JBLM Gets Split 16th CAB

The Department of Defense announced today the stationing of two Army combat aviation brigades. The 16th Combat Aviation Brigade will be split-based and established at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and Fort Wainwright, Alaska, using existing aviation units not currently assigned to a combat aviation brigade. A new brigade will be activated at Fort Carson, Colo.

The 16th CAB stationing action realigns existing assets resulting in an increase of approximately 1,400 new soldiers and 44 helicopters at JBLM. This action for the split-based CAB at JBLM will begin in fiscal 2012 and is expected to be completed by fiscal 2014.

The Army recognizes Alaska as a strategic location and will continue to maintain a significant aviation presence there. This stationing increases the invaluable medical evacuation strength in Alaska by three additional aircraft in fiscal 2013. It also validates the Army's commitment and support to the aviation infrastructure through military construction programmed for replacement and upgrade of the aviation facilities.

The new combat aviation brigade activation at Fort Carson, Colo., will result in a total growth in Army forces and equipment by approximately 2,700 soldiers and 113 helicopters. Fort Carson establishes the new brigade beginning fiscal 2013 and is expected to be completed by fiscal 2014.

The activation of these brigades will increase the capabilities of the active component of the U.S. Army and increase dwell time for aviation units between deployments in support of overseas contingency operations. These combined force structure actions represent integrated changes that support the Army's transformation requirements.

The FEIS and ROD are available to download and review.
For more information, please call Lt. Col. Craig Ratcliff, Office of the Chief, Public Affairs, Media Relations Division, 703-697-7550.

Massing of the Colors Planning

Massing of the Colors is scheduled for May 21, 2011 at the Memorial Stadium at JBLM-Main. Mark your calendars.

Spread the word. If you are interested in participating with your organizational colors please contact COL (ret.) Jo Swartz at 253-582-4185.

Local Vet Wins SBA's Washington 2011 Small Business Award

Darrel Bowman, mynetworkcompany.com, Tacoma; has been named Veteran Small Business Champion by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Seattle District Office. Bowman was named as the Tacoma-Pierce County Veteran-Owned Small Business in 2010.

An independent panel of judges selected the winners based on several criteria, including: staying power; business growth; increase in employees; response to adversity; innovation; leadership and contributions to the small business community; and evidence of community-oriented projects.

The Washington state SBA Small Business Awards’ Event – A Big Night for Small Business - will be held in Seattle on April 21st at the Museum of Flight, Boeing Field, Seattle WA. For information about the Washington State Awards Gala, contact Carol Anderson. Information on SBA’s National Small Business Week 2011 celebrations in Washington, D.C. can be found at http://www.sba.gov/

Nominations Open for Citizen-Servicemember

Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines compose a vital part of our community. The Chamber wishes to recognize, with the 30th annual presentation, a Citizen-Soldier of the Year.

The Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee will make the selection of the honoree. Presentation of the award, named for Howard O. Scott, formerly a local banker and Chairman of the Chamber, will be made April 19, 11:45 a.m. at the meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Tacoma.

Letters of notification of this opportunity will soon be sent. You are requested to submit a nominee for this award. The guidelines are:

1. National Guard or Reserve soldier, airman, sailor or Marine (activated Guard & Reserve are eligible)Residing in Tacoma or Pierce County
2. Professional in military occupation
3. An exemplary volunteer in the community
4. Chamber member employers or employees will be accorded additional consideration

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 Friday, April 8. Nominations may be forwarded by email, fax at 253-597-7305 or mail to Chamber Scott Nomination, P.O. Box 1933, Tacoma 98402. Your consideration of this announcement is appreciated.

P.S.:  The Chamber annually recognizes active-duty servicemembers' citizenship with its John Anderson Military Citizen of the Year, approximately November 11.

Canines for Heroes

PNDC Expands to Puget Sound

The Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition (PNDC) is expanding into the Puget Sound region.

The PNDC, a coalition of companies in the defense and security industries, fosters steady economic growth for the region and sustainable long-term profits for its members. It is a member-based industry association dedicated to improving the defense industry climate across the Pacific Northwest. The PNDC provides educational programs, business-to-business networking, and outreach to government decision makers.

The PNDC is well established in Oregon and southwestern Washington. It is increasing its services in the Puget Sound area, where the opportunity for growth in the region’s defense and security industries is tremendous. To underscore its commitment to the area, the Coalition has created a new position focused on Puget Sound.

To find out more about the PNDC, contact our Puget Sound Regional Coordinator, Gary Hanson (phone: 206-369-8544 ) or visit their website.