Lakewood Will Welcome 4-2 SBCT Home

The City of Lakewood, Washington, is hosting a community-wide celebration on Sunday, September 15, 2013, for the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division (4-2 SBCT).  This unit is the city’s military “Community Connector” partner at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).  The events of the day focus on the theme “Raiders Return,” as the unit—known as the Raider Brigade—just completed a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan, where they provided security force assistance to the Afghan National Security Forces.

2,000 soldiers and more than a dozen of the unit’s military vehicles, including 11 different variants of the Stryker, will march in a parade departing at 9:00am from Lakewood Police headquarters and ending at City Hall.  Lakewood Mayor Don Anderson and the 4-2 SBCT Commander, Colonel Michael Getchell, will provide brief remarks.  After the conclusion of the parade, all are invited to a community festival at Fort Steilacoom Park, which will run until 6:00pm.  The festival, sponsored in partnership with the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), will offer food, musical entertainment, games, a petting zoo, car and motorcycle shows, military and emergency response vehicle displays, and more.

Lakewood has been 4-2 SBCT’s “Community Connector” since 2006.  The city’s elected officials have maintained strong relationships with the Brigade’s leadership, and Soldiers and their families have received broad support from residents, businesses, city staff and other community members.  The Lakewood-Raider ties became especially close-knit starting in 2007, when the unit made its first deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Community members sent care packages to the unit while they were overseas, checked in on their families and provided comfort kits for single soldiers in their barracks rooms upon redeployment.

4-2 SBCT holds the distinction of being the last combat brigade conducting offensive operations to leave Iraq, which occurred during its second deployment to the region, from 2009-2010.  In the fall of 2012, it also became the last Stryker Brigade Combat Team to deploy from JBLM to Afghanistan.

In June 2013, the Department of the Army announced that 4-2 SBCT would inactivate as part of the Army’s plan to complete post-war downsizing and force restructuring by the year 2020.  4-2 SBCT’s transition is slated to begin later this year.

Please join the soldier partners and their families on this special day to commemorate the “Raiders’ Return,” and to honor 4-2 SBCT’s brief but storied history as it prepares to permanently case its colors.

ESGR Appreciation Day

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Check Out the Boots2Work Hiring Event Wednesday!

Employers and vets (including transitioning vets) will be mixing it up at Wednesday’s (August 28) Boots2Work Hiring Event at Cheney Stadium!

The Chamber currently has one space available in its Suite at Cheney Stadium for the August 28 Boots2Work event to accommodate an employer or community resource partner who may wish to take advantage.

Not only is the Boots2Work event a great opportunity for job seekers and employer representatives to come together, learn and jointly build our economy and communities through jobs, experience and partnership, there are also resource opportunities for employers. There are 50+ businesses participating in the event – click here for the list.

Even employers which do not have booths can benefit by attending.  Exhibiting are agencies and support organizations that also serve employers with info on the benefits, both financial and through employee attributes, which can come with hiring vets.

The Boots2Work event is the initial major part of the Veteran & Business service activity that the Chamber has through its continued partnership with Workforce Central.  The service provides facilitation, information, connections and support allowing Chamber member businesses to utilize the premier human resource available to our area: the well trained, mature and innovative veterans coming out of our several Armed Services organizations of the south Puget Sound.

Chamber suite participants are Adriatic Grill Italian Cuisine & Wine Bar, The Hughes Group, HomeStreet Bank, and the South Puget Sound Chapter of SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management).

Contact Greg Mowat, 253-682-1724, the Chamber’s Veteran & Business Specialist, or Gary Brackett, 253-682-1720, Chamber Business & Political Manager, to make arrangements to join Chamber members at the event.

The Chamber participates in this activity and all its activities to promote a healthy business climate and strong communities!

TCT about JBLM's Logistics

The Transportation Club of Tacoma’s Monday, 9 September luncheon meeting will feature Garey Heumphreus, Director of Logistics, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, speaking about the logistics impact these two bases have on our local and regional economy. 

La Quinta Inn, 1425 E. 27th St., Tacoma 98421. Reservations link here.

Open Position for WA Military Lead

Job Title: Military Sector Lead
Opening Date/Time: Wed., 08/14/13, 12:00 AM Pacific Time
Closing Date/Time: Sat., 0914/13, 11:59 PM Pacific Time
Salary: $80,000.00 annually
Job Type: Exempt
Location: King County – Seattle – Downtown Business, Washington
Department: Dept. of Commerce

Please Note: This is an Exempt Management Recruitment and the hiring authority reserves the right to fill this position at any time prior to the advertised closing date. It is to the Applicant’s advantage to submit your materials as soon as possible.

Position Profile:  The Washington State Department of Commerce has an extensive mission to grow and improve jobs in Washington State. To accomplish this, we rely on industry sector leads to act as the agency point of contact and liaison with the private sector. We are currently seeking a motivated, subject matter expert to serve as the Military Sector Lead.

This is a newly established position where the future incumbent will be expected to work primarily independently but also as part of a team of various sector leads to develop and execute a variety of programs and initiatives to support the growth and economic performance for their assigned industry sector.

Duties: In the first twelve months, the successful candidate will need to:
•         Conduct a market based assessment of the industry, including monitoring the size of the industry to properly divide the industry into rational sectors.
•         Travel throughout the state meeting and building relationships with industry stakeholders, business representatives and elected officials.
•         Address audiences; speak on behalf of the agency and the state on Military Sector related topics, working with their manager and the Agency Director to advise the Governor on top issues related to international trade and economic vitality for topics related to the Military Sector.
•         Provide recommendations and guidance on how the Department can influence public policies that support the growth of the industry.
•        Communicate with national, international and state organizations; federal, state and local policy makers; legislative and congressional staff; the Governor and the Office of Financial Management regarding the current status of the Military Sector and recommendations that will contribute to future sector growth.
•        In conjunction with the Military Department and their manager, help create a strategic plan that identifies the long term goal for the industry and clear measurable objectives that will attain that goal.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Business/Public Administration, Military Science, economic development, business or a related field.
•         Minimum of three years’ experience in public policy or the Military sector.
•         Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to write concise and persuasive documents and conduct public presentations in front of company executives and elected officials.
•        The ability to work remotely, traveling around the state to meet with industry representatives, elected officials and government representatives.
•       Sensitivity to public attitudes and concerns.

Supplemental Information:
How to apply: To apply for this position, please hit the large apply button at the top of this announcement. To be considered for this position, applicants must attach a letter of interest and resume. Your letter of interest must describe why you believe you are the best candidate for this position as described in the position profile and qualifications.

For questions about this recruitment, please contact Michaela Doelman at 360-725-2656 or email her. 

The Department of Commerce is committed to providing equal employment, job assignment, and promotional opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, without regard to race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, diversity, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disabled and Vietnam Era Veterans, or the presence of a mental, physical or sensory disability. If you need to be accommodated during the application process or need this announcement in an alternative format, call the agency’s Human Resources Manager at 360-725-2656. For TTY call 1-800-833-6388.

Tacoma's Military Appreciation Parade Saturday

The first all-military parade in downtown Tacoma in 50 years is scheduled for the evening of Saturday, Aug. 24 and local sponsors with Sound Transit are be doing their part by providing free train transportation.

Several thousand people are expected to attend the first annual “Celebrating Military Service Parade,” which honors the large number of active duty and retired veterans living in and around Pierce County.

The 56th Army Band concert starts at 5 p.m., in Tollefson Plaza followed by the parade along Pacific Avenue at 6 p.m.

Sounder train will leave Lakewood Station at 3 p.m., stopping at the South Tacoma Station at 3:05 and arriving at the Tacoma Dome Station at 3:14. Tacoma Link trains and ST Express buses also serve downtown Tacoma.

Following the parade, the train will leave Tacoma at 8:30 p.m., arriving back at South Tacoma at 8:39 and Lakewood at 8:44 p.m.

Click here for fares – FREE!,, parking and the schedule.

AFA Selects Airman of Year from McChord Field

A recipient of the 2013 Airmen of the Year Awards includes one from JBLM-McChord Field – Senior Master Sergeant Ernesto Rendon, 62nd Aerial Port Squadron.

The Air Force Association (AFA) yesterday announced the 2013 Outstanding Airmen of the Year.  Each year, AFA salutes twelve outstanding enlisted personnel for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements. AFA proudly honors these Outstanding Airmen at its annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition held in September in Washington, D.C.

Senior Master Sergeant Ernesto J. Rendon, Jr.was cited as  pushing his wing to the highest nuclear inspection rating as he coordinated the movement of 1,200 pieces of cargo and four tons of nuclear assets on four aircraft. In less than 96 hours he directed the delivery of 74 utility vehicles and 474 tons of cargo during Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Also, he advanced aircrew training where he led the upload of 20 platforms on 10 aircraft and qualified 50 aircrews. He further supported the men and women of the 62nd Maintenance Squadron as a first sergeant where he flawlessly managed a crisis for a deployed Airman’s family and provided calming leadership to 418 Airmen during a post-suicide response.

“The Air Force Association is very proud to honor the commitment of these exemplary Airmen,” said George Muellner, AFA Chairman of the Board.  “We salute them for their professional achievements and dedication and thank them for their continued service to our country.”

“These men and women have demonstrated exceptional leadership and performance,” said
Craig McKinley, AFA President. “ Each year we join the Air Force in recognizing the achievements of select distinguished Airmen. Their commitment to their jobs reflects the high standards that exist within the United States Air Force, and we look forward to seeing what else
they accomplish throughout their careers.”

The program was initiated at the Air Force Association's 10th annual national Convention, held in New Orleans in 1956. The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, a general officer and selected Major Command chiefs form the selection board. The Air Force Chief of Staff reviews the selections. The Twelve Outstanding Airmen are awarded the Outstanding Airmen ribbon with the bronze service star device and wear the Outstanding Airmen badge for one year. They also serve on the Air Force Enlisted Council for one year.

For more information, contact Lynette Cross at lcross@afa.org or call 1-800-727-3337 ext. 4807.

Sergeant's Major Assn Has Options for Golf

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Chamber Suite Deal at Career Fair

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is partnering with Workforce Central and the Tacoma Rainiers in Boots2Work at Cheney Stadium on August 28th!

The Chamber has committed to a Suite at the Stadium and is seeking Chamber member businesses to participate as exhibitors on the 28th of August 9am to 3pm. We can accommodate 5 medium to small businesses that are seeking to engage Veterans and separating service members for jobs!

Please contact Greg Mowat, Veteran & Business Specialist for the Chamber (253-682-1724). The Chamber will fill the Suite on a “first come, first serve” basis. This will be the premier military hiring event of 2013 for Tacoma and Pierce County!! Don’t be left out.

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Career Day in Thurston County

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ACU's 13th Turkey Shoot Opens

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AFA & Daedalians Offer Charity Golf Tourney

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