ADC Hosts PNW Defense Forum

Hello community:

You can now register for 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.

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.

Go HERE to view more details about the event, and click on the top right link to register. 

Thank you and see you there!

Army Announces Force Structure and Stationing Decisions

The Department of the Army announced today force structure decisions and stationing plans for the reduction of the regular Army from 490,000 to 450,000 soldiers.

The reduction of force structure will occur in fiscal years 2016 and 2017; the reduction of 40,000 end strength will be completed by the end of fiscal year 2018, and will be accompanied by the reduction of 17,000 Department of the Army civilian employees. These cuts will impact nearly every Army installation, both in the continental United States and overseas.

As part of these reductions, the number of regular Army brigade combat teams, the basic deployable units of maneuver in the Army, will continue to reduce from a wartime high of 45 to 30 by the end of fiscal year 2017. The Army will convert both the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, Georgia and the 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska into smaller units—maneuver battalion task forces—by the end of fiscal year 2017. While brigade combat teams consist of approximately 4,000 soldiers, these battalion task forces will be comprised of approximately 1,050 soldiers.

Additionally, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division will remain a brigade combat team, but will convert its primary maneuver platform. Currently, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division is a Stryker brigade combat team, however, it will become an infantry brigade combat team without Stryker combat vehicles. Additionally, the Army is analyzing a proposal to use the brigade combat team’s current Stryker equipment to convert an Army National Guard brigade combat team in the Pacific Northwest to a Stryker configuration.

The Army selected these brigade combat teams for reorganization based on a variety of factors including strategic requirements and the inherent military value of the installations where they are based. The force structure decisions announced today best posture a smaller Army to meet global commitments.

“Budget constraints are forcing us to reduce the Total Army,” said Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson, Army deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7. “These were very difficult decisions to make as all of our installations and their communities offer tremendous value to our Army and the nation. In the end, we had to make decisions based on a number of strategic factors, to include readiness impacts, mission command and cost.”

If the fiscal-caps of the 2011 Budget Control Act caps, commonly referred to as sequestration, are not addressed, the Army’s end-strength will be further reduced to 420,000 soldiers by the end of fiscal year 2019. This will result in a cumulative loss of 150,000 soldiers from the regular Army – a 26 percent cut over a seven year period. The resulting force would be incapable of simultaneously meeting current deployment requirements and responding to the overseas contingency requirements of the combatant commands.

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.

Noteworthies with a Local Link

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert announced today Rear Adm. (lower half) Dee L. Mewbourne will be assigned as director, maritime operations (N3/N5/N2/N7), U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia. Mewbourne is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Eleven, Everett, Washington

AFA's Airmen Support Golf Tourney Open

The Air Force Association, McChord Field Chapter, Tee it High and Let it Fly Airmen Support Golf Tournament is scheduled for July 17, 2015, at Eagles Pride Golf Course.  The proceeds raised will support scholarships for Air Force JROTC students, and Airmen on Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Camp Murray. 

Like previous years, the chapter is requesting your financial support to help achieve their fundraising goal.    There are three ways you can support the chapter:  1) sponsor a hole/team, 2) Enroll a team, or 3) donate an item for a door prize.  More information can be found on the attached fliers.

Questions?  Contact Bill Striegel at whstriegel@comcast.net or you may call him at (253)906-7369

(Click on Image for a Complete View)

USGA Kicks Off U.S. Open Championship with "Open for All Activities"

The United States Golf Association (USGA) has announced updated plans for its Open For All™ fan programming and community activities to be held June 14-21, coinciding with the 115th U.S. Open Championship at Chambers Bay.

U.S. Open Champion- ship week will begin with a series of special events on the grounds of Chambers Bay on Sunday, June 14. 

The family-friendly activities, which are free and open to the public, will focus on youngsters and a celebration of the region’s military community. In honor of national Flag Day, the I Corps Army Band and a color guard from nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord will participate in a 1:30 p.m. PDT flag-raising ceremony, led by Major General Kenneth Dahl and USGA President Thomas J. O’Toole Jr.

Spectators under the age of 18 are welcome to attend a junior clinic at 2:15 p.m. PDT at Chambers Bay’s practice facility. A variety of fun and engaging activities, presented in collaboration with the First Green, The First Tee, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, and the Drive, Chip & Putt Championship, will take place after the clinic.

Participants will also have the opportunity to have their photo taken with the U.S. Open Trophy, as well as visit the official U.S. Open Main Merchandise Pavilion.

Sunday will also represent the last opportunity for non-U.S. Open ticket holders to purchase merchandise at the Main Merchandise Pavilion, open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The merchandise pavilion will be open to the public for pre-championship shopping from Thursday, June 11 through Sunday, June 14 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. PDT daily).

Attendees are asked to follow signs to pre-championship parking, which will be located in the New Tacoma Lot in close proximity to the course. A complimentary shuttle will be provided.

Open For All Fan Experience at South Lake Union Park

The U.S. Open For All viewing experience at South Lake Union Park will open at 5 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, June 17, and will include a free concert by singer-songwriter Kelley James.

The viewing experience will be open to the public June 17-21 and will feature live U.S. Open action on a big screen, interactive golf exhibits including a U.S. Open Golf Simulator, food and beverages from regional vendors and photo opportunities with the U.S. Open Championship Trophy.

Dates/Times (PDT):
• June 17    Opening Night Celebration: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
• Performance by Kelley James
• June 18    First-Round Viewing: Noon -7 p.m.
• June 19    Second-Round Viewing: Noon-7 p.m.
• June 20    Third-Round Viewing: Noon-7 p.m.
• June 21    Fourth-Round Viewing: Noon-7:30 p.m.

As parking will be limited, attendees are encouraged to take the Seattle Streetcar (South Lake Union Line) to the Lake Union Station.

A complete schedule of Open For All community events is available HERE.

About the USGA

The USGA conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open, as well as 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships and international matches. Together with The R&A, the USGA governs the game worldwide, jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, Equipment Standards and World Amateur Golf Rankings. The USGA’s working jurisdiction comprises the United States, its territories and Mexico.

The USGA is a global leader in the development and support of sustainable golf course management practices. It serves as a primary steward for the game’s history and funds an ongoing “For the Good of the Game” charitable giving program. Additionally, the USGA’s Course Rating and Handicap systems are used on six continents in more than 50 countries.

For more information, visit the USGA.
Media Contact:
Jeff Altstadter, USGA Manager of Media Relations
jaltstadter@usga.org; 908-326-1880

VA Launches Campaign to Increase Veterans’ Economic Potential

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald, with leaders from national and local Veterans service organizations, corporate employers and government agencies, announced the launch of the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative, an effort focused in a total of 50 U.S. cities to promote economic success for Veterans.

The initiative is part of MyVA, which is dedicated to making Veterans the center of all we do. “The best way to get things done for Veterans is to involve partners from both the public and private sectors – national to local,” said McDonald.  “If history has shown us anything, it’s that all you have to do is give Veterans an opportunity and they will go beyond anything you could ever envision.  Community leaders understand the purpose of MyVA and will find innovative ways to support it.”

The goal of the VECI is to increase education and employment opportunities for America’s Veterans by bringing together local and national employers to coordinate services for Veterans, service members and military families.

With the sacred commitment of making customer service for Veterans the focal point, VA will look to communities around the country to help make the VA the best federal agency. “MyVA will work State by state, community by community, person by person,” said McDonald.  “We want to expand our reach and collaboration in communities where Veterans live.”

The Veterans Economic Communities Initiative launch event was hosted in Dallas. Secretary McDonald and Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings provided remarks, during the event. Campaign partners also participated in panel discussions on public-private partnerships.  Representatives from major corporations such as Hilton and TriWest joined Secretary McDonald in pledging their commitment to furthering Veteran economic opportunities.

The Veterans Economic Communities Initiative includes a VA Economic Liaison in each community who will expand and encourage collaboration among private and public organizations that offer resources related to education, training and employment. Through strategic partnerships, and by offering Veterans innovative forms of learning and employment opportunities, these communities will help Veterans gain competitive career skills and knowledge in locally in-demand fields.

Campaign partners include the departments of Defense and Labor, the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in addition to regional and national nonprofits, businesses and educators. The first 25 communities were chosen based on local Veteran unemployment rates, Veteran population and the projected increase in Veteran population.

Communities participating in the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative include:

• Atlanta, Georgia; 
• El Paso, Texas; 
• Las Vegas, Nevada; 
• New York, New York; 
• San Antonio, Texas; 
• Chicago, Illinois; 
• Honolulu, Hawaii; 
• Los Angeles, California; 
• Norfolk, Virginia; 
• San Diego, California; 
• Cincinnati, Ohio; 
• Houston, Texas; 
• Louisville, Kentucky; 
• Phoenix, Arizona; 
• Seattle-Tacoma, Washington; 
• Colorado Springs, Colorado; 
• Jacksonville, Florida; 
• Miami, Florida; 
• Richmond, Virginia; 
• St. Louis, Missouri; 
• Dallas, Texas; 
• Kansas City, Missouri; 
• Nashville, Tennessee; 
• Riverside, California; 
• Washington, DC

Under the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative, communities will develop scalable, sustainable models over the next two years that include:

• Resources and education for employers on hiring and supporting Veterans.
• Employment summits to connect talented job seekers with local employers who have immediate hiring needs.
• Policy academies where experts generate ideas, form partnerships and make policy recommendations that will help lower the unemployment rate and increase economic opportunities among Veterans and their families.
• Learning or resource hubs to help connect Veterans to economic opportunities including entrepreneurship, credentialing and skills building.

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Noteworthies with a Local Link

The Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert announced today the assignment of Rear Adm. (lower half) Richard A. Brown as commander, Carrier Strike Group Eleven, Everett, Washington. Brown is currently serving as commander, Naval Service Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois.

Gov Announces Formation of Subcabinet on Military Downsizing

Governor Inslee announces state agencies to focus on coordinated state response to potential military reductions.

Gov. Inslee today announced the formation of a Subcabinet on Military Downsizing to address possible reductions in military force in the state.

As a result of deep cuts outlined under sequestration and with a reduction in deployments after more than a decade of war, the United States military is reducing and realigning their forces throughout the country.

Active duty Army strength is expected to be reduced from 570,000 troops to less than 440,000 nationally. As part of this action, the Department of Defense (DOD) has considered potential reductions of up to 11,000 active duty soldiers and DOD civilian personnel at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).

Though all branches of the Armed Services will likely be impacted, the Army has, to date, provided greater detail as to the potential for reductions. While the Army has made no official announcement yet, the state is preparing for a final decision for JBLM as early as late June.

“There is an all-hands-on-deck effort to make the case to DOD that Washington is the right place to keep service members, DOD civilians and their families,” said Inslee, who has already made the case to DOD that such deep cuts would have grievous effects on Washington’s economy. “It is also vital that we are prepared to respond to any reductions. This has the potential to be a once-in-a-generation challenge of a size and scope that will impact our communities and economy for years to come.”

“Our first priority, should a significant reduction take place, is ensuring impacted service members and civilians receive the education, training and employer connections necessary to find work quickly as they transition out of life at JBLM,” Inslee continued.

The subcabinet consists of eleven state agencies directly involved in the state’s downsizing response plan. Department of Commerce Director Brian Bonlender will chair the group. Its primary focus is to prepare a plan for scalable and appropriate responses related to workforce training and re-employment of transitioning service members, DOD civilians and contractors; mitigating impacts to the local communities around the installations; and preparing for economic development and revitalization opportunities in the event of a large scale force reduction.

The subcabinet comes as a result of a larger effort by the governor to focus on the military and defense community as a key economic sector in the state. Starting with the creation of the Military and Defense Sector at the state, along with reconvening and formalizing the Washington Military Alliance, the governor was instrumental in supporting the state’s effort to secure a $4.8 million DOD grant to focus on the state’s response to defense businesses in the wake of a reduction in defense spending.

The military and defense sector plays a significant role in Washington’s economy. In 2013, DOD spending in Washington topped $13.1 billion dollars and represented 3.2 percent of the state’s GDP. Washington ranks in the top ten states for military spending and is the 6th most military populated state. Of the 112,560 military personnel in Washington, over half reside in the South Puget Sound.

“Reduction of military forces would have far-reaching and long-lasting impacts in Washington, especially to the service members, DOD civilians and their families who call this place home,” Bonlender said. “Governor Inslee is committed to helping these military families and the communities they live in to transition successfully.”

The subcabinet will convene on June 17.