A formation of C-17 Globemasters flew through blue skies in a tandem formation over Joint Base Lewis-McChord July 16 with Mount Rainier as a backdrop — the stuff of aviation posters.

With the command of “Dismissed” from 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division Commander Col. Harry D. Tunnell, the families and friends of the brigade’s Soldiers wasted no time in rushing to welcome them home.

Editor’s note: The special forces operators who spoke at the memorial ceremony are not identified at their request for security reasons.

Climbing into a loop over Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Jacquie Warda piloted her one-of-a-kind Pitts biplane, “Red Eagle,” with intense and skillful concention during JBLM Air Expo 2010.

The Night Stalkers of 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment welcomed their new commander last week.

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan — In Afghanistan’s Kandahar Province, residents living in the districts to the north are taking advantage of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Small Rewards Program, and as a result, countless lives are being saved.

Motorcycle safety instructors at Joint Base Lewis–McChord have increased the number of weekly courses available in preparation for summer weather and large number of Soldiers returning from deployments.

Officers’ Spouses Club and Enlisted Spouses Club presidents recently announced plans to unify as one organization.

Taking a break from school doesn’t have to mean taking a break from the books.

For Col. Scott J. Lofreddo, command is about giving back.

As the 57th Transportation Battalion was gearing up to deploy to Iraq and Kuwait in 2008, the battalion’s rear detachment maintenance section was left with a bit of a headache.

Dining enthusiasts and those simply looking for quality cuisine at a reasonable price will want to check out The Bistro at Russell Landing.

Soldiers picked up hammers and paintbrushes to help build five homes for Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity families in east Tacoma in late June.

Two practical nursing course students used Army medical skills and quick instincts to save the life of a patient suffering from a heart attack late last month outside Madigan Army Medical Center.

Children eager to finish their last week of 5th grade and begin enjoying the summer received some important information that will help make play-time even safer for them — first-aid tips from Madigan Army Medical Center military and civilian staff members.

DALLAS – As the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) readies to mark 115 years of service and support to America’s military, the military command’s mission remains basically the same: provide quality goods and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to support Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation and Services programs.

Summer days are upon us, and thanks to the Army Family Covenant, Joint Base Lewis-McChord service members and their families can access a small piece of paradise without having to go far.

Attack is imminent. Unaware and unprepared, the personnel on the airfield go about their routines. They are unaware just hours before, an Air Force Combat Control Team silently parachuted nearby and, under the concealment of darkness, secured vantage points around the airfield to conduct radio communications and guidance commands to incoming aircraft.

As the nation celebrated its independence, hundreds of Thunderbolt Soldiers rejoiced in the arms of their families and friends during several welcome home ceremonies held at the Soldiers Field House.

Family, friends and fellow Soldiers packed Joint Base Lewis-McChord Lewis Main Post Chapel July 7 to remember two fallen members of the Sykes’ Regulars Battalion.

1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) received a special birthday present in the form of a new commanding officer July 9.

WASHINGTON — Survey responses on the possible repeal of the law that bans gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military will allow leaders to make informed decisions, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said.

There is far more to the infantry mission in Iraq these days than closing with and destroying the enemy.

When Sgt. Mary Yonts was asked to be her unit’s family readiness group treasurer, she eagerly accepted the position. For Yonts, being a contributing member of her unit goes beyond wearing ACUs.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is gearing up for one of the largest influx of troops in Joint Base Lewis-McChord history.

WASHINGTON – The government of Puerto Rico on Monday extended the validity of current birth certificates until Sept. 30, giving U.S. citizens born on the island more time to apply for and receive the new, security-enhanced certificates.

WEST POINT, N.Y. — One week, he was an Army noncommissioned officer, but the next, Mark Cox was a new cadet at West Point. Not yet a plebe in the Corps of Cadets until he completes Beast Barracks, Cox is among 17 combat veterans and nearly 50 active-duty military who made the decision to distinguish themselves as future members of the Long Gray Line.

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — “Each of us has a flame inside of us that, when made stronger, can help us withstand life’s storms,” said Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., commander of Air Mobility Command, during a June 16 video teleconference with wing commanders.

DIYALA, Iraq — After the papers were signed, and the ink was dry, Forward Operating Base Grizzly, Iraq, became property of the Iraqi Army during a transfer of authority ceremony as part of the responsible drawdown of U.S. forces from Iraq, July 2.