Noteworthies with a Local Link

The chief of staff, Army announced the assignment of Brig. Gen. Robert J. Ulses, deputy commanding general (support), 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, to deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7, Army Training and Doctrine Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

MAF: Intros Col. Morgan & I-5 at JBLM

Military Affairs Committee

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

Date & Time:  Wednesday, Jan. 20, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

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

Register: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Register Online

Event Sponsor:

The event fee will be complimentary, hosted by our sponsor, for invited Military Personnel who reserve with Janice Hutchins, (253) 683-4882 or janiceh@tacomachamber.org

AGENDA: 

1)       Col.  Daniel S. Morgan, Joint Base Commander
An Introduction
 

2)       

Bill Elliott, WSDOT Olympic Region

I-5, JBLM Vicinity - Congestion Relief

                                                                                                                            A presentation will be provided by Bill Elliott, WSDOT Project Manager, on the status of the work and delivery plan for the corridor improvements. With Connecting Washington transportation revenue approved by the legislature, WSDOT is moving forward to deliver improvements along the I-5 corridor through JBLM to relieve chronic traffic congestion.  There have been some changes since October regarding JBLM's DuPont Gate and possible I-5 improvements in that area of the corridor. 

  

NEXT ACTIVITIES

February 10             Monthly Military Affairs Forum

June 15                    Evergreen Fleet Cruise

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Visit the “Tacoma-Pierce Co. Veteran & Business Service” Facebook page.  Like the page to stay informed of workplace opportunities for transitioning vets and vets as well as current information.

Annual Tournament Raises $36,000 for JBLM Charities

America’s Credit Union (ACU) presented funds raised from its 15th annual golf tournament to the Santa’s Castle, Madigan Foundation, and the Food Basket Program on JBLM.  The tournament was held on November 6th and the community once again came out to help ACU raise money to benefit local military families.

The history of the tour- nament has evolved throughout the years. It was originally created to help the founder of Santa’s Castle get her program off the ground. Then it was expanded to help make sure JBLM military members have food for the holidays by supporting the Food Basket Program. The final piece was to help pay for military families’ medical costs, not covered through insurance, by donating to the Madigan Foundation. Because of the generous donations from the sponsors and the success of the Turkey Shoot golf tournament, ACU was able to raise $36,000 to donate to all three charities. An estimated $500,000 has been donated in the 15 years the tournament has occurred.

This year ACU was honored to include a new presenting sponsor Nisqually Red Wind Casino, graciously choosing to donate $7,500, to this year’s tournament.  ACU thanks the following sponsors for their support of this tournament:

• Award Sponsor: Northwest Motorsports
• Big Turkey Sponsors: Cigar Daddies, Swarner Publications, Tactical Tailor, Sunset Chevrolet, Cascade Print Media, and Fast Signs
• Little Turkey Sponsors: Little Caesars and ACU 
• Financial. Hole in One and Hole sponsors:  Proforma Strategic Advantage LLC, The Madigan Foundation,  Omni Financial, Cook Security Group,  US Family Health Plan, Sound Credit Union, Boom, Verizon Wireless, Airstreams, Geico, CUNA Mutual Group, Cannon Construction, Evergreen Home Loans, the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter, and USO NW.

This year all the military that played were sponsored by local area businesses. The salute to the troops’ sponsors were:

• Immedia, 
• Arrow Cleaning
• Clear Channel Outdoor
• The Defense CU Coalition
• Albers & Company
• Custom Impressions
• Immedia
• Allied Solutions
• Cigar Daddies, and 
• USO NW

Thanks to Walmart Lakewood Store for donating 20 turkeys, Starbucks for donating the coffee and breakfast, Costco for hand warmers, and Dimitri’s Gourmet Mixes for continuing to make the event one that helps our golfers brave the elements in the spirit of charity.

Kenneth S. Leonard, President/CEO of ACU, shared with everyone the modest beginnings of the tournament and the commitment he has to our military. Ken said, “it’s a passion to grow this event each year in support of our military and all they do on a daily basis.” Ken and all the sponsors are honored to contribute to the morale and welfare of our military and their families.

Noteworthies with a Local Link

The chief of staff, Army announced the assignment of Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Tempel Jr., commanding general, Western Regional Medical Command; market manager, Puget Sound Enhanced Multi-Service Market; and chief, U.S. Army Dental Corps, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, to commanding general, Regional Health Command, Central – Provisional; market manager, San Antonio Health System; and chief, U.S. Army Dental Corps, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.

SSMCP 4th Public Forum

SSMCP 4th Annual Public Forum - register today

You are invited to the 4th Annual Public Forum of the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP).  This no-cost event (thanks to the sponsors) is open to anyone wanting to learn more about federal, state and local priorities related to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.  The Forum will be held Thursday, November 12 from 7:30 -11:00 am at the McChord Club.

Program:
The SSMCP 4th Annual Forum will feature:

• JBLM Installation Commander Colonel Morgan, 
• I Corps Leaders, 
• Congressman Denny Heck, 
• WA State Legislators concerned about veteran and military issues, 

... and

• news from the WA Department of Commerce 
• news from SSMCP 

... about:

• the 2015 Community and Business Survey* conducted around JBLM, 
• the 2015 JBLM Joint Land Use Study (see article here), and 
• the new Washington Defense Supply Chain Modeling Tool.  

You don’t want to miss this meeting!

PLUS – immediately after the Forum, a tour of the Western Air Defense Sector will be open to the first 50 attendees who register for it.  This is a private tour not open to the general public.

SSMCP 4th Annual Public Forum - register today!

NCFA Visited MARAD Vessels at Sperry

An earlier blog article wrote of the upcoming visit by the National Commission for the Future of the Army’s (NCFA) to JBLM and the public hearing available to the community to share its comments with the commission.

The NCFA is a non-discretionary Federal advisory committee established by the Secretary of Defense to conduct a comprehensive study of the structure of the Army, and policy assumptions, related to the size and force mixture. The NCFA visited Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) September 22-25.

During the public hearing, members of the community, including the Tacoma-Pierce Co. Chamber, the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership, the Washington (State) Military Alliance/Washington State Dept. of Commerce and the City of Lakewood spoke of logistics, the Great Circle, quality of life, the Pivot to the Pacific, relationships with the Washington National Guard and other matters relevant to a grand design for tomorrow’s Army from the perspective of the Pacific Northwest and JBLM.

However, an aspect of their visit not reported has been the NCFA’s visit to the MARAD vessels in ready reserve condition at Sperry Ocean Terminals (aka Sperry Dock) at the Port of Tacoma, Commencement Bay.

On September 23, Miguel Jimenez, Director PNW-D and Christopher Donohue, PNW-D Marine Cargo Specialist joined with the Port of Tacoma (Andre Elmaleh, Military Liaison; Sean Eagan, Director Governmental Affairs, Robert Meyer, Senior Manager Port Operations, Gerry Fiola, Chief of Security, Louis Cooper, Senior Director Security and Labor Relations, and Bari Bookout, Executive for Non-Containerized Business and Commercial Strategy) and Military Sealift Command (MSC) (Bruce Leach, Director), and the USCG (Captain of the Port,CAPT M.W. “Joe” Raymond) to welcome the NCFA members at the Port and aboard the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessel CAPE ISLAND berthed at the Sperry Ocean Terminals. The joint team facilitated the continuation of JBLM's presentation to the NCFA addressing the unique regional power projection capabilities at JBLM and the PNW Strategic Seaport.

Jimenez began the discussion by setting the stage with some history about military port operations in the PNW, transitioning to present SDDC PNW-D capabilities. He explained the difference between Strategic and Alternate Seaports noting all of the key ports in the PNW and the metrics measured through Strategic Analysis through the Ports for National Defense program conducted by SDDC, Transportation Engineering Agency. The Port of Tacoma highlighted their ability to rapidly receive, stage, and load military cargo. MSC discussed how they are postured regionally and along the West Coast to support rapid movement from the PNW. The Commission asked questions regarding the life of steam powered ships (both CAPE I vessels berthed at the Sperry Dock are steam powered). The Captain of the Port discussed water side security response and relationships through committees like the Port Readiness Committee.

The Commission members included Thomas Lamont, former Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower, former Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond Chandler, III (retired), and LTG Jack Stultz (retired).

The Commission will issue its report no later than February 1, 2016.  Contact:

Col.Kristen Dixon, Public Affairs Officer, Commission Staff, 571-294-2914, NCFA or Joe Eule, 571-256-2643, or at 2530 Crystal Drive, Taylor Bldg., Suite 5000, Arlington, VA 22202, (o) 571.256.2651. 

Forum on Plan for an Unstable Defense Future

MILITARY AFFAIRS FORUM

Military Affairs Committee

Date & Time:  Wednesday, Oct. 14, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Place:  La Quinta Inn | 1425 E. 27th St. | Tacoma 98421
Register: Register Online

Event Sponsor:

The event fee will be complimentary, hosted by our sponsor for invited Military Personnel who reserve with Janice Hutchins, (253) 683-4882 or janiceh@tacomachamber.org


AGENDA:
The Current State of Military Affairs in WA & How We Plan for an Unstable Future

Introduction:  Kristine’ Reeves,
Governor's Sector Lead & Director | Military & Defense Sector
Program Director | Defense Industry Adjustment Program
Executive Director | Washington Military Alliance

1. DoD’s Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) grant update by
James Evans, Program Manager, Defense Industry Adjustment, Department of Commerce

Military downsizing, future of the Army and force realignments are all making the news, but what about impacts to the defense businesses around the base supporting billions in the state economy?  Join us for a presentation on the state's efforts to “map” the DOD supply chain in WA, better prepare for defense budget cuts and support local communities.

2. Military compatible land use by
Jeff Wilson, Director, & Deanah Watson, Growth Management Services, Department of Commerce & Xandre Chateaubriand, Policy Advisory, Governor Inslee

Think JBLM is the only base in WA or the only county challenged by encroachment or incompatible land use?  Interested to see how other states are tackling this challenge or how WA is needs your help to do the same here?  Join us for an update on the report going to the legislature focused on taking steps to address this issue.


NEXT ACTIVITIES
November 12 John Anderson Military Citizen of Year with Rotary Club #8

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Visit the “Tacoma-Pierce Co. Veteran & Business Service” Facebook page.  Like the page to stay informed of workplace opportunities for transitioning vets and vets as well as current information.

Future of the Army Public Meeting

Commissioners will conduct a public meeting to hear comments pertinent to the mission of the National Commission on the Future of the Army (NCFA.)

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2015
Time:  3:00 – 5:00 pm
ADDRESS: Red Lion Hotel Conference Room, Red Lion Hotel – Tacoma, 8402 S. Hosmer Street, Tacoma WA

Commissioners:
SMA Raymond F. Chandler
HON Thomas R. Lamont
LTG Jack C. Stultz

NCFA Mission
In light of the projected security environment, conduct a comprehensive study of the roles and structure of the Army, and policy assumptions related to the size and force mixture of the Army, in order to:

1. Make an assessment of the size and force mixture of the active component of the Army and the reserve components of the Army.
2. Make recommendations on the modifications, if any, of the structure of the Army related to current and anticipated mission requirements for the Army at acceptable levels of national risk and in a manner consistent with available resources and anticipated future resources.
3. Make an assessment of proposed AH-64 transfers from Army National Guard to the Regular Army.

Seating is limited and pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Registration: Individuals and entities who wish to attend the public hearing and meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2015 are encouraged to register for the event with the DFO using the electronic mail and facsimile contact information found in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 4 CONTACT section below. The communication should include the registrant’s full name, title, affiliation or employer, email address, day time phone number. This information will assist the Commission in contacting individuals should it decide to do so at a later date. If applicable, include written comments and a request to speak during the oral comment session. (Oral comment requests must be accompanied by a summary of your presentation.)

Registrations and written comments should be typed.

Oral Comments: In addition to written statements, one hour and forty minutes will be reserved for individuals or interest groups to address the Commission on September 24, 2015. Those interested in presenting oral comments to the Commission must summarize their oral statement in writing and submit with their registration. The Commission’s staff will assign time to oral commentors at the meeting; no more than five minutes each for individuals. While requests to make an oral presentation to the Commission will be honored on a first come, first served basis, other opportunities for oral comments will be provided at future meetings.

Written Comments:  The public or interested organizations may submit written comments to the Commission in response to the stated agenda of the open and/or closed meeting or the Commission’s mission. The Designated Federal Officer (DFO) will review all submitted written statements. Written comments should be submitted to Mr. Donald Tison, DFO, via facsimile or electronic mail, the preferred modes of submission. Each page of the comment must include the author’s name, title or affiliation, address, and daytime phone number. All comments received before Wednesday, September 23, 2015, will be provided to the Commission before the September 24, 2015, meeting. Comments received after Wednesday, September 23, 2015, will be provided to the Commission before its next meeting. All contact information may be found in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section below.

TO REGISTER AND FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Don Tison, Designated Federal Officer, National Commission on the Future of the Army, 700 Army Pentagon, Room 3E406, Washington, DC 20310–0700, Email: dfo.public@ncfa.ncr.gov  Desk (703) 692–9099. Facsimile (703) 697–8242.

The Commission is tasked to submit a report, containing a comprehensive study and recommendations, by February 1, 2016 to the President of the United States and the Congressional defense committees. The report will contain a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with its recommendations for such legislation and administrative actions it may consider appropriate in light of the results of the study. The comprehensive study of the structure of the Army will determine whether, and how, the structure should be modified to best fulfill current and anticipated mission requirements for the Army in a manner consistent with available resources

Background of the National Commission of the Future of the Army  (http://www.ncfa.ncr.gov/)
Purpose: The National Commission on the Future of the Army was established by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Pub. L. 113-291). The Commission will submit a report containing a comprehensive study and recommendations by February 1, 2016 to the President and Congress of the United States.

Overview: The Commission will examine the structure of the Army and policy assumptions related to the size and force mixture of the Army in order to make an assessment of the size and force structure of the Army's active and reserve components. The Commission will make recommendations on modifications, if any, to the structure of the Army related based on current and anticipated mission requirements, acceptable levels of national risk, in a manner consistent with available resources, and anticipated future resources. In accordance with legislation, the Commission will specifically examine the transfer of Army National Guard AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from the Army National Guard to the Regular Army.

Membership: The Commission consists of eight Commissioners; four appointed by Congress and four appointed by the President. The Commissioners will use their decades of public service and expertise in national and international security policy and strategy, military forces capability, force structure, organization, and employment, and reserve forces policy to provide recommendations that will strengthen the future Army.

Opportunity with Government Contracting

Businesses looking to win government contracts will have the opportunity at the Greater Pierce County Purchasing Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the STAR Center, 3873 S 66th St in Tacoma. Click here for map and directions.

Learn first-hand how to register and compete for contracts with federal, state, and local government agencies, meet one-on-one with purchasing agents, network with other Pierce County business owners and managers, and participate in breakout sessions.

• Panelists and exhibitors include 
• Pierce County
• City of Tacoma
• Port of Tacoma
• Washington State Department of Transportation
• Washington State Department of Enterprise Services
• Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
• Native PTAC
• NAVSUP Fleet Logics Center-Puget Sound
• U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord
• Tacoma Public Schools
• Pierce Transit
• Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council
• King County Director Association (KCDA) School Purchasing Consortium
• Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises

Register online or contact Hans Kueck at (253) 798-2335 or email.

JBLM Corridor Mobile Traffic Info

For drivers who travel through the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) corridor, a new traffic flow map showing Interstate 5 and arterial roads is now available to help them make informed route decisions.

In an effort to give military personnel, base employees and area residents a way to gauge traffic flow around JBLM entrance and exit gates along I-5, the Washington State Department of Transportation worked cooperatively with JBLM officials to install a traffic detection system that uses anonymous Bluetooth technology to show real time traffic conditions. The Bluetooth data are displayed on the map alongside the I-5 radar detection system.

“Military personnel can now see at a glance which gates have backups, and choose a less congested gate,” said WSDOT Freeway Operations Manager Tony Leingang. “Our goal is to have JBLM traffic enter the freeway more evenly dispersed along the corridor, which helps I-5 traffic.”

The new traffic flow map, which is also available on the WSDOT mobile app, includes sections of Steilacoom-DuPont Road and Center Drive in DuPont, giving residents a new way to know which ramp is less congested.

In addition to traffic flow maps, WSDOT offers many tools and resources to help drivers such as WSDOT’s travel alerts, construction update webpages, and the WSDOT mobile app, which includes statewide traffic cameras, travel alerts, flow maps and more.

Smart phone users only need to type in the term “WSDOT” in Google Play or the App Store to download the WSDOT application to get this same information on your phone.

Business Survey for the Military Markets

The South Sound Military and Communities Partnership (SSMCP) is conducting a survey to gather business perspectives on military-community ties in the region of Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Camp Murray.

For this study to be representative of the South Sound business community, it is vital that we hear from you. 

Your answers are anonymous and confidential, and no one in any government will see your individual responses. It will take less than 10 minutes to complete.

The survey is being conducted by Elway Research, Inc.  Elway will collect and tally the results, and the SSMCP will publish an aggregated summary analysis in October of 2015.

We hope you will participate! Your input will be essential as we gather information about how the military affects the economy in Pierce and Thurston Counties and work to improve community and business relationships. 

We know you are very busy, so we appreciate you taking the time to help shape efforts in the region. If you have any questions, please contact the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership. 

Please go HERE to complete the survey online, and thank you!

ADC Issues Invite to First PNW Conference

You are invited to the first ever Association of Defense Communities’ Pacific Northwest Defense Forum, to be held August 20-21 at the American Lake Conference Center on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. 

Registration Open for ADC Northwest Defense Forum

View the updated agenda here.

The event will feature legislative leaders as well as national, state and local military and civilian experts on a wide range of defense issues, such as effects from the Army downsizing announcement in 2015, expanding missions for installations in the northwest, evolving community-military relations for the future, and more.

ADC’s Regional Events Series is bringing community and industry leaders from across the Northwest for a first-of-its-kind, one-day event to gather intelligence on the latest activities at DoD and on Capitol Hill, and the impact they have across the Northwest region.  This is also your chance to hear from other nearby community leaders facing similar challenges and share what works and what doesn’t.

Click here to register today - thank you and see you there!

More detailed information follows:

Building Resilient Defense Communities

In defense communities across the country, budget cuts, mission changes and defense infrastructure maintenance shortfalls are leaving installations, communities, states and partners looking for new ways to overcome uncertain obstacles.

But the challenges – and solutions – that work in one place may not work for all communities.

WHO IS ATTENDING?

•             Local and state government officials

•             Defense policy experts

•             Federal Congressional Leadership

•             Regional planners

•             Air Force, Army and Navy Leadership

•             Military families

•             Local business leaders

•             Education professionals

•             Civic planning commission volunteers

•             Non-profit leaders

•             Anyone concerned about how decisions in Washington DC will impact military installations

KEY ISSUES

Policy leaders and defense experts will discuss the pressing issues facing the Northwest Region, such as:

•             Defense Downsizing, Force Reductions and Mission Realignment

•             Mission Readiness and Defense Infrastructure Budget Shortfalls

•             The Growing Importance of Installation-Community Partnerships

•             Synchronizing Community Economic Development and Infrastructure with Current and Emerging Military Missions

•             Military Compatible Land Use and Encroachment

•             Military Family Quality of Life and Child Education

FEATURED EXPERT PANEL: STATE OF DEFENSE

Leading insiders will explore the crossroads facing the military and their host communities by sharing insight on the current environment and how emerging trends, such as force restructuring, Programmatic Change or BRAC and the defense budget uncertainty may affect how the region’s military installations and defense communities look in the future. 

REGISTRATION

Registration is only $50, which covers the full educational program, lunch and an evening networking reception. Register today HERE.

SPONSORSHIP

Show how much your organization supports defense communities, the military and families. There is a wide range of sponsorship packages available. Download sponsorship materials HERE or contact Matt Borron email or (202) 822-5256.

LOCATION

The Northwest Defense Communities Regional Forum will be held on Joint Base Lewis-McChord at the American Lakes Conference Center. For more information, visit HERE.

In the Northwestern U.S., the economic development and defense support needs can be just as unique as the culture, people and national security missions that call the region home.

Will Rockets Red Glare Give Proof

In March, JBLM initiated an Environmental Assessment (EA) to study the level of noise that would be created if a field artillery unit on JBLM test fired up to 27 HIMARS Reduced Range Practice Rockets (RRPR) over a three-day period at JBLM Lewis-Main in winter 2016.

The purpose of the proposed action is to collect JBLM-specific noise data during RRPR test firing at the base to determine the noise levels created by firing RRPR at JBLM.

During the proposed test firing, a HIMARS battery would fire up to nine RRPR a day—one at a time—for three days.

Three RRPR would be fired in the morning, afternoon, and evening each day. These rockets would be fired from the Hayes Hill firing point southeast into JBLM’s Lewis-Main Artillery Impact Area. The firing point is located about a half-mile east of I-5; and north of I-5 exit 114.

This EA is only to gather data and assess the noise that would come from three days of test firing. This EA does not evaluate the environmental impacts of conducting routine, long-term RRPR training at JBLM.

The HIMARS RRPR EA is now available for a 30-day public comment period from July 27 through August 25. The draft EA is available HERE.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:
To submit comments, send an email or write to:

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC WORKS
ATTN ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION (NEPA)
2012 LIGGETT AVE, BOX 339500 MS 17
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA 98433-9500

Comments must be received by August 25, 2015 to be considered.

HIMARS RRPR Open House, 2-2-2
OPEN HOUSE, THURSDAY, AUG. 13, 6-8 p.m.,
EAGLES PRIDE CONFERENCE CENTER, JBLM

The EA will be the topic of an August 13 open house, 6-8 p.m., at the Eagles Pride Golf Course Conference Center at JBLM.

The open house is an opportunity to learn more about the purpose of the environmental assessment, why it was initiated by the Army here, and how the data will be used. Subject matter experts will be on hand to answer questions, and information displays will be available. The public can provide its feedback during the comment period by e-mail or mail.

JBLM’s Eagles Pride Golf Course is accessed via I-5 Exit 116. For more information contact the JBLM Public Affairs Office at 967-0152 or 0158.

MORE INFORMATION:

RRPR Characteristics: Reduced range rockets (RRPRs) have a range of about 5-9 miles. These rockets will reach supersonic velocity in about one second and remain supersonic for about 3.7 miles. The rockets will hit their targets in about 5-6 seconds. These rockets will fly at an altitude of 1,300 feet for most of this distance. RRPRs are unarmed blunt-nose, high-drag rockets. They do not carry any explosives. Also, all fuel would be expended within 2-3 seconds after launch, so the rocket will be an empty shell on impact.

Anticipated Noise Level: Noise levels directly under the rockets’ flight path may exceed 140 decibels. Sonic booms are also expected. If JBLM were to move forward with winter 2016 RRPR test firing, noise monitors would be strategically placed around the rockets’ flight path. Noise data from these devices would be used to assess how rocket noise impacts I-5 commuters and residents living on JBLM, Nisqually Valley, Nisqually Indian Reservation, Yelm, Roy and other nearby communities. If noise levels exceed an average of 130 decibels a day (e.g., based on the average noise level of nine rockets) at any monitoring station outside the JBLM boundary then stopping these tests would be considered.

If at its conclusion, the assessment produces a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), then this document will be made available to the public 30 days before the proposed action is taken.

Pierce County Talks JBLM's Forces Reduction

Pierce County Talks is PCTV's talk/discussion program that explores topical issues with the people on the front lines.

Thousands of JBLM personnel got the news that the Army will not reduce their numbers by 11,000 but some troops and civilians will still have to go.

Host Erich Ebel speaks with Pierce County Councilmember Doug Richardson and South Sound Military and Communities Partnership’s Tiffany Speir about what this means for the future of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Watch now HERE.

ADC Forum Coming Aug. 20-21

(Click on Image for a Larger View)

Open Houses for JLUS Public Iinput

The Joint Land Use Study for Joint Base Lewis-McChord is nearing completion, and open houses will be held in July to seek public input.

The JBLM JLUS is a collaborative process among federal, regional, and local governments and agencies; tribes; the public; and the south Puget Sound region’s military installations, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and Camp Murray.

The study is designed to create a collective regional dialogue around sometimes complex issues of balancing military operational demands and mission changes with the region’s and local communities’ land use plans, economic development and infrastructure needs, and goals for environmental sustainability.

The study area generally encompasses those communities within two miles of the JBLM boundary.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend -

Public Hearing Dates and Locations: Joint Base Lewis-McChord Joint Land Use Study

20-22 July 2015, Various Locations, 5:00-7:00pm

SSMCP and AECOM staff will be on hand to answer questions and receive feedback from the public on the currently ongoing Joint Land Use Study. Three open-house style meetings will be held at:

• Monday, 20 July, 5-7pm at the Sprinker Recreation Center, 14824 C St S, Tacoma, WA 98444
• Tuesday, 21 July, 5-7pm at Yelm Public Safety Bldg., 206 McKenzie Ave., Yelm, 98597
• Wednesday, 22 July, 5-7pm at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499

For more information, check out the JBLM JLUS Website.

Last School Gets Final Funding

Today, the Depart- ment of Defense announced that it has awarded a $40 million grant to Clover Park School District to rebuild Evergreen Elementary School.

Last year, Sen. Murray, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and Rep. Heck, whose district includes Joint Base Lewis-McChord, fought to secure federal funding for defense projects in Washington State, including the construction of new schools that serve military families.

“This investment is a significant step toward fulfilling our promise to support our local military communities and their families,” Senator Murray said. “These schools are not only a place for children to learn, but also serve as a support system for our military families. As the daughter of a World War II veteran and a former preschool teacher, I will always fight to make sure our schools are getting the investments they need, especially those serving families that sacrifice so much for their country.”

“Our community can’t wait for this critically important project to break ground,” Congressman Heck said. “Many children of servicemembers stationed at JBLM attend Evergreen and we want to make sure this school is well-equipped to handle each student’s education needs.”

“For years our community has worked together to secure funds to support our servicemembers and their families,” said Congressman Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee. “All children in the Puget Sound region must have access to a high quality education and I am pleased that these DoD funds will be used to ensure that our students needs are being met.”

“Clover Park School District is extremely excited to receive the news that funding to replace the sixth and final school on JBLM is approved,” said Debbie LeBeau, Superintendent of the Clover Park School District. “These school construction projects would not have been possible without the advocacy and determination of Senator Patty Murray, Congressman Denny Heck (and before him Congressman Dicks) and Congressman Adam Smith. They wanted to ensure that military dependents have state of the art learning environments to go along with the high quality instruction provided by our teachers.  Evergreen is a very special school serving students with disabilities that requires specialized instructional spaces. Updated technology, classroom spaces and improved access for physically challenged students will greatly improve the quality of education for our students.”

The grant comes through the DOD’s Office of Economic Adjustment Public School Recapitalization program, which has supported extensive school construction efforts at Joint Base Lewis McChord. Previous projects include Hillside Elementary School, Carter Lake Elementary School, Beachwood Elementary School, Meriwether Elementary School, and Rainier Elementary School.

Public Hearings Set for JBLM's Joint Land Use Study

The Joint Land Use Study for Joint Base Lewis-McChord is nearing completion, and open houses will be held in July to seek public input.

The JBLM JLUS is a collaborative process among federal, regional, and local governments and agencies; tribes; the public; and the south Puget Sound region’s military installations, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and Camp Murray. The study is designed to create a collective regional dialogue around sometimes complex issues of balancing military operational demands and mission changes with the region’s and local communities’ land use plans, economic development and infrastructure needs, and goals for environmental sustainability. The study area generally encompasses those communities within two miles of the JBLM boundary.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend -

Public Hearing Dates and Locations:
Joint Base Lewis-McChord Joint Land Use Study
20-22 July 2015, Various Locations, 5:00-7:00pm
South Sound Military & Communities Partnership and AECOM (contractor) staff will be on hand to answer questions and receive feedback from the public on the currently ongoing Joint Land Use Study.

Three open-house style meetings will be held at:
• Monday, 20 July, 5-7pm at the Sprinker Recreation Center, 14824 C St S, Tacoma, WA 98444
• Tuesday, 21 July, 5-7pm at Yelm Public Safety Bldg., 206 McKenzie Ave., Yelm, 98597
• Wednesday, 22 July, 5-7pm at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499

For more information, check out the JBLM JLUS Website.

Noteworthies with a Local Link

The chief of staff, Army announced the assignment of Maj. Gen. William K. Fuller, deputy chief of staff, operations, Resolute Support Mission, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, Afghanistan, to deputy commanding general, I Corps, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

2015 Northwest Aerospace & Defense Symposium

The 2015 Northwest Aerospace & Defense Symposium will increase your awareness of and ability to pursue current and upcoming defense, aerospace, and national security initiatives and contracts.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Congressman Adam Smith, Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee
• Moon Duk-ho, Consul General, Republic of Korea
• Pamela Munoz, Mission & Installation Contracting Director, JBLM 
• Katrina Jones, Defense Market Analysis Director, Aerospace Analytics
• Fred Smith, Mobility, Surveillance & Engagement, Boeing Military Aircraft
• Anthony Waas, Professor of Aerostructures, University of Washington
• J.J. Gertler, Defense Policy & Arms Control Manager, Congressional Research Svc.
• Jim Nam, International Security Cooperation, Planning, and Strategy, US Air Force
• Dr. Roger Myers, Executive Director, Advanced In-Space Programs, Aerojet Rocketdyne
• Col. Scott McLaughlin, Commander, 446th Airlift Wing
• Isaac Potoczny-Jones, Computer Security Research Lead, Galois
• Ron Stearns, Research Director, Aerospace Analytics 
• Lewis Hedge, First Secretary, Defense Acquisition Policy and Trade, British Embassy
• Chin Hsing (Andy Chin), Director-General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office

May 28-29, 2015, JBLM
Hosted by PNDC  and PNAA
Register here!