference and Trade Center, 1500 Broadway, Tacoma 98402

Register Here.

Military Affairs Forums

February 8 Madigan Army Medical Center

March 9 Howard Schmidt, the cybersecurity czar for the Obama administration

C-9 Blog

Chamber on Facebook

You can now find an official Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Facebook page on the popular networking site used by over half a billion people.

JBLM Gets More Transportation Dollars

2011-12-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

The top Washington state grant application for Tiger III funding captured $15 million for improvements along the I-5 corridor at JBLM.

The original application was for $32 million, but some $5.7 million of that was already achieved when the City of Lakewood captured a grant for improvements at the Berkeley St. Interchange, leaving some $26 million actively sought for.

The reduction will mean some specific work selection must be chosen by the Washington State Department of Transportation, but all improvements will be welcome on this corridor which serves some 15,000 trucks and some 152,000 vehicles accessing JBLM daily. A longer range fix is currently estimated to cost $1 billion.

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Col. Tommy Brittain, Washington State Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond made the following statements after U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $15 million TIGER III grant to fund the I-5 Joint Base Lewis-McChord Area Congestion Management:

“Helping secure funds for projects that improve transportation throughout our region is one of my top priorities,” said Congressman Adam Smith. “These grants will help alleviate traffic for military personnel and communities around the JBLM corridor and save commuters time and money. They will also improve freight traffic, benefiting our local economy while adding hundreds of jobs to our region. These are significant wins for our district and I thank Congressman Dicks, along with Senators Cantwell and Murray for their longstanding support.”

"We're grateful for the efforts of everyone involved to address the growing traffic congestion that has affect JBLM and our neighboring communities,” said Col. Tommy Brittain. “We have worked very closely with local communities, regional and state agencies, and federal and state legislators, to develop strategies that mitigate the congestion brought about by growth in Pierce and Thurston Counties, as well as our growth here at JBLM. This grant is yet another indicator of the positive, cooperative relationship we enjoy with our neighbors, and we look forward to continuing to work together to find solutions to regional challenges."

"A true partnership is bringing about transportation improvements in the JBLM corridor," said Washington State Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond. "Our state delegation in D.C. helped win these federal dollars, and we have partners at the base and in Pierce County and local cities. With this grant money, we can make transportation investments in this critical corridor that will have an immediate impact on reducing some of the congestion."

Pointe Du Hoc and Ranger Memorial

2011-12-19T09:25:00.001-08:00

Clean Tech Working with the Military

2011-12-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

On December 7, the Washington Clean Tech Alliance (WCTA) Lunch featured an excellent sold out panel discussion with leaders from the military, cleantech business, and economic development organizations.

They discussed how cleantech companies could engage the Department of Defense for business expansion. Cleantech startups and established players learned about the opportunities in one of the world's largest energy markets: America's armed services. You can see the presentations made by the panelists by clicking below:

Sean Murphy, Executive Director, Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition. See Sean's presentation here.
John Plaza, President/CEO/Founder, Imperium Renewables. See John's presentation here.
Paul T. Steucke, Jr., CIV USA IMCOM. See Paul's presentation here.
Tim Vinopal, Chief Engineer, Environment, Health and Safety, Boeing: See Tim's presentation here.

WCTA Board member Tim Stearns of the Washington State Department of Commerce moderated the event. Andrews Wells at Nyhus Communications organized this event.

Military Spouses Get Licensing Approval

2011-12-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

The State Legislature did a great favor for the active-duty families in our state with the passage of SB5969, the military-spouse licensing bill.

Under terms of the bill, the state will allow military spouses a temporary professional license here, honoring the license originally issued in another state. The temporary license will allow sufficient time for the spouse to complete any unique requirements necessary in Washington State.

Our Chamber testified in both the state Senate and House, both of which had significant bill sponsors. Our thanks to Sen. Derek Kilmer and Representative Tami Green (companion HB2167) and all the co-sponsors in both houses.

The Chamber had approved this goal for its 2012 Legislative Agenda, but this prompt action by our legislature gives us our first success early. The Chamber’s membership had supported (83.7%) this goal in a survey completed last month.

The bill is now forwarded to Governor Chris Gregoire for signing.

Our thanks also go to Mark San Souci, Regional Liaison Northwest, Defense State Liaison Office and the Chamber's State Lobbyist Michael Transue.

New Online Tools for Veteran Job-Seekers

2011-12-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

Congressman Adam Smith shared this info with us:

This week, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced veterans now have on-demand access and can download official data about their military training and experience, which can be used to help them find jobs and continue their careers. Their service data can be uploaded to job search and networking sites to help identify employment opportunities.

“Veterans can offer unique and desirable skills to the civilian workforce. Translating those skills into meaningful information for employers and giving veterans access to official data about their military service is vital to helping returning servicemen and women find gainful employment,” said Congressman Adam Smith.

Veterans can use the VA’s online My HealtheVet portal (www.myhealth.va.gov) to see official information about their military service, including deployment data, in-uniform experience, and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes which define the type of work performed and skills learned during their tour of duty. Veterans can electronically download that information to their personal computers by using an enhanced version of the Blue Button. This new capability is the latest addition to a growing suite of job-hunting tools.

Veterans enrolled in VA health care can access their military service information through My HealtheVet. Veterans who have not yet signed up for My HealtheVet access can register for a My HealtheVet account at any VA medical center by completing a one-time identity-verification process to help assure their data privacy.

If you have questions or comments, please contact Roel van der Lugt, Director of Military Affairs, Business and Defense Programs, at: 253-593-6602 or via email at: Roel.vanderLugt@mail.house.gov

Boeing Wins C-17 Award

2011-12-08T09:50:00.000-08:00

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 8, 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Air Force Globemaster division at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Ga., received the Best Logistics Strategy award at the annual Defense Logistics Awards ceremony in Arlington on Nov. 30.

Boeing has partnered with the Air Force for C-17 sustainment since the delivery of the first aircraft in 1993, transitioning to a system-level performance-based logistics contract in 1998, now called the C-17 Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program (GISP).

“The strength of Boeing’s partnership with its Air Force customer provides the best sustainment solution possible,” said Gus Urzua, Boeing C-17 GISP vice president and program manager. “Our long-term partnership and the flexibility of performance-based logistics contracting are key to developing the innovative solutions necessary to address the complex challenges of sustaining a fleet of this magnitude.”

The program has evolved to adapt to the Air Force’s operational needs, providing the customer with the best sustainment solution: a single-source provider that guarantees best-value support, mission-ready aircraft and 24/7 customer service.

Today, GISP is headquartered in a combined program office at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., supporting 237 C-17s worldwide – 212 with the U.S. Air Force, including active duty, Guard and Reserve units, and 25 with international customers, including the United Kingdom Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, Qatar Emiri Air Force, United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defence, and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.

The GISP “virtual fleet” arrangement ensures mission readiness by providing all C-17 customers, with varied fleet sizes, the benefit of access to an extensive support network for worldwide parts availability and economies of scale when purchasing materials.

“The C-17 Virtual Fleet has been a game-changing concept of operations for the aircraft’s support,” said Trevor Burke, team leader, NATO Strategic Airlift Capability. “The C-17 Virtual Fleet is all about extreme affordability -- like none before.”

The Air Force delegates a significant degree of control of C-17 support to Boeing in return for guaranteed performance. This support is delivered worldwide, with the Air Force administering Foreign Military Sales and Boeing providing various levels of contractor support across the globe in support of U.S. and international customers.

Clean Tech Working with the Military

2011-12-06T12:23:00.000-08:00

Washington Clean Technology Alliance Luncheon

Working with the US Military

This month, the WCTA Lunch will feature an excellent panel discussion featuring leaders from the military, cleantech business, and economic development organizations discussing how cleantech companies can engage the Department of Defense for business expansion. Cleantech startups and established players can learn more about the opportunities in one of the world's largest energy markets: America's armed services. Expert panelist presentations will be followed by a chance to ask questions. Confirmed participants are:

Moderator: WCTA Board Member Tim Stearns, Senior Energy Policy Specialist, Washington State Department of Commerce
Sean Murphy, Executive Director, Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition
John Plaza, President/CEO/Founder, Imperium Renewables
Paul T. Steucke, Jr., CIV USA IMCOM
Tim Vinopal, Chief Engineer, Environment, Health and Safety, Boeing

When: December 7, 2011, 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Where: Arbor Group/UBS Financial, 925 Fourth Avenue, 18th Floor Conference Room, Seattle
Cost: (Before December 4) $20 for WCTA members/$30 for non-members. December 4 and after: Add $5.
Register here.

Thanks to Andrews Wells at Nyhus Communications for organizing this event.

WCTA Platinum Members: Boeing Company, McKinstry

WCTA Gold Members: APCO Worldwide, Cascadia Capital, enterpriseSeattle, Greater Spokane, Mithun, Nyhus Communications, Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, Prometheus Energy Group, Puget Sound Energy, Seattle Steam Company, Snohomish County PUD, Thomas James International, Washington State Department of Commerce, Washington State University

Thanks! Troops

2011-11-24T11:11:00.000-08:00

A message worth repeating from First Lady Michelle Obama:

Every Thanksgiving, Barack sits down to call some of our troops and thank them for their service.

When he tells me about these conversations, it always reminds me of how blessed we are to live in a country where men and women will stand up to protect our freedoms and preserve our way of life. And whenever I've had the chance to meet with these heroes and their families, I've always walked away inspired by their courage and in awe of their strength.

I can't think of any better way to spend Thanksgiving than letting our servicemembers know how grateful we are for everything that they do. So this year, we're making it easy to do just that.

We've partnered with the USO to create a program called Thanks From Everywhere. To get involved, simply visit JoiningForces.gov/Thanks and write a quick note that troops and veterans all over the world will be able to see.

Add your message to Thanks From Everywhere.

Your note will be added to a map with messages from people all over the country, showing our troops and their families just how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.

If we all do our part, we'll help to build a wave of support to honor our veterans and their families -- and ensure they get the recognition they deserve this holiday season.

At a time when we are sitting down to share the blessings we've received this past year, please take a moment to be a part of this effort to thank America's heroes and their families.

Send a message to Thanks From Everywhere today: http://www.JoiningForces.gov/Thanks

Cong. Smith Comments on Supercommittee Failure

2011-11-21T17:02:00.001-08:00

Cong. Adam Smith Statement on Supercommittee

WASHINGTON – Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement today after the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction announced the Committee did not reach an agreement:

“It is deeply concerning that after months of discussions the Supercommittee has failed to reach a deal to reduce the federal deficit. Once again, we’ve missed the chance to implement a comprehensive plan that balances revenue and spending reform and puts us on the path toward fixing our long-term fiscal and economic problems.

"There is a firm understanding of the challenges our nation faces. However, there is a lack of will to confront them. The math is simple: the federal government spends far more money that it brings in. The solution to this problem lies in reducing spending while raising new revenues – a fact many of my colleagues have now acknowledged. But simply acknowledging it is not enough.

"Now, due to the divide in Washington and through sequestration, we face significant cuts to a wide range of important programs that have supported our middle class, built our economy and created opportunities for future generations. In addition, the Department of Defense now faces deep, indiscriminate cuts that would not be based on sound policy or strategic review and could undermine national security. This is no way to defend our nation, and this is no way to run our government.

"While today's announcement is very concerning, it is not the end of the road. The now pending cuts will not be implemented until Fiscal Year 2013, but that still does not give us much time. Even the specter of sequestration will be extremely disruptive and could lead to cut backs in defense spending well before January 2013.

"Congress must act now. No committee can address these issues on its own. It is my hope that Democrats and Republicans will recognize the severity of the problems we face and act now with urgency to solve them."

SecDef Comments on Supercommittee Failure

2011-11-21T16:59:00.000-08:00

Statement by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta on Supercommittee Negotiations

The failure of the Congressional Supercommittee to reach an agreement on deficit reduction is a setback for the country's efforts to achieve fiscal responsibility while protecting our national security. If Congress fails to act over the next year, the Department of Defense will face devastating, automatic, across-the-board cuts that will tear a seam in the nation's defense.

Despite the danger posed by sequestration, I join the President in his call for Congress to avoid an easy way out of this crisis. Congress cannot simply turn off the sequester mechanism, but instead must pass deficit reduction at least equal to the $1.2 trillion it was charged to pass under the Budget Control Act.

In my four decades involved with public service, I have never been more concerned about the ability of Congress to forge common-sense solutions to the nation's pressing problems. Since becoming Secretary of Defense, I have made it clear that the Department has a responsibility to help the country get its fiscal house in order -- and we are doing that. I have been leading a strategy-driven effort to achieve the more than $450 billion in cuts over 10 years required by the Budget Control Act. We will move ahead with that plan.

But as Secretary of Defense, my primary responsibility is to protect the security of the nation. The half-trillion in additional cuts demanded by sequester would lead to a hollow force incapable of sustaining the missions it is assigned. If implemented, sequester would also jeopardize our ability to provide our troops and their families with the benefits and the support they have been promised. Our troops deserve better, and our nation demands better.

Good Employees

2011-11-17T13:47:00.000-08:00

Click on image for full view.

Tommy

2011-11-11T09:53:00.000-08:00

I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer,
The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats here."
The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die,
I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I:
O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away";
But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play,
The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,
O it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play.

I went into a theatre as sober as could be,
They gave a drunk civilian room, but 'adn't none for me;
They sent me to the gallery or round the music-'alls,
But when it comes to fightin', Lord! they'll shove me in the stalls!
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, wait outside";
But it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide,
The troopship's on the tide, my boys, the troopship's on the tide,
O it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide.

Yes, makin' mock o' uniforms that guard you while you sleep
Is cheaper than them uniforms, an' they're starvation cheap;
An' hustlin' drunken soldiers when they're goin' large a bit
Is five times better business than paradin' in full kit.
Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?"
But it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll,
The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll,
O it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll.

We aren't no thin red 'eroes, nor we aren't no blackguards too,
But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you;
An' if sometimes our conduck isn't all your fancy paints,
Why, single men in barricks don't grow into plaster saints;
While it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, fall be'ind",
But it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind,
There's trouble in the wind, my boys, there's trouble in the wind,
O it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind.

You talk o' better food for us, an' schools, an' fires, an' all:
We'll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational.
Don't mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face
The Widow's Uniform is not the soldier-man's disgrace.
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!"
But it's "Saviour of 'is country" when the guns begin to shoot;
An' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please;
An' Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool -- you bet that Tommy sees!

Guest blogger: Rudyard Kipling

Military Citizen of 2011 a DuPont Resident

2011-11-10T14:18:00.000-08:00

Sergeant First Class Luis Jimenez received today

the

SFC Jimenez and Mrs. Jimenez

Chamber's 33^rd annual John H. Anderson Military Citizen of the Year Award, sponsored by TriWest Healthcare Alliance. SFC Jimenez is currently the NCOIC of the 593^rd Sustainment Brigade’s Supply and Services Section, JBLM.

SFC Jimenez has consistently been active in the communities where he has been stationed, including Taegu,

Korea

and Fort Campbell, Ky. Since being transferred to Fort Lewis in 2006, SFC Jimenez continued his full commitment to volunteering his free time.

Motivated by having two children in the Steilacoom School District, SFC Jimenez became involved, first by attending every school district board meeting, and then running for the school board. SFC Jimenez was a 2011 candidate for the Steilacoom Historical School District School Board.

SFC Jimenez is a DuPont, Wash. resident and is well known to the city government, having attended every DuPont city council meeting to keep abreast of the city’s issues and activities. Impressed by SFC Jimenez’s commitment, the mayor appointed him to the Parks and Recreation Committee. In this capacity, he has devoted over 100 hours of his time to DuPont just in the past year for their Fourth of July picnic, Safety Week, Salmon Bakes and Easter Hunt. SFC Jimenez has also volunteered with the city of DuPont citizen’s police academy.

In addition to his other volunteering efforts, SFC Jimenez, a member of the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club and Knights of Columbus, networked his services through his membership and assisted in raising $20,000 above the amount forecasted in the budget for the DuPont Parks and Recreation Department. Thanks to SFC Jimenez’s encouragement, the organizations solicited goods and services from local businesses to be auctioned off, helping fund the DuPont Youth Basketball Program in 2011. The extra funds meant 238 children from DuPont were able participate in the program (as compared to the city’s expectation of only funding 75 children). Due to SFC Jimenez’s hard work and dedication, the city did not experience any resourcing issues with helping more children from the community.

“There is no question that SFC Jimenez devotes countless hours and boundless energy to improving and serving his community,” said George Cargill, award sponsor TriWest Healthcare Alliance’s representative and Business & Trade Development Vice-Chair of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber.

About John H. Anderson:

The Chamber created the John H. Anderson Military Citizen of the Year Award to honor an outstanding military citizen to commemorate the civic contributions by our resident military personnel. John H. Anderson served as Tacoma’s mayor in the early to mid 1950s. He is also a past Chair of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Board of Directors, as well as a successful local businessman.

###

HIRE America Job Fair

2011-11-09T09:23:00.000-08:00

Click on Image for Full View

I-5 Grants, Part II

2011-11-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Representatives Norm Dicks (D-WA-06) and Adam Smith (D-WA-09) applauded the announcement by the Department of Defense that the City of Lakewood will be awarded a $5.7M grant for a transportation project to improve access to medical facilities at Madigan Healthcare System.

"I’m proud to fight to make sure that our men and women in uniform and their families can access the medical facilities they need in a timely and efficient manner,” said Senator Murray. “That’s why I worked to help secure these funds, and I’m so glad that Joint Base Lewis-McChord will be able to start this long overdue project.”

“Madigan Army Medical Center is one of the busiest hospitals in the Pacific Northwest, providing critical care to our brave men and women in uniform in a six-state region,” said Senator Cantwell. “The successful operation of this state-of-the-art medical facility depends on modernized and efficient transportation infrastructure that alleviates congestion around Joint Base Lewis McChord. I was proud to support this investment, which will improve vital medical access to this technologically advanced facility for our military community. The men and women who serve our country deserve access to the quality health care they have earned.”

“These tangible improvements are expected to significantly reduce the delays that Madigan patients and JBLM employees experience entering and leaving the base, particularly at peak hours,” said Representative Dicks, who serves as the ranking Democratic Member of the House Appropriations Committee and its Defense Subcommittee.

“Working to reduce congestion around Joint Base Lewis-McChord is a priority to my District,” said Representative Smith, who serves as the ranking Democratic Member of the House Armed Services Committee. “This investment is a step in the right direction that will have a positive impact on our local community, though much more needs to be done and I will continue to make this a top priority. I congratulate the City of Lakewood for putting together a quality proposal and for their work with partners in the region to secure this funding.”

I-5 Improvements Grants Approved

2011-11-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

The Department of Defense announced today the City of Lakewood will receive $5.7 million from a special fund designed to increase access to military medical facilities – Madigan Healthcare System.

You may learn more at Wednesday's RAMP meeting.

DoD plans to distribute $299.6 million to eight transportation projects to improve access to medical facilities affected by the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) process. Congress included $300 million for these transportation improvements in the Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act of 2011.

The eight projects will improve transportation access to medical facilities at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Wash., Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., Fort Belvoir, Va., and Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. A list of the selected projects may be found at: http://www.oea.gov.

The projects were selected through a competitive process that considered proposals from states and communities around installations whose medical facilities were affected by the most recent BRAC round. Congress directed the department to give priority to those locations where BRAC actions created transportation challenges that might impede access to medical care. The selection panel included health care and transportation experts from the Departments of Defense and Transportation.

Funds will be distributed by Department of Defense’s Office of Economic Adjustment once the applicants provide complete applications, including comprehensive plans and environmental information pertaining to the selected projects:

Installation: Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA

Applicant: City of Lakewood, Washington

Project Title: Madigan Army Medical Center Access Improvement Funding Request: $5.7 million

· Installation: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, MD

o Applicant: Montgomery County, Maryland

· Project Title: Maryland 355 Multimodal Crossing
Funding Request: $40 million

o Applicant: State of Maryland

· Project Title: Maryland 185 & Jones Bridge Road/Kensington Parkway
Funding Request: $18.3 million

· Project Title: Maryland 355 & West Cedar Lane/Cedar Lane
Funding Request: $19 million

· Project Title: Maryland 355 & Jones Bridge Road/Center Drive
Funding Request: $4.3 million

· Project Title: Maryland 187 & West Cedar/Oakmont Avenue
Funding Request: $7.3 million

· Installation: Fort Belvoir, VA

o Applicants: Fairfax County, Virginia / Commonwealth of Virginia

· Project Title: RT 1 Widening from Telegraph Road to Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Funding Request: $180 million

· Installation: Joint Base San Antonio, TX

o Applicant: City of San Antonio, Texas

· Project Title: I 35-LOOP 410 Connector
Funding Request: $25 million

2011-10-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

Military Affairs Committee

Presents

33^rd John Anderson Military Citizen of the Year

Sponsored by TriWest HealthCare Alliance

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee will present the 33rd annual John Anderson Military Citizen of the Year.

The Anderson Military Citizen of the Year award is presented to an exemplary recipient who has demonstrated the contributions that active-duty persons make to our community.

Rotary's Keynote Speaker: Col. Dallas Homas, CO, MAMC

Col. Dallas Homas

Commander, MAMC

Colonel Dallas W. Homas, M.D., assumed command of Madigan Healthcare System on

March 10, 2011. His previous assignment was the Chief of Clinical Operations, Western Regional Medical Command, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

With a military beneficiary population encompassing a six-state region, Madigan Army Medical Center continues to be one of the busiest hospitals in the Pacific Northwest. Occupying more than 120 acres of land, this four-building structure is located at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, WA.

There are approximately 160,000 Soldiers, family members and military retirees residing in Madigan's 40-mile catchment area. Madigan's phenomenal health care mission is executed by nearly 4,000 staff members, which include hundreds of civilian and military doctors, nurses, residents, interns and fellows. Madigan also boasts a robust internal American Red Cross program. There are approximately 200 volunteers who donate thousands of hours of free service monthly.

As one of the Army’s most state-of-the-art and technically advanced medical centers, Madigan is one of only three designated Level 2 trauma centers throughout the U.S. Medical Command (MEDCOM). Recently, Madigan’s Andersen Simulation Center, which helps train thousands of doctors, nurses and medics each year, received a three-year accreditation from the American College of Surgeons, becoming the only Defense Department medical educational institution to attain that status. Madigan’s simulation center is one of only 21 surgical simulation centers in the U.S. to achieve a level one status, the highest for a center of surgical education excellence.

Date: Thursday, November 10

Time: 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.

Event: Rotary Club of Tacoma No. 8

Place: Landmark Conference Center

47 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma 98402

Price: $15 with RSVP

No prepayment, collect at the door only

Information: Gary Brackett or 253-627-2175

About John H. Anderson

John H. Anderson served as Tacoma’s mayor in the early to mid 1950s. He was also a past Chair of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Board of Directors, as well as a successful local businessman.

Possible Grants for JBLM on I-5

2011-10-27T21:33:00.000-07:00

AGENDA - November 2, 2011

8:00 Welcome & Self-Introductions

Tom Pierson, Co-Chair

8:10 Department of Defense, Office of Economic Adjustment: I-5/JBLM Grant

Jeff Gonzalez, City of Lakewood

8:30 TIGER III Discretionary Federal Grant: I-5/JBLM

Ron Landon & Kevin Dayton, WSDOT

8:50 Round Robin

9:00 Closing Remarks & Adjourn

Pat McCarthy, Co-Chair

LOCATION: Fabulich Center, Rm. 104,

3600 Port of Tacoma Rd., Tacoma 98421

IJC Commander to Brief Live From Afghanistan

2011-10-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

Army Lt. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, commander, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command and deputy commander, U.S. Forces -- Afghanistan, will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 10:30 a.m. EDT, Oct. 27, in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations.

Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only. Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification. Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/Advisories/

Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1

Special Forum Explores Economy and Defense

2011-10-25T11:37:00.000-07:00

The Special Forum with former Congressman and Vice-Admiral (ret.) Joe Sestak drew a full-house, cosmopolitan mix of business and civic leaders.

Sestak focused on both the economy and the defense community as he explored the nation’s issues in this roundtable discussion. He observed, that a majority (estimated at 70%) of people who lost their jobs in this recession were small business (less than 20 employees) employees. Sestak said the stimulus was too small, missed the target and lacked accountability. That target should have been the “star player” in the economy, small business, he said.

Other noteworthy comments by Sestak are:

The Federal Reserve has given a star performance.
Europe needs to go “all in” and may not.
This is the first recession that the housing market has not lead the recovery.
People can’t move to jobs because of they are underwater on their mortgages.
He is pessimistic about the Super Committee achieving a debt deal.
The military has been charged with meeting two major actions, and may become no longer able to meet that standard.
The military doesn’t always tell Congress the most-likely costs.

Sestak’s recommendations for a recovery program:

Guarantee community banks loans, the source of small business lending, at 98%.
Raise the interest rate cap so higher risks will be taken by lenders.
Increase 504(c) loans.
Increase micro-loans.

On-Base Schools Lined Up for Money

2011-10-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

As parents and school children know, the on-base elementary schools are heavily overcrowded and functionally obsolete.

That was proven in a recent DoD study which ranked Joint Base Lewis-McChord elementary schools in bands 1-2-4 and 6. More information on the rankings and their placement on the scale is available here.

Debbie LeBeau, Superintendent, Clover Park School District, which operates but does not own the schools on JBLM, briefed attendees at this month’s Military Affairs Forum just after returning from Washington, D.C. where she conferenced with the Office of Economic Adjustment, a DoD agenda administering a $250 million fund for fixing the problem.

Clover Park S.D. expects to receive funds for replacing Hillside elemen- tary with a new 650 student facility and consolidating Carter Lake and Heartwood elementarys into one new 500 student school, because of their very high priority rankings in the study. The grant is a reimbursable program, but LeBeau consider Clover Park S.D. to have the financial flexibility to take advantage of the opportunity.

If money continues to be available this year (unlikely), or if Congress continues to fund the program (hopefully), the next project for JBLM schools would be to consolidate Greenwood and Clarkmoor into one new 650 student school.

Hopes for Improved I-5 Access to Madigan

2011-10-23T16:52:00.000-07:00

Hopes are high for improving access to Madigan Health- care Systems thanks to a recent grant opportunity that addresses improving access to medical facilities impacted by BRAC.

Attendees at this month's Military Affairs Forum heard a recap of a grant application designed to make significant improvements to those seeking service at Madigan, said Dan Penrose, Project Manager, SSMCP.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), home of Madigan Health- care Systems and the Western Regional Medical Command, has been impacted by BRAC and several other Army initiatives, resulting in a doubling of personnel stationed there. Now, there are 152,000 daily trips into-out of JBLM. Over $1 billion is needed to accommodate today’s I-5 traffic (including its service for workforce commutation and commercial mobility).

Appli- cations from four defense commun- ities exceeded the $300 million fund cap. Fairfax County, VA submitted the largest request, asking for $185 million; Montgomery County and Maryland asked for about $90 million, San Antonio, TX asked for $125 million and City of Lakewood [representing the South Sound Military and Community Partnership (SSMCP)] asked for less than $6 million.

The local application centers on the Berkeley Street/Union Ave./Freedom Bridge interchange on I-5. Its particulars:

a third lane to Madigan
a second left turn land to I-5 South
better signals on the ramps and Union Ave.
a second receiving land for the Freedom Bridge overpass
improved land configurations for Berkeley and Union
added pedestrian safety improvements

The results – an astonishing 95% improvements in vehicle flow measured against the mid-day peak. What’s now delays of more than 10 minutes per vehicle will drop to 35 seconds per vehicle after the improvements are made.

The decision is due November 7. All here are hoping Lakewood’s proposal is “budget dust” that will be swept into local coffers.

Local AUSA Chapter Takes Home National Gold

2011-10-23T16:22:00.000-07:00

After forming eleven subchapters to support the thousands of service members on Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), was recognized nationally by receiving the “Best Chapter” award in its membership category in Washington, D.C. earlier in October.

The eleven subchapters were formed to complement JBLM’s Community Connector program by simply encouraging city officials and business leaders to embrace the soldiers and their families, especially during deployments. Today, subchapters have been established in the Cities of Lacey, Steilacoom, Lakewood, DuPont, Tacoma, Fife/Milton, Puyallup, Olympia, Tumwater, Yakima and Camp Murray (National Guard).

These subchapters became beneficial when over 17,000 soldiers returned home from war in late 2010. Over $100,000 was raised to coordinate three welcome home picnics for the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th Stryker Brigade Combat Teams. Since that time, the formation of subchapters has become popular among the different brigades on JBLM, leading to the eleven existing today.

Featured in the picture from left to right: General Gordon Sullivan (AUSA CEO and past Army Joint Chief of Staff), CSM Dan Verbeke (the Rear Detachment I Corps CSM), SFC Leroy Petry (Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient), Carlene Joseph (Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter President & Harborstone Credit Union VP), John Hemphill (MG Retired), CSM Matt Barnes (Garrison CSM), Roger Thompson (LTG Retired and AUSA Director).

In addition to unwavering community support, to include the local chambers of commerce, the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter benefits from strong business alliances, such as with the Pierce Military and Business Alliance. This group consists of the Boeing Company, Harborstone Credit Union, America’s Credit Union, American Lake Credit Union, Support America’s Armed Forces, Regence BlueShield, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, CoinForce.com, Tactical Tailor, Concrete Technology Corp., the Ranger/Northwest Airlifter, the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Luce, Lineberry & Kenney Law Firm, the Pierce County Council, Northwest Credit Union Foundation, and GEICO Insurance.

Congratulations Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, its Pres. Carlene Joseph and its members, firms and organizations for a job well done!

Tax Credit for Hiring Vets

2011-10-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

The American Jobs Act by the Numbers: $5,600

WA Wins Award for I-5 Work at JBLM

2011-10-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

Washington State Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT) won a transportation award for work to improve the congestion around JBLM.

The award was announced Sunday during the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Annual Meeting. AASHTO, AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sponsor the America's Transportation Awards competition, which recognizes outstanding transportation projects.

WSDOT worked with a coalition consisting of federal, state, military and local leaders to creatively improve the traffic problem that stretches for miles along I-5 through the Lewis-McChord military base nestled between Tacoma and Olympia, an area seeing robust growth in economy and population.

Interchanges at military gates were improved with better alignment and better-timed traffic signals, gates that had never opened were unlocked so military personnel could access the base more easily, and tools such as Incident Response were quickly deployed to combat congestion, saving commuters plenty of time on the road.

A $10,000 check will go to WSDOT’s Memorial Foundation,which provides financial assistance to WSDOT employees who become disabled or are killed in the line of duty and their surviving spouses and children. The Foundation also provides aid for the families of employees impacted by catastrophic injury or illness, and has an education scholarship program for employees of dependent children.

More information about all the projects is available at this link, and a video showcasing the 10 national finalists is available at this link.

You're Invited to a Special Forum

2011-10-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

Special Forum

Oct. 21, Friday, 2:00 p.m.

Chamber offices

950 Pacific Ave., Ste. 300, Tacoma 98402

(NW corner 11^th & Pacific Ave.)

Free. Register Here.

“A conversation about the future of our military and our economy.”

Joseph Ambrose "Joe" Sestak, Jr. is a former member of the U.S. House of Represen- tatives who represented Pennsyl- vania's 7th congressional district from 2007 until 2011. He was the highest ranking military official ever elected to the U.S. Congress. Sestak defeated 30 year incumbent Arlen Specter in the 2010 Pennsylvania Democratic Senate Primary. He was defeated in the general election by Pat Toomey.

A member of the United States Navy for over 30 years, Sestak is a former three-star admiral and was also Director for Defense on the National Security Council under President Bill Clinton. During his career in the Navy, he led a series of operational commands, including commanding the USS George Washington carrier strike group during combat operations in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean in 2002. Following the September 11 attacks, he served as the first director of code-name "Deep Blue," the Navy's top secret counter-terrorism unit.

Nominations for Military Citizen Opened

2011-10-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen compose a vital part of our community. The Chamber wishes to recognize, with the 33rd annual presentation, a Military-Citizen of the Year.

The Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee will make the selection of the honoree. Presentation of the award, named for John Anderson, former Mayor and Chairman of the Chamber, will be made November 10, 12 noon at the meeting of the Rotary Club of Tacoma.

You are requested to submit nominees for this award. The guidelines are:

1) An active-duty Soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine

2) Residing in Tacoma or Pierce County

3) Professional in military occupation

4) An exemplary volunteer in the community

Nominations should be no longer than two pages, no photos. While military professionalism is important, this is usually a given standard. It is recommended that the nomination focus on the nominee's volunteerism in the community. You are referenced to the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, which has been added to the list of awards and decorations that earn promotion points.

The deadline for submitting nominations is Nov. 1. Nominations may be delivered to the Chamber’s offices, forwarded by mail, email (gary.brackett@tacomachamber.org) or fax 253-597-7305. Your consideration of this request is appreciated.

Changes Coming for JBLM

2011-10-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

MILITARY AFFAIRS FORUM
Military Affairs Committee, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

Date & Time: Wednesday, Oct. 12, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Place: La Quinta Inn, 1425 E. 27th St., Tacoma 98421
Register: Online here.

AGENDA:

REPLACING SCHOOLS ON JBLM
Debbie LeBeau, Superintendent, Clover Park School District. Ms. LeBeau will have just returned from conferencing with the DoD’s Office of Economic Adjustment about the grant application for two new schools to replace existing facilities on JBLM.

The replacement of local obsolete and deteriorating schools was a primary objective of the Chamber's annual Washington-to-Washington, D.C. trip for the last two years. A cooperative effort with the Clover Park School District and other community advocates resulted in a new and first funding for replacement of schools on installations.

I-5 IMPROVEMENTS AT JBLM
Dan Penrose, Project Manager, South Sound Military & Community Partnership. The City of Lakewood and the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership have submitted a $5.7 million grant request to the Defense Department which will improve access to Madigan Army Medical Center and relieve congestion currently experienced on portions of Interstate 5 adjacent to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. When constructed, the overpass and ramp improvements at Berkeley Street (Freedom Bridge) will reduce delays and improve safety for the more than 1.4 million patients that visit Madigan annually.

FUTURE MEETINGS

Oct. 12 Chamber’s Annual Meeting. Featuring Keynote Speaker, Mr. Barry Moltz. Click here to find out more about Barry Moltz.

Nov. 10 John Anderson Citizen-soldier of the Year. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee will present the 32nd annual John Anderson Military Citizen of the Year at the Rotary Club of Tacoma’s luncheon. Place: Landmark, 47 St. Helens, Tacoma 98402. Price: $15

Noteworthies with a Local Link

2011-09-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta announced today that the President has made the following nominations:

Navy Rear Adm. William D. French for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and for assignment as commander, Navy Installations Command, Washington, D.C. French is currently serving as commander, Navy Region Southwest, San Diego, Calif.

Rear Adm. French previously served as Commander Navy Region NW in 2007.

First Honored for Business Support of Military

2011-09-28T17:48:00.000-07:00

For the first time, the Tacoma-Piece County Chamber honored a local business for its support of the military in our community. Award sponsor the Port of Tacoma, represented by Commissioner Connie Bacon, made the first presentation to America’s Credit Union.
Pictured: Lorraine Chambers, Ambassador, Diane Branson, ACU and Tom Pierson, Chamber Pres./CEO.

America’s Credit Union‘s motto is “We do things a little differently around here.” Since establishing itself in 1954, they have grown from one branch to 11 branches; from 3 employees to over 135 and from 150 members to over 37,000 members. In spite of these tough economic times, they are not only doing things a little differently, but doing them well.

Their leadership believes in sharing their success with Joint Base Lewis-McChord and local communities. Whether it’s sponsoring the fireworks for Freedom Fest or helping a food bank in Roy, their contributions are commendable.

Thanks to the generosity of ACU staff, members, volunteers and leadership team ACU annually makes significant contributions to the JBLM community and Army related events, totaling over $157,000. ACU also makes a yearly $15,000 donation to the Pierce Military and Business Alliance (PMBA). This organization has made many contributions to the Army and Air Force units on JBLM.

ACU not only supported troops and families through the partnership with PMBA but also contributed and raised funds through their own efforts including:

• 10th Annual Holiday Troop Support Golf Tournament- a full time employee is committed to garner sponsors and coordinate this annual event. This past year, the tournament raised over $40,000 and the money raised went to The Food Basket, Santa’s Castle, The Madigan Foundation and to Reflection Park.

• Reflection Park Fund: $30,000 was raised through ACU’s coordination of the Reflection Park Golf Tournament. This Park is a war memorial for all fallen soldiers who have ties to Washington State. Ken Leonard, President/CEO, worked closely with COL. Cynthia Murphy to develop this Reflection Park Fund to create this war memorial.

• St. Martins Scholarship Program: ACU funded the scholarship with $10,000 to be given to a soldier from the WTB for continuing education at St. Martins University.

• Launched Junior Achievement Program in several local schools with the Clover Park, North Thurston and Steilacoom School Districts.

• Supported over 40 community events in the areas surrounding 8 branches located off JBLM with donation dollars totaling over $35,000.

The Spotlight! On Business awards recognizes the accomplishments and civic contributions that Chamber member businesses make to the community. The judging committee, made up of volunteers, based their choices on the following five criteria: staying power, growth in employees, evidence of contributions to community-oriented projects, innovativeness of product or service and response to adversity.

Noteworthies with a Local Link

2011-09-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert announced today the following assignment:

Rear Adm. (lower half) Douglas J. Asbjornsen will be assigned as reserve deputy commander, Navy Region Northwest, Bangor, Wash. Asbjornsen is currently serving as reserve deputy commander, Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command, San Diego, Calif.

Vet Owned Business Makes Spotlight

2011-09-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

Koreen (the vet) and Erle Thompson, Home Makeovers Made Simple received the newly added category, Port of Tacoma Presents “Business Supporter of the Military,” as announced at the recent Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s awards luncheon.

The Spotlight! On Business awards recognizes the accomplishments and civic contributions that Chamber member businesses make to the community. The judging committee, made up of volunteers, based their choices on the following five criteria: staying power, growth in employees, evidence of contributions to community-oriented projects, innovativeness of product or service and response to adversity.

Photo: Chamber Pres./CEO Tom Pierson, Erle and Koreen Thompson, Home Makeovers Made Simple, Lorraine Chambers, Ambassador.

Today, value has changed from looking at a house from strictly an investment perspective to transforming a house to a home. Home Makeovers Made Simple, a Tacoma based remodel company executes detailed preparation and professional supervision to ensure every project designed works in harmony with clients’ lives and actually enhance the way they live them. Home Makeovers Made Simple stays current with design trends, colors, resources, and suppliers to offer clients the most up-to date choices and best values within the market place. The goal is a long term client relationship built on trust, accountability and a positive remodel experience worth sharing.

To the Chamber's delight, Darrel Bowman, last year's recipient, during the presentation of the award to this year's recipient mentioned that because he was recognized with the Chamber's 2010 award and "spotlighted," he was nominated and then received SBA's national Veteran-owned business award (in other words, he credited the Chamber's Spotlight award for his national "win").

AUSA Raffle for Soldiers

2011-09-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

Career Day Success

2011-09-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

Over 500 vets preregistered for interviews with over 30 companies exhibiting at Career Day at Cheney Stadium earlier this month.

The Chamber joined other presenters for the event organized by Hire America;'s Heroes and sponsored by many businesses for this first time event. The Tacoma event is one of a series of similar job fairs being held throughout the nation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, its local chamber partners and associated organizations.

Pictured are exhibitors and vets & families sneaking a peek at the Tacoma Rainiers play field at Cheney Stadium. Vets got to attend that evening's game between the Rainiers and the Fresno Grizzlies. Photo courtesy of Tacoma Rainiers Professional Baseball.

Proposed Rules Against MARAD Ships

2011-09-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

Washington State, through its Shoreline Management Act, requires all jurisdictions to develop a plan for managing shorelines. Shorelines are the area from the water's edge for 200 feet inland.

Tacoma is in the final stages of its Shoreline Master Program Update. The Tacoma Planning Commission has recommended the Tacoma City Council adopt a land use zoning regulation that would negatively impact the MARAD vessel moorage at Sperry Ocean Dock.

These vessels are actively used for training and support of the JBLM mission, as well as a number of operational and training uses for military, security, law enforcement and firefighters. Much myth-information about these ships is used by opponents of their continued operations here.

The most critical issue is the recommendation to move the boundary between the zoning area Shoreline-6 District (for pedestrian and recreational use) to include lands currently in the zoning area Shoreline-7 District (for industrial and terminals use). That move will cause the Sperry Ocean Dock property, leased for MARAD ships, to become a non-conforming use, subject to harmful constraints on future financing, leasing and permitting.

You are urged to oppose this action and keep Sperry in the Shoreline-7 District. You may comment at a final public hearing on:

September 27, 5:30 p.m.
Tacoma Council Chambers
747 Market Street, Tacoma 98402

. . . or write or email your concerns to:

Mayor Marilyn Strickland and Councilmembers
City of Tacoma
747 Market Street, Suite 1200, Tacoma, WA 98402
Email: Marilyn.Strickland@cityoftacoma.org

The final vote for adoption is scheduled for November 22. Don't delay as your support in needed now.

WNG Job & Resource Fair

2011-09-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

Weekend of Rememberance

2011-09-08T08:51:00.001-07:00

Sept. 11 is Patriot Day

2011-09-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that September 11 is annual Patriot Day (Public Law 107-89), and all flags should be at half-staff.

For Washington State Agencies that do not have personnel available to lower flags on Sunday morning, it is permissible to lower flags to half-staff tomorrow afternoon and raise them back to full-staff first thing Monday morning.

AUSA Minuteman Chapter Takes Over

2011-09-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

Career Day Details

2011-08-31T17:13:00.000-07:00

Hire America’s Heroes Career Day! Here is some helpful information in preparation for the day: Friday, Sept. 2.

LOCATION: Cheney Stadium: 2502 S. Tyler Street, Tacoma, WA 98405 -
PARKING:
   · Parking during Career Day will be complimentary.
   · Parking during Game Time is $5 per car – each car pays for its own parking

CAREER DAY EXHIBITORS with TABLE NUMBERS:

Summit Club
1. Alaska Airlines
2. Amazon
3. Americold Logistics
4. The Boeing Company
5. Comcast
6. DeVry University
7. ESGR
8. Enterprise Rent-a-Car
9. Fluke Companies
10. IBM
11. Hyatt
12. Institute for Systems Biology
13. Intel Corporation
14. Kaplan University
15. Microsoft
16. Northern California College of Construction
17. Navy Exchange
18. Port of Seattle
19. Puget Sound Energy
20. State Farm Insurance
21. TLG Learning
22. T-Mobile
23. Trident Seafoods
24. Union Pacific Railroad
25. VOLT Military Heroes Program
26. Wimmer Solutions
27. Zones

Level 2 Mezzanine Deck
1. Prudential
2. University of Phoenix
3. US Bank
4. Wells Fargo Bank
5. Workforce Central

CURRENT STATS:
   · Over 600 registered attendees
   · Over 450 Job-Seekers
   · 32 Exhibitors

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES:
   · 7:00am to 9:00am - Gates are open to Exhibitors only
   · 9:00am – Gates open to Job-Seekers - Career Day Employers in Summit Club and on Mezzanine
  NOTE: All attendees arriving at 9:00 or later use the Barbeque Gate Entrance to Cheney Stadium
   · 9:00am to 4:00pm – Career Day
– Food Concession Stand on Concourse open throughout the day
– Hire America’s Heroes Information Table on Concourse

Job-Seekers - win a new LENOVO THINKPAD LAPTOP! Pick up your Exhibitor Check-List at the Information Table. Enter the drawing. WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED Friday Night!
– Pre-Scheduled On-Site Informational Interviews begin – Level 3, Suite #12
– Pre-Scheduled Videotaped Interview Sessions begin – Level 3, Suite #15
– Career Coaching Kiosks – Job-Seeker Assistance with Resumes and Career Strategies
   Career Coach Kiosk locations:
   § 2 in Summit Club
   § 3 Breezeway just outside Summit Club
   § 5 on Level 2 Mezzanine Deck
– Boeing Group Information Sessions - Section H in the Stands (outside)
   § 10:00am
   § 12:00 noon
   § 2:00pm
– State Farm Insurance Group Information Sessions – Level 2, Suite #2
   § 11:00am
   § 1:00pm
   · 4:00pm Career Day Activities End

NOTE: everyone must vacate the premises no later than 4:30 to allow the Cheney Stadium clean-up crew time to re-set for the game
**********

Hire America’s Heroes Night at the Ballpark - Tacoma Rainiers vs. Fresno Grizzlies
   · 5:30pm – Cheney Stadium Gates open for Suites and Clubs
   · 6:00pm – Cheney Stadium Gates open to General Public
   · 7:05pm – First Pitch – game between the Tacoma Rainiers and the Fresno Grizzlies
   o Salute to Our Military Heroes
   o Color Guard Opening Ceremony
   o Wounded Warrior Tribute
   o Fan of the Game – Warrior Mom
   o Hire America’s Heroes T-shirt Toss
For additional information or to ask questions, please contact: Hire America's Heroes or 425-503-0228

DoD Announces School Buildings Ratings

2011-08-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

The Department of Defense announced today the findings of the facilities assessment which is part of an overall education review of public schools on military installations and operated by local education agencies (LEAs).

The replacement of local obsolete and deteriorating schools was a primary objective of the Chamber's annual Washington-to-Washington, D.C. trip for the last two years. A cooperative effort with the Clover Park School District and other community advocates resulted in a new and first funding for replacement of schools on installations.

Each school was graded red, yellow or green in two criteria condition and capacity based on the assessment. The schools were then grouped based on similar condition and capacity ratings, and then the schools were banded based on criteria scoring three points for red, two points for yellow, and one point for green. Finally, the schools are ranked within each band by the numerical score for condition (worst to best). Condition is weighted slightly heavier than capacity.

JBLM SCHOOL PRIORITY LISTING

Band One: Hillside ES

Band Two: Carter Lake ES

Band Four: Greenwood ES, Clarkmoor ES, Beechwood ES

Band Six: Evergreen ES

Not Rated (Closed): Heartwood ES

"The Department of Defense is strongly committed to ensuring that the children of military families receive an excellent education that prepares them for successful careers and to be active contributors to their communities and the nation," said Leon Panetta, secretary of defense. "High quality facilities and instruction are essential, of course, to providing the kind of education they deserve. That's a top priority."

Based on the Defense Department's priority list, public schools on military installations with the greatest need will be invited by the Office of Economic Adjustment to apply for grants to be used towards construction, renovation, repair, or expansion of current facilities. The grants will be paid through provisions in Section 8109 of Public Law 112-10, the "Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011," which appropriates $250 million recapitalization of public schools on military installations.

Only LEAs that operate a public school on a military installation, and receive a written invitation from OEA, may request funds under this program. OEA will initially request LEAs with schools having the most serious capacity or facility condition deficiencies as determined by DoD to submit proposals. DoD will conduct an initial meeting with representatives of the invited LEAs, and representatives from their respective installations and States, to discuss the specific deficiencies noted for the affected school, the purpose of the funding, the application process, and the matching share requirement. As decisions are made, additional LEAs on the Priority List may be notified until all funds are exhausted.

"The education review and its findings are part of DoD's overall ongoing strategy to ensure school-aged children of our service members receive an excellent education encompassing the entire individual regardless of their age, capabilities or goals." said Clifford Stanley, under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness.

The key areas for the triennial assessment are condition, capacity and age using the Department of Defense Quality Rating – Q-Rating – standards. Based on these assessments DoDEA has developed a five-year investment plan of $3.7 billion for fiscal years 2011-2016 to add, replace, and/or renovate schools:

• Currently 134 of the 194 schools (70 percent) within DoDEA rate at the Q-3 or Q-4 level – meaning they are safe but under-maintained or need to be replaced.

• The goal of the recapitalization plan is to ensure all 194 schools are rated at a Q-1 (new or well-maintained) or Q-2 (satisfactorily maintained) condition standard by fiscal year 2018.

DoD assessed the condition and capacity of 157 of the 160 public schools on military installations. Three of the 160 public schools were not included in the assessment because they were built within the last year.

For more information on the school facility assessment, including the schools priority list, methodology and grant process, click here .

Next Deployments from JBLM

2011-08-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

The Department of Defense announced today a unit to deploy as part of the upcoming rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan. The announcement involves one brigade combat team totaling about 3,200 soldiers. The scheduled deployment date for this unit is December 2011.

Specific unit: 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA

DoD will continue to announce major deployments as they are approved. For information regarding the 2nd Infantry Division, contact Lt. Col. Gary Dangerfield at 253-370-9861.

REF Seeks SB Nimbleness for Solutions

2011-08-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

Our community is lucky to have a new, dynamic Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA), Jimmy Collins. Mr. Collins wants to connect Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber members to Army procurement opportunities.

First focus: the Rapid Equipping Force (REF) portal that has been responsible for several of the gains made in quickly equipping Stryker Brigade Combat Teams from Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

During every war, Army units are confronted with shortfalls that require immediate action to neutralize an adaptive enemy. These urgent warfighting needs often emerge faster than the institutional acquisition processes can address them.

In November 2002, the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army created the REF as a unique, singular organization designed to address an Army-wide, systemic deficiency in providing immediate and innovative technology solutions.

Many of the most innovative solutions the Army has employed have come from small businesses, yet the Army is challenged with making this part of the business community aware of both their requirements and the opportunities to partner with them to better serve our soldiers.

Enclosed is an information paper about the REF to help increase awareness among small businesses about ways they can contribute to satisfying our soldiers most urgent equipment needs. Look for future articles in the coming weeks with more detailed information on REF's current focus areas and the most urgent problems to solve.

The REF is located at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Together, small businesses can meet critical warfighter needs faster.

Job Seekers: Open to the Military "Family"

2011-08-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

Senator Schedules Vet Listening Sessions

2011-08-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

Defending the Deficit

2011-08-02T22:14:00.000-07:00

With the done deal on the federal deficit, regardless of whether one thinks enough was done or not, the question is who the losers are?

The very conservative right and the very progressive left both are expressing their beliefs that they lost big. Since there are no new taxes, it’s hard to credit the contention the very conservative right lost, even though a balanced budget constitutional amendment is not part of the accepted deal.

The very progressive left is upset that there are neither new taxes on the rich nor closing on tax benefits to oil companies. However, the Bush-era tax cuts are due to expire beginning in 2013 anyway.

So, what’s done? First, nothing is cut until 2012. Then, mainly the deal cuts come from half defense/secuity and half from discretionary spending (not Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security), and sets a process for automatic cuts if directed cuts aren’t made.

On the automatic cuts, all depends on whether Congress accepts recommendations by a panel of peers. If not, half the cuts affect defense and security (Defense, State, VA and Homeland Security), the other half in discretionary spending. That’s $648 for each half. But, the final eight years of the deal don’t mandate cuts to “security” accounts.

In the middle term, could liberals (tending to oppose to defense spending) hope to do better than cut defense by $684 billion in fiscal 2012 and $686 billion in fiscal 2013? And, after 10 years, the federal deficit will be much larger then than now.

But, of course, it is notoriously difficult for a present Congress to limit the actions of a future Congress.

Defense Health Board Opens Tacoma Meeting

2011-08-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

Defense Health Board, a Federal Advisory Committee to the Department of Defense will hold its next meeting at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Anyone who might be interested is welcome to attend: veterans, retirees, and family members, healthcare personnel both military and civilian.

The Board’s Director (government liaison), Ms Christine Bader, expressed a desire to have members of the local community present at the meeting on the 8th. The sessions on the 8th will take place at the Murano Hotel, 1320 Broadway Plaza in Tacoma. There is no fee to attend, the only request is that individuals who wish to attend sign up preferably via the web, (scroll down to the meeting citation), alternately at the hotel prior to the sessions.

The Board holds four meetings annually, two of which are in locations outside the Washington DC area. At these meetings Board members receive update briefings on evaluations and studies in-progress by one of the many subcommittees of the Board. The Board also votes on some completed reports with their findings and recommendations; approved studies are then prepared for submission to the Department. Finally, the Board receives briefings about the local commands and activities located on the particular installation they visit.

The Board membership includes a number of medical school deans, former senior military members and other private sector healthcare experts with an interest in helping our warriors get the best care possible. Brief bios are available on the website.

Community Challenge for Joining Forces

2011-07-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

In an effort to recognize those citizens and organizations with a demonstrated, genuine and deep desire to be of service to military families, the First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden have established the Joining Forces Community Challenge.

The Challenge was established with the expectation that recognizing and celebrating those who are dedicated to improving the lives of military families will have the added benefit of encouraging others to do so as well.

The Joining Forces Community Challenge will award several national prizes that recognize citizens, communities, schools, non-profits, faith-based institutions, philanthropic organizations and local governments for their efforts in supporting military families. These are non-monetary awards.

Joining Forces is a comprehensive national initiative to mobilize all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned.

Citizens and organizations providing programs, services or support designed to ease the burden and alleviate the emotional and mental stress on service members and their families are encouraged to apply for the Joining Force Community Challenge. Nominations will also be accepted.

The Joining Forces Community Challenge will be conducted in two stages. During the first stage, a panel of judges will review applications and nominations and select and announce 20 finalists on November 30, 2011. In the second stage, finalists will be profiled on http://www.challenge.gov/ where the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite – the People’s Choice winner. Public voting and additional judging will take place after finalists are announced and continue to January 2012.

Winners selected by judges and the People’s Choice winner will be announced in January 2012. Winners’ profiles will be featured at Champions of Change, the Administration’s website where extraordinary community efforts in the areas of innovation and education are celebrated.

Prize winners will be recognized at an event in Washington, D.C. in February 2012.

Joining Forces:

Brings attention to the unique needs and strength of America’s military families.
Inspires, educates, and sparks action from all sectors of our society – citizens, communities, businesses, non-profits, faith based institutions, philanthropic organizations, and government - to ensure veterans and military families have the opportunities, resources, and support they have earned.
Showcases the skills, experience, and dedication of America’s veterans and military spouses to strengthen our nation’s communities.
Creates greater connections between the American public and the military.

In this ongoing effort, they’re highlighting issues that are of special importance to the military families they have met with across the country, including the areas of employment, education, and wellness.

Employment. In many cases, military spouses move from one community to another when their spouses are assigned to new duty stations. These transfers can make it very difficult for spouses to continue with their careers or to find similar jobs in new locations.

Joining Forces:

Highlights the workforce potential of veterans and military spouses;
Expands employment and career development opportunities for veterans and military spouses; and
Helps employers create military family-friendly workplaces.

Education. Military children move frequently due to a parent’s reassignment. These moves can make it difficult to transfer records, secure spaces in courses, stay included in extra-curricular activities, and complete required testing on time.

Joining Forces:

Supports the academic achievement of military children by helping schools become more responsive to the unique needs of military children and families; and
Promotes and supports higher education institutions and programs that expand education opportunities, eases transferability for military-connected students, and expands job training opportunities for military spouses and veterans.

Wellness. The stress of war, multiple deployments, and frequent moves can affect the wellness of military families. Children and spouses can experience anxiety, changes in relationships with family and friends, isolation or emotional challenges in dealing with deployments, illness or injury, and high mobility.

Joining Forces:

Calls attention to the critical issues facing veterans and military families; and
Expands access to wellness programs, and resources for military spouses and families.

Joining Forces provides ways for all Americans to step up and show their gratitude to our service members and their families. Through this effort, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden ask Americans to do more for those who have done so much for us. They are highlighting outstanding American citizens, communities, and businesses that are supporting our troops and making commitments to serve our nation’s military families. They are asking Americans to get involved in any way they can.

Noteworthies with a Local Link

2011-07-26T16:10:00.000-07:00

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta announced today that the President has nominated Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., U.S. Army, for appointment to the grade of general and for assignment as commander, U.S. Northern Command/commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

Jacoby is currently serving as the director, Strategic Plans and Policy, J-5, The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C. and formerly served as Commanding General, I Corps & Ft. Lewis.

Remember the Love

2011-07-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

Camp Erin is looking for children, specifically for those children grieving the loss of their parent or sibling who served in the Armed Forces.

Camp Erin TAPS/Grief Camp at Fort Lewis will be held at Black Lake Bible Camp in Olympia, WA on August 1-3, 2011, for children between the ages of 6-17.

The Moyer Foundation is proud to partner with the United Service Organizations (USO) and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to bring this experience to communities near four of Americans largest military installations.

Camp Erin is The Moyer Foundation’s free weekend bereavement camp for kids and teens who have experienced the death of someone close to them. With over 40 camps nationwide, Camp Erin is the largest bereavement camp in the country offering fun camp activities with grief education and emotional support.

Surviving families of our fallen military interested in signing up for the camps will be able to register on the TAPS website at www.taps.org or contact Tina Saari at 202-374-1040. Registration is required.

The Moyer Foundation was founded in 2000 by All-Star MLB pitcher Jamie Moyer and his wife Karen, with the mission to empower children in distress by providing education and support – helping them to live healthy and inspired lives.

For more information on The Moyer Foundation, to get involved or to find a Camp Erin near you, visit http://www.moyerfoundation.org/.

Rodeo International Teams Reception

2011-07-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

The Air Mobility Command's Rodeo International Teams Reception was held for hundreds of competing and observing teams from around the world at the Foss Waterway Seaport.

Airmen from Belgium, the Netherlands, Pakistan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Sweden are participating this year, while representatives from more than 20 other countries are observing the event, which kicked off on July 24 and runs through July 29. Among the observing nations are first-timers Algeria, Botswana, Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Africa.

The Chamber posted an album on Facebook, which is available linked here.

Northwest Connectory Buyer-Supplier Database Free

2011-07-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

The Pacific Northwest is home to an impressive array of world-class companies with state-of-the-art product lines, technical expertise and manufacturing capabilities, ready and able to supply customers anywhere on the globe.

The Northwest Connectory is a online database containing detailed profiles of those companies. Profiles span across all industries at every level of the supply chain.

This is a free service - There is no cost to either participation or use.

For more information please email info@pndc.us or visit www.nwconnectory.com

House Passes Budget, Senate Next

2011-07-11T12:01:00.000-07:00

AUSA reports that after three days of debate, the House passed a $649.2 billion defense spending bill (H.R. 2219) for federal fiscal 2012 (October 1, 2011 – September 30, 2012). The bill passed 336-87.

The bill would provide $530.5 billion for the Pentagon, which is $8.9 billion less than President Obama requested but $17 billion more than fiscal 2011 levels. It also includes $118.7 billion for ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, which is approximately $40 billion less than current funding.

Some highlights of the bill include:

Funding for a 1.6% military pay raise
$32.2 billion for the Defense Health Program
$5.9 billion to purchase 32 F-35 jets
$453 million for production of the M1A2 SEP Abrams tank
Approximately $10 billion for missile defense programs

An amendment that would prohibit prisoners currently held at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, from being transferred to the United States was adopted as well as one that would prohibit the use of funds to implement a training curriculum for military chaplains related to the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

The House also adopted a series of amendments aimed at boosting spending for research on post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, prostate cancer and illnesses affecting veterans of the first Gulf War.

Because the Senate is still holding hearings related to their version of the defense spending bill, since it has not adopted a fiscal 2012 budget resolution that would set top-line spending limits, the House's work will remain on hold.

JBLM Community Covenant Signed

2011-07-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

Communities neighboring Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) recently signed the Military Community Covenant, a formal commitment of support by state and local communities to Active, Guard and Reserve service members and their families.

The ceremony was conducted the first meeting of the Elected Officials Council of the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership at the McGavick Conference Center on the campus of Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood. The meeting culminated with a signing ceremony of the Military Community Covenant.

The event opened at 1pm with an Army band performing the National Anthem and introductory remarks from the Lakewood host community's Mayor Doug Richardson, Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy, and Thurston County Commissioner Karen Valenzuela.

Army and Air Force senior commanders, including Lt. General Curtis “Mike” Scaparrotti, I Corps Commanding General, and Col. Richard G. Moore, Vice Commander of 62nd Airlift Wing, attended for the signing of the Military Community Covenant. The Covenant is designed to foster and sustain effective state and community partnerships with the services to improve the quality of life for service members and their families, both at their current duty stations and as they transfer to other states.

The South Sound Military & Communities Partnership, an outgrowth of the recently completed JBLM Growth Coordination Plan, provides a framework for collaboration with local governments, military installations, State and Federal agencies to better coordinate efforts.

In addition to the Elected Officials Council, a Steering Committee composed of staff leadership in local municipalities and agencies and private sector representation by the United Way of Pierce County and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber will work in areas such as military relations, transportation and land use planning, environment protection, emergency preparedness, data coordination, grant applications, health care coordination, population forecasting, workforce, education, housing and community development, economic development, and other issues that may arise.

Celebrate Our 235th Birthday

2011-07-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

Tech Personnel Exchange with DoD

2011-07-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

The Department of Defense announced today the availability to participate in a new pilot program that provides an avenue for information technology professionals to exchange best practices with the private sector.

Authorized by the fiscal 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, the Information Technology Exchange Program (ITEP) pilot permits the DoD to assign information technology civilian employees to private sector organizations and to accept information technology employees from the private sector.

"The Defense Department recognizes that sharing information and leveraging best practices are critical components of education and continuous learning," said Teri Takai, DoD Chief Information Officer. "Under this collaborative learning venture, DoD and private industry organizations have a unique opportunity to share best practices through the exchange of high performing information technology professionals in areas such as service oriented architectures and cyber security. ITEP provides an opportunity for both industry and DoD to learn from each other -- to enhance employees' IT competencies and technical skills."

The personnel assignments will be from three months to one year in length. The first opportunities range from work regarding mobile devices to cloud computing and infrastructure management within the DoD.

Interested participants should visit http://cio-nii.defense.gov/sites/itep for more information about the ITEP pilot.

Ways to Market to the Military

2011-06-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

Noteworthies with a Local Link

2011-06-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced yesterday that the President has made the following nomination:

Air Force Lt. Gen. Paul J. Selva has been nominated for reappointment to the rank of lieutenant general and for assignment as vice commander, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Selva is currently serving as assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. and is a former 62nd AW Commander at (then) McChord AFB.

Evergreen Fleet Cruise Fun!

2011-06-16T15:21:00.000-07:00

Partners, picnic and patriotism (forgive the alliteration) were the hallmarks for the annual Evergreen fleet Cruise yesterday.

Something over 200 attendees including military guests, local business reps and Tacoma Yacht Club skippers and crews enjoyed this annual seaborne cruise of southern Puget Sound, battling strong tidal flows but enjoying everything.

Our sponsors (America's Credit Union, Harborstone Credit Union, Regence and TriWest Healthcare Alliance) along with many business representatives were pleased to host the event of about 100 military and their special guests for the day's experience of the Pacific Northwest. Even the weather cooperated, with the early morning showers quenching before the opening reception at the Tacoma Yacht Club clubhouse.

Once all 16 yachts had arrived with their guests at TYC's Wollochet Bay Outstation, a short networking opportunity was successful interrupted by the excellent BBQ chicken and ribs spread by Gallucci's, chef Ron Gallucci himself supervising and cooking over the grill. All lingered well past the luncheon enjoying the afternoon's sun and socializing.

A new feature this year was the Sound System of Entertainment Masters. Leanna Mason provided Top 40 songs as a pleasant background to the event, then doubled down using her audio system for short remarks by the Chamber, sponsors and representatives of the military services.

Reports back paint a day to remember. For your peek into the Evergreen Fleet Cruise,see the photo album on the Chamber's Facebook page. And, plan to join us next year!

Moving the World

2011-06-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

Boeing announced Wednesday the Indian defense ministry signed the foreign military sales agreement with the US government to acquire 10 C-17 transports by 2014. The Foreign Military Sale -- approved by the U.S. Congress in May 2010 -- establishes India as the C-17's largest international customer.

This "transaction reaffirms our close relationship of several decades with India and also highlights our commitment to the strategic partnership between the two countries," stated Dinesh Keskar, president of Boeing's India operations. Under the agreed framework, Boeing will deliver all 10 aircraft between 2013 and 2014.

The Economic Times, an Indian publication, reported that the IAF might seek to acquire up to eight additional C-17s at a later point.

Congress approved the sale last May; the Indian government signed off on it earlier this month. Indian interest in the C-17 was reaffirmed last June during an operational trial of the aircraft in India, proving it met IAF needs for military and humanitarian airlift.

Boeing has delivered 232 C-17s worldwide, including 22 with international customers. The U.S. Air Force -- including active National Guard and Reserve units -- has taken delivery of 210 C-17s. Other customers include the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force, the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force, the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations, and the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defence.

Noteworthies with a Local Link

2011-06-11T15:29:00.000-07:00

Col. R. Wyn Elder takes command of the 62nd Airlift Wing from Col. Kevin J. Kilb in a change of command ceremony at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Colonel Elder arrives at McChord Field from Altus Air Force Base, Okla., where he served as Vice Commander of the 97th Air Mobility Wing.

As the 62nd Airlift Wing commander, Colonel Elder will be responsible for nearly 2,500 active-duty military and civilian personnel, along with 42 permanently assigned C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, to deliver global airlift, focused logistics, and agile combat support for America. The wing provides mission support to the 446th Airlift Wing, a Reserve Associate wing.

Colonel Elder entered the Air Force in 1991 as a graduate of the ROTC program at the University of Virginia. He is a senior pilot with more than 2,800 hours experience in the C-17, KC-135 Stratotanker, T-1 Jayhawk, T-38 Talon and T-37 Tweet.

During his distinguished career he has served as commander of the 817th Airlift Squadron at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey; commander of the 4th Airlift Squadron, McChord AFB; and special assistant to the commander, US Joint Forces Command, Norfolk Naval Station, Va.

After more than 22 years of dedicated service in the Air Force, Colonel Kilb is retiring to his home state of Arizona with his family.

Heroes at Home 2

2011-06-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

Please join us on 24 June 2011, 11:00am, Stone Education Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord to celebrate the kick off of Heroes at Home 2.

The U.S. Department of Labor awarded a National Emergency Grant of approximately $4.8 million to help 825 displaced military spouses in Pierce and Thurston Counties gain skills and find employment. The grant was awarded to WorkForce Central and the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council in partnership with Washington State Employment Security Department, Thurston County Economic Development Council and the City of Lakewood, due to the Base Realignment and Closure action [BRAC] of 2005 and subsequent relocation of military personnel and families to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

WorkForce Central, Pierce County, and the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, Thurston County, will administer the program at a local level.

Services will be available at Stone Education Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord and at WorkSource Centers within Pierce and Thurston Counties.

Services will include: career coaching, case management, job training, supportive services and employment linkage.

Tell us about your education program needs:

https://secureweb.hqda.pentagon.mil/Checkbox/Survey.aspx?s=abc8d0713f3c465785617cf9bfab7b2c

Visit http://www.lewis.army.mil/eso/ for more information.

Noteworthies with a Local Link

2011-06-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nomination:

Army Lt. Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti for reappointment to the rank of lieutenant general and for assignment as the commanding general, I Corps and Fort Lewis, Joint Base Lewis McChord Wash., and commander, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command/deputy commander, U.S. Forces Afghanistan. Scaparrotti is currently serving as the commanding general, I Corps and Fort Lewis, Joint Base Lewis McChord, Wash.

Noteworthies with a Local Link

2011-05-31T15:23:00.000-07:00

The chief of staff, Air Force announced today the following assignments:

Air Force Brig. Gen. Rowayne A. Schatz Jr. has been selected to the rank of major general. Schatz is currently serving as the director, strategic plans, requirements and programs, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. BG Schatz is a former 62nd AW Commander.

Memorial Day May 30, 2011

2011-05-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

House Approves Its Defense Authorization Bill

2011-05-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

The House Thursday approved its version of the fiscal 2012 defense authorization bill.

Several provisions in H.R. 1540 would increase the likelihood that growth communities like JBLM’s will be able to obtain federal funds to alleviate traffic congestion outside the gates.

One would expand DOD’s authority to use military construction appropriations to mitigate impacts on local roads stemming from mission growth. The Secretary of Defense would have to determine “the magnitude of the required improvements without regard to the extent to which traffic generated by the reservation is greater than other traffic in the vicinity of the reservation.”

The measure also calls for DOD to convene the Economic Adjustment Committee to consider additional sources of funding for the Defense Access Roads program, which provides a mechanism for DOD to fund public road improvements required as the result of defense-generated impacts. The SecDef would be required to submit an implementation plan for expanding funding sources to mitigate significant transportation impacts to military installations.

An amendment adopted in committee would authorize the Defense Access Roads program to spend $40 million. The amendment would establish a budget line item for the Defense Access Roads program, something it currently does not have. Now projects are funded from the military construction account of the service benefiting from the improvement.

The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to mark up its version of the annual policy bill next month.

Noteworthies with a Local Link

2011-05-25T11:40:00.001-07:00

Today, SecDef Gates announced Pres. Obama has made the following appointment:

Army Reserve Col. Kurt A. Hardin has been nominated for promotion to the rank of brigadier general and assignment as commander, 104th Training Division (Leader Training), Vancouver, Wash. Hardin is currently serving as chief of staff (troop program unit), 104th Training Division (Leader Training), Vancouver, Wash.

Armed Forces Day May 21, 2011

2011-05-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

Boeing Tankers Enter Service

2011-05-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

Boeing announced its first two KC-767 advanced aerial refueling tankers for the Italian Air Force (ItAF) formally entered into service May 17 during a public ceremony near Rome.

The ItAF accepted delivery of the two KC-767A tankers on Dec. 29 and March 10. Italian crews then flew the aircraft from Boeing's tanker modification facility in Wichita, Kan., to the Italian air base at Pratica di Mare.

"The configuration flexibility of the KC-767 tanker allows for simultaneous refueling and passenger and cargo transport, with the potential to operate in humanitarian response, disaster relief, and emergency aeromedical evacuation of personnel," ItAF officials said. "The KC-767 enables a unique and exceptional air projection capability, not only for Italy, but for all of NATO."

"This is a milestone event for the Italian Air Force as well as the members of Boeing’s International Tanker team," said Scott Wuesthoff, International Tanker program manager for Boeing. "The KC-767 tankers will significantly increase Italy's military capability as the country performs vital missions in support of NATO and regional interests. The deliveries also reaffirm Boeing's standing as the world’s leading provider of aerial refueling tankers."

Boeing is building four KC-767 Tanker Transport aircraft, designed for in-flight aerial refueling and strategic transport, to replace the ItAF B-707T/T fleet. Since their delivery, the first two KC-767 tankers have been engaged in aerial refueling training missions with ItAF crews in which they are successfully delivering fuel to an array of ItAF aircraft. Boeing and the ItAF are working together to enter the third KC-767 aircraft into the acceptance process for anticipated delivery this summer, with a fourth tanker to follow shortly thereafter. Upon receiving its fourth tanker, ItAF will declare Final Operational Capability.

The Italian Air Force KC-767A is a "convertible combi," meaning it can carry all passengers, all cargo, or a combination of passengers and cargo. In any configuration, the KC-767 has an aerial refueling boom with a remote aerial refueling operator station, as well as wing pod and centerline hose and drogue systems, and a refueling receptacle. This configuration allows for the refueling of all existing types of aircraft, both fighters and transports.

"The Italian Air Force KC-767A can be refueled by another tanker thanks to the refueling receptacle located on top of the aircraft near the cockpit, a feature that increases the tanker's already enviable operating capacity and range," ItAF officials said.

Boeing has been designing, building, modifying and supporting tankers for decades. These include four KC-767 tankers delivered to the Japan Air Self Defense Force, hundreds of KC-135 tankers delivered to worldwide customers, and a fleet of large KC-10 tankers delivered to the U.S. Air Force.

State Supports Economic Opportunity for Vets

2011-05-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

In a tough state budget year, the Legislature clearly recognized the importance of increasing economic opportunity for military personnel, veterans and their families.

The Chamber, along with the DoD State Liaison, Prosperity Partnership and others supported two successful bills making it easier to transfer professional training from the military into civilian jobs - HB 1418 and SB 5307. Yesterday, the Governor signed HB 1418 - directing the Department of Licensing to count military training toward licensing in careers such as cosmetology, land surveying and security guards. Last month the Governor signed into law SB 5307, authorizing the Department of Health to recognize military experience in a wide variety of medical fields from physical therapy to dentistry.

These successes add to a growing track record of achievement for the Chamber and our partners in the military and community. Recently, we celebrated the success of allowing military driver's training to count toward an equivalent civilian Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program. Prior to this, service members were required to duplicate costly and time-consuming commercial courses covering skills they had used for years in the military.

In related military news, veterans gained more support when the Governor signed into law HB 1432, allowing private employers to voluntarily give a preference to hiring veterans and widows or widowers of veterans without violating federal and state anti-discrimination statutes. The legislation, introduced by Hire America's Heroes, allows private companies to give employment preference to spouses of certain honorably discharged veterans who became permanently disabled during their service.

Although not economic issues, the previous legislative session adding Washington to the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, which helps military families achieve better educational continuity when transferring between school districts and states, and the current session’s action for active-duty absentee voting, also were great improvements in our state’s military sector support.

Noteworthies with a Local Link

2011-05-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced Friday that the President has made the following nominations:

Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert R. Allardice has been nominated for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and for assignment as vice commander, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Allardice is currently serving as commander, Eighteenth Air Force, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. LG Allardice is a former commander of the 62nd AW at McChord AFB, WA.

AUSA Awards Sen. Murray "Outstanding Legislator"

2011-05-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

The Association of the United States Army will present Sens. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, with its Outstanding Legislator of 2011 Award at a Capitol Hill ceremony June 8.

Sen. Murray is receiving the Outstanding Legislator Award based on her long-time and strong support for the Army as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee and Military Construction Subcommittee, and on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and now as the Veterans’ Affairs committee chair.

Murray is known in the Senate as a fierce advocate for veterans. She has advocated for increased funding for military and veterans research and care for PTSD/TBI. She supports community based veterans health clinics. She supports increased TRICARE coverage for RC soldiers and helped pass the legislation creating the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

She recently introduced the “Hiring Heroes Act of 2011,” a veterans’ employment bill that would authorize all returning veterans to receive broad job skills training and require that servicemembers attend a transition assistance program before they leave the military. The bill also would create new direct federal hiring authority to permit faster vet hiring, as well as improving veteran mentorship programs in the work sector.

Evergreen Fleet Sails in 2011

2011-05-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

You and your special guest (spouse, significant other, associate) are cordially invited to host the Chamber’s annual Evergreen Fleet Cruise, June 15, sponsored by America’s Credit Union, Harborstone Credit Union, Regence and TriWest Healthcare Alliance.

The purpose of the Evergreen Fleet Cruise is to foster networking and community links between civilian and military leaders. The Cruise, presented by the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee, in collaboration with the Tacoma Yacht Club, is a cruise of Puget Sound aboard private yachts and a picnic at the Club’s Wollochet Bay Outstation.

This year will again feature a welcoming reception. The purpose of this reception is to afford participants an opportunity to meet in a comfortable atmosphere prior to beginning the Cruise by 10:00 a.m. The reception will be between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00.m. at the Tacoma Yacht Club. Arrival time at the reception is permitted to be variable. Yachts will depart no later than 10:00 a.m.

Please refer to the enclosed invitation for more information. The Chamber wishes to have all participants confirmed by June 6nd. Please consider Gary Brackett, at 253/627-2175, your contact about this project.

Click on image for larger view.

JBLM's "Net Zero" Pilot Programs

2011-05-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

Col. Thomas Brittain, Garrison Commander, JBLM, briefed attendees at this morning's Military Affairs Forum of the newly designated "Net Zero" Pilot Programs at JBLM.

The DoD initiatives encompassed waste, water and energy issues. JBLM has been selected for pilot programs dealing with waste and water. However, Col. Brittain said JBLM would be going after a "Net Zero" pilot in the next competitive round, plus taking lessons from the presently designated centers.

Interested citizens can learn more about JBLM's sustainability programs here.

Noteworthies with a Local Link

2011-05-11T14:25:00.000-07:00

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nominations:

Navy Captain Joseph W. Kuzmick has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Kuzmick is currently serving as special assistant to the commander, Navy Region Northwest, Silverdale, Wash.

Navy Captain Mark R. Whitney has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Whitney is currently serving as commander, Puget Sound Naval Ship Yard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Bremerton, Wash.

Armed Forces Day 5/21 Free Admission

2011-05-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

The Museum of Flight begins a program of free admission for active military personnel with I.D. and up to five members of their family on Armed Services Day, May 21.

The discounts will continue through Labor Day 2011.

Events on May 21 include the 8:30 a.m. opening of a new exhibit of scale models of World War I aircraft, a military flag raising ceremony in recognition of Armed Forces Day at 11 a.m., and a 2 p.m. lecture about the use of Zeppelin airships in war and peace.

8:30 to 10 a.m. – Preview of the Holtgrewe World War I Model Aircraft Collection
Active military and their families are invited to the opening preview of the Dr. Logan Holtgrewe World War I Model Aircraft Collection. Holtgrewe spent seven years meticulously making over 400 scale models representing virtually all of the aircraft flown in World War II. The collection will be on permanent exhibition in the World War I gallery of the Personal Courage Wing.

11 – 11:45 a.m. – Flag Raising Ceremony with Museum President and Military Groups
Armed Forces Day will be recognized with a flag raising ceremony by Museum officials and representatives of U.S. military branches, veteran and POW/MIA. The Museum of Flight President & CEO, Doug King, will introduce representatives from the Air Force Association, Navy League of the United States, Association of the United States Army, and POW/MIAs, who will present new military flags to the Museum, to be flown above the navy fighter jets displayed on the Museum’s south lawn. The University of Washington ROTC Honor Guard will present the colors.

2 p.m. – Lecture on The History of Lighter than Air in War and Peace
In conjunction with the opening of the Dr. H. Logan Holtgrewe World War I Aircraft Model Collection exhibit, airship historian Dr. Horst Schirmer will give a presentation on the history of Zeppelin dirigibles in war and peace. Schirmer partnered with Holtgrewe in the making of a13-foot scale model of the World War I L-30 Zeppelin for the new exhibit. Schirmer has nurtured a life-long interest in airship history, and he is possibly the only person still alive who flew on the ill-fated Hindenburg.

Noteworthies with a Local Link

2011-05-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nominations:

Maj. Gen. Philip Volpe, commanding general, Western Regional Medical Command and Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Wash., to commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Brig. Gen. Richard W. Thomas, assistant surgeon general for force projection, Office of The Surgeon General, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C., to commanding general, Western Regional Medical Command and Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Wash.

Net Zero Focus of Military Forum

2011-05-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

MILITARY AFFAIRS FORUM

FEATURING: JBLM AND “NET ZERO” PILOT PROGRAMS
Event Speaker: Col. Tommy Brittain, Garrison Commander

The Army announced JBLM as one of its pilot net zero installations. As part of the Army's overall effort to conserve precious resources, net zero installations will consume only as much energy or water as they produce and eliminate solid waste to landfills.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord was selected as a pilot net zero water installation which will limit the consumption of freshwater resources and returns water back to the same watershed so as not to deplete the groundwater and surface water resources of that region in quantity and quality over the course of a year.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord was also selected as a net zero waste installation for reducing, reusing and recovering waste streams, converting them to resource values with zero landfill over the course of a year.

The announcement initiates the programmatic environmental analysis and planning process for the Army's Net Zero Installation Strategy. Specifics for projects and initiatives will be determined through a programmatic environmental analysis which will include public engagement and stakeholder outreach.

ALSO FEATURING: THE CONNECTORY
By: Gary Hanson, Regional Coordinator, Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition

The Connectory is an industry database focused on the manufacturing capacity in the Pacific Northwest. There are over 3,000 firms in the database and it is open to the public. The database includes detailed information on the firms, their capacity, etc. Using the Connectory, firms can locate potential subcontractors with specific capacities. The PNDC was responsible for building and managing the Connectory under a grant from the Defense Logistics Agency.

Date & Time: WEDNESDAY, May 11, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Place: La Quinta Inn, La Quinta Inn, 1425 E. 27th St., Tacoma 98421
Price: $15.00 pre-paid after May 9; $20.00 walk-ins/at the door
Information: Gary Brackett, (253) 627.2175, ext. 120
RSVP: DUE 12 noon, March 6 (Friday)
REGISTER HERE.

Military Vets Jobs Expo

2011-05-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

Noteworthies with a Local Link

2011-05-06T17:37:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced that the President made the nomination of:

Air Force Brig. Gen. Rowayne A. Schatz Jr. has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Schatz is currently serving as the director, strategic plans, requirements and programs, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

BG Schatz is a former Commander, 62nd AW, McChord AFB.

Armed Forces Day Weekend

2011-04-29T10:51:00.001-07:00

Local Named National Vet Small Business Champ

2011-04-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

Darrel Bowman has been named National Veteran Small Business Champion by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Darrel Bowman of Tacoma served in the U.S. Coast Guard before becoming an entrepreneur, community leader, humanitarian, and veteran’s advocate. He is known for his strong belief that “what is good for our veterans is good for our country.”

The Chamber had selected Darrel for its first Vet-Owned Business of the Year in 2010 at the annual Spotlight on Business Awards Event. Darrel will receive the national award at ceremonies in Washington, D.C. May 20. Darrel enthusiastically says: “This is really cool. Wendy and I can make it, besides they said I may get to shake President Obama’s hand. Now that’s WAY cool! We now have the air and hotel reservations and are meeting (son) Justin in WA DC as he takes leave from his EOD Unit to join us in that celebration too!”

“Darrel Bowman is a dynamic community leader who helps grow the regional economy while supporting fellow veterans and military retirees. His high degree of integrity, responsibility, and commitment to community causes, veteran issues, and the promotion of veteran business initiatives is what merited him this prestigious recognition - SBA’s 2011 Veteran Business Champion award at the Washington state, Region 10 (WA, OR, ID, AK) , and National level,” said Regional Administrator, Calvin Goings.

Bowman’s foray into entrepreneurship flourished after he joined AppTech in 1999. Bowman eventually became the sole owner of AppTech, which he renamed mynetworkcompany.com in 2005. mynetworkcompany.com specializes in providing managed technology service solutions for a variety of industry companies, local governments, state agencies and federal departments. All this is accomplished while by providing proactive network and server maintenance, implementing IT best practices, providing unlimited remote & unlimited on site reactive computer support and providing a dedicated person to work with each organization as they plan their technology upgrades and budgets, all for a fixed monthly fee.

“As a veteran, Bowman knows firsthand that individuals with military experience tend to exhibit incredible tenacity and work ethic, outstanding leadership and teamwork skills, and a great sense of honor, respect and duty. Despite this, there are barriers that former military members face in the job market. To combat this phenomenon, Bowman - himself a disabled veteran - makes hiring veterans and current active duty IT personnel a priority in his company,” says Nancy Porzio, SBA Seattle District Director.

Bowman believes the military education, skills and training each veteran receives while in the Service are a hidden treasure to any business in need of dependable quality and dedicated employees. Bowman advocates for all military branches to identify direct links from the education received in the Service to correlating civilian certifications, degrees and credits.

To serve as a strong proponent of legislative and regulatory action to boost veteran-owned business access to state and federal government contracting opportunities, Bowman stays actively involved with community, congressional, senate leaders and the State Department of Veteran Affairs. He advocated for new legislation promoting the use of veteran and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses as a percentage of the contracted services in Washington state government. State senate bill 5041 established a veteran-owned business registry which is quickly becoming the veteran business “yellow pages.” State senate bill 5253 encourages state agency use of veteran-owned businesses for contracted services and products. He also participated in Senator Patty Murray’s Pierce County Veteran Employment Roundtable to help shape proposed veteran employment legislation.

Applying his expertise to benefit educational programs for veterans and the general public, Bowman has constructed several vital curricula for college technology programs, serves on Congressman Adam Smith’s Technology Advisory Council, and chaired the South Sound IT and Emerging Technology Skills Advisory Panel. Additionally, he is the current President of the WA Coalition of Veteran and Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses.

AUSA Golf Tourney Fore!OURTROOPS

2011-04-26T15:23:00.000-07:00