Community Ledger, March 19

Action Line

An Action Line has been established to allow Joint Base Lewis-McChord community members to express their concerns and ideas directly to the commanding general. Your issues will be addressed by the I Corps commander and his staff. The Action Line number is 967-0093.

Squadron earns ‘Excellent’ rating

The 361st Recruiting Squadron underwent an Air Force Unit Compliance Inspection the week of March 8 to 12. The Unit received an overall Excellent Rating and Master Sgt. David Jackson, regional flight chief in Alaska, was named the Inspector General Top Professional Performer.

Founder’s Day dinner

The West Point Society of Washington and Puget Sound will hold its annual Founder’s Day dinner April 10, at Fircrest Golf Club, Regents Room, 1500 Regents Blvd., in Fircrest. Benny Haven’s hour is 6 to 7 p.m. Uniform or attire is dress blues, mess dress or civilian formal (black tie) — a dark suit or cocktail dress is also acceptable. RSVP no later than March 26 to Susan Sohn, 3073 O’Brien St., Dupont, WA 98327-8780. Cost of the dinner is $50 — a check is preferable, made payable to “Founder’s Day Fund.” For more information, contact Thomas Morgan, 983-8903, tmorgan58@hotmail.com.

Ammunition amnesty

Amnesty Day is May 6, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a chance to turn in unauthorized ammunition pyrotechnics or other materials with no questions asked, no fear of prosecution, no investigation, no paperwork required and no appointment necessary. For above .50 Cal, we recommend calling EOD for pickup — it’s your choice.

The location for this Amnesty Day is at the C-5 mock-up just outside JBLM Lewis Main’s East Gate. All ammunition will be accepted. No hazardous materials endorsement required on license. Amnesty munitions can always be turned in at the Ammunition Supply Point during normal duty hours or at any of the amnesty boxes on base: in the ASP parking lot; on Jecelin Avenue at Range 2; on JBLM Lewis North, at A and 17th streets; at Mastin Avenue between 3rd and 4th Division drives (the Ranger compound); at Slone and South 20th streets (the Main Wash Rack); and at A and 8th streets (the North Wash Rack).

ASE examinations

Get professionally certified by taking the Automotive Service Excellence examinations at the Stone Education Center Testing Office on JBLM Lewis Main May 6 to 11. Register by completing a registration form and payment to Kristi Noceda at the Testing Office, Room A230, by 4 p.m. today. Payment includes a registration fee; $36 per individual and $28 per exam. DANTES will fund up to three exams for active-duty, Reserve and National Guard military members. The next opportunity to test will be in November. ASE certifications are earned when a candidate passes one or more of ASE’s 40-plus exams and provides proof of two or more years of relevant full-time, hands-on work experience.

ASE Study Guides are at http://www.ase.com. For more information, call 967-5657.

Employment opportunity

Anthony Care, LLC, an employer specializing in adult care in the home, will recruit and conduct interviews for jobs on Wednesday, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the JBLM Employment Readiness Program office, Building 2166, located on the corner of 12th Street and Liggett Avenue. No experience is needed. The employer will provide training to new hires. For more information, call 966-8325, 967-7287 or 967-3538.

MP change of command

Colonel David P. Glaser, commander, 42nd Military Police Brigade, will relinquish the command to Col. Robert Taradash, today at 10 a.m. on Watkins Field. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at Soldiers Field House.

TARC hours change

Effective Monday the Technical And Academic Resource Center hours of operation will change to Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center is closed Saturday and Sunday.

You may use the TARC (a high-tech, multi-media, and computer-resource facility) to access the Internet, pursue distance learning programs, type term papers, make copies and print materials (please provide your own paper).

For more information, call 967-7174.

Operation Purple

The National Military Family Association is now accepting applications for its popular Operation Purple Summer Camps. This free summer camp program was developed by the association to support military children dealing with the stress of war. Each camp is “purple” and open to children of any uniformed service member, active duty or reserve component. Applications will only be accepted online at www.MilitaryFamily.org.

Women’s History Month observance

I Corps and Fort Lewis join the nation during the month of March in observance of National Women’s History Month. On Wednesday, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the American Lake Community Center, 555th Engineer Brigade will host the I Corps and Fort Lewis Women’s History Month celebration. This year’s theme, “Writing Women Back into History,” honors the spirit of possibility and hope set in motion by generations of women in their creation of communities and their encouragement of dreams.

Reunion workshop

ACS has a workshop to walk you through the reunion process March 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the ACS Annex (JBLM Lewis Main). Discussions cover how to prepare for reunion day, what to do to help the transition and some possible expectations. Register by calling Pamela Allen at 967-8430 or e-mailing pamela.j.allen@us.army.mil. You can also schedule unit or FRG reunion workshops.

Free child care is available with reservations by calling Clarkmoor Hourly Care Center at 966-2490. Children must be registered with CYS Services.

Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program

The 446th Mission Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center at JBLM McChord Field will host its third Yellow Ribbon post-deployment workshop at the Red Lion Inn, in Olympia, April 16-17.

The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program provides service members and their families information, services, referrals and outreach opportunities. All 446th AW Airmen who have deployed for 90 days or more in support of current operations and family members who attend are eligible to have their expenses reimbursed. Guardsmen and Reservists who have not been deployed may attend but are ineligible for reimbursement. Previous workshop participants are encouraged to attend.

Topics at the workshop include financial counseling, effective communication tips, the “Troops to Teachers” initiative, education programs, veteran service organizations, Tricare and other veteran benefits.

For more information, contact Master Sgt. Steven Thomas, 446th MSS Airman and Family Readiness Center, at (253) 982-5330.

Easter Dash

The annual Easter Dash is March 27 at Memorial Stadium on JBLM Lewis Main. There will be 1,500 colored plastic eggs hidden in a squared-off area. Volunteers will award toys and candy based on the color of the eggs. A half-dozen eggs will be marked for special prizes. Children 3 years and younger will hunt from 10 to 10:30 a.m., children 4 to 7 will hunt from 11 to 11:30 a.m. and children 8 and older will hunt from noon to 12:30 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your own baskets. For more information, call 967-5636.

Kids’ Fest

Celebrate the Month of the Military Child at Kids’ Fest, April 1 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in the MWR tent in the American Lake Community Center parking lot on JBLM Lewis North. This year’s theme is “Pirates Afloat.” Enjoy more than 30 free, hands-on activity booths, on-stage entertainment and military displays. For more information call 967-5776.

PWOC spring retreat

Do you feel like your marriage has gone from “I do” to “What did I do?” Recapture the romance that made you and your husband fall in love in the first place. Join Protestant Women of the Chapel for its spring retreat. The group will welcome Kathi Lipp, author of “The Husband Project,” which provides 21 days of fun activities to show love and honor to your husband. The retreat is April 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. and April 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at JBLM Lewis North Chapel.

There will be limited child care for families of deployed Soldiers. Please register early. Contact Heidi Harding at heidi.harding@comcast.net for more information or check out the Web site for all the details www.pwocftlewis.org.

Parent University

JBLM Lewis-McChord Family Advocacy Program hosts Parent University March 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the McChord Co-Located Club on JBLM McChord Field. Parent University is a free, one-day seminar designed to teach parents new information and skills to make parenting more manageable. Registration forms may be picked up or dropped off at the following locations: JBLM Lewis Main Family Advocacy, Building 2013, Room 335; Army Community Service, Waller Hall; The Family Resource Center; child development centers; on-base elementary schools. On JBLM McChord Field, go to: Family Advocacy, 62nd Medical Clinic, Bldg. 690; Airman and Family Readiness Center; and child development centers.

For more information, call 967-5901 or 982-9043.

FCC amnesty

To decrease the risk of child abuse and neglect in unauthorized care, the Family Child Care Program has initiated an amnesty program. It allows individuals who are not certified FCC providers, but who are regularly caring for children in privatized housing, an opportunity to register with CYS Services without penalty.

If you are currently providing unauthorized child care in your home, call the FCC Program at 967-3039 for details on how to become certified, or pick up an application in Building 2013B.

‘Tops In Blue’ still looking for talent

Air Force Services Agency officials are still looking for Airmen to join the 2010 Tops In Blue team. The primary team for 2010 was recently announced and the team will spend two and a half months at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, learning the music, completing deployment requirements, and training to serve as ambassadors for the Air Force and United States, but additional members are needed for the team.

The team will begin its 10-month tour in May. This year’s theme is “We Believe.” Tops In Blue is known for its music. It is one of the few touring shows that features a full live band. The show needs Airmen to fill the guitar, alto saxophone and trumpet positions to make the band complete. Air Force active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve members are eligible to apply.

For more information or to apply, contact Air Force Entertainment at (210) 652-6566 or visit http://www.topsinblue.com.

Buyer beware

Diploma Mills are schools that offer certificates, degrees and diplomas for a fee. The Army Human Resources Command is initiating an all-out campaign to warn Soldiers of the pitfalls and consequences surrounding the acquisition of false education credentials from unaccredited colleges and universities. If you have any questions regarding the accreditation of any college or university, contact your Army Education Counselor at the Stone Education Center at 967-7174.

Predeployment workshop

How do you prepare for a deployment? Let Army Community Service give you the tools to get prepared. Join ACS at the Thursday predeployment workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the ACS Annex on JBLM Lewis Main. Discussions include finances, the emotional aspect, Red Cross, care teams, communication, children and deployment and much more. To register, call ACS at 967-8430 or e-mail pamela.j.allen@us.army.mil. Free child care is available with reservations by calling Clarkmoor Hourly Care Center at 966-2490. Children must be registered with CYS Services.

Calendar

The following holidays and days of no scheduled activities are planned:

● April 9, DONSA

● May 28, DONSA

● May 31, Memorial Day

● June 11, DONSA

● July 2, DONSA

● July 5, Independence Day holiday

● Aug. 13, DONSA

● Sept. 3, DONSA

● Sept. 6, Labor Day

Job fair

There will be a job fair April 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Army Community Service Annex, Building 2166 on Liggett Avenue at 12th Street. Meet local employers and have an opportunity to interview for jobs. Sponsored by JBLM Lewis-McChord Employment Readiness Program. For more information, call 967-3538, 967-7287 or 966-8325.

Survivor seminar

Join TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) for a survivor seminar, “Good Grief Camp — Remember the Love, Celebrate Life, Share the Journey,” March 26 and 27, to comfort and support those grieving the loss of a service member.

The seminar will be held at JBLM Lewis North Chapel Activity Center. For more information or to register, call 967-7501.

Spring flea market

The Spring Flea Market is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the FMWR tent in the American Lake Community Center parking lot. For more information call 967-6772.

Seminar designed to enhance performance

The Army Center for Enhanced Performance is offering a one-day seminar on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Battle Command Training Center, Building 1240 on Railroad Avenue, south of the DuPont Gate. Just as physical training strengthens the body, mental training strengthens the mind and enhances human performance. Develop a foundation in mental and emotional skills based on applied sport psychology techniques, which include goal setting, confidence building, energy management, attention control, and imagery. Use state-of-the-art technology and then apply these techniques during this seminar. Call 968-7642 or e-mail LewisACEPWebmaster@conus.army.mil to reserve a seat.

Spring Break Performance Workshop

Calling all kids ages 7 and older for the Spring Break Performance Workshop. This year’s workshop is March 29 through April 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Bowl Arena Lanes. The cost is $40. Learn acting, singing, song writing, joking and dancing from children’s entertainers Cowboy Buck and Elizabeth. Children will show off their new talents at Kids’ Fest on April 1. Space is limited. Call 967-5776 for more information.

Spring sports

● Registration for CYS Services girls’ fast pitch runs through April 1 for ages 16 and younger. The participation fee is $55.

● Registration for CYS Services track and field continues through Thursday and is open to ages 6 to 18. The cost is $70.

● Registration for the spring break soccer clinic runs through March 26. The camp is March 29 from 10 a.m. to noon for children 5 to 8 years and from 1 to 3 p.m. for ages 9 and older. Participation fee is $10.

Register for sports at CYS Services Central Registration, Building 2295, at 12th Street and Bitar Avenue. If you have a full CYS Services registration on file and a sports physical that is current through the entire sports season, you can use the sports-only lane.

For a full CYS Services registration, bring current shot record, military, DOD or contract ID card, three local emergency contacts and a sports physical that will need to be updated yearly.

Call 967-2494 for more information.

DAV transition help

Disabled American Veterans’ transition service officers assist active-duty, reserve and National Guard members with their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. The Joint Base Lewis-McChord TSOs are prepared to provide free information and assistance with developing evidence and completion of applications for veterans benefits. Contact your transition service officer today.

JBLM Lewis Main:

Jonathan Williams — 966-1280 — Waller Hall, Building 2140, Room 700.

Jose A. Muniz — 967-6145 — ACAP Center, Building 2013A, Room 012.

JBLM McChord Field:

Tom Higdon — 982-1310 — Airman and Family Readiness Center Annex, Building 552, Barnes Boulevard.

Gate hours and locations

JBLM Lewis Main and North gate hours and locations:

● Liberty (Main), 24 hours, 7 days a week, I-5 Exit 120 to Main Post;

● 41st Division (Lewis North), 24 hours, 7 days a week, I-5 Exit 120 to JBLM Lewis North;

● Logistics Center, 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (closed on federal holidays), I-5 Exit 123 — Thorne Lane;

● Madigan, 24 hours, 7 days a week, I-5 Exit 122 — Berkeley Street;

● East Gate, 24 hours, 7 days a week, East Gate Road and 4th Division Drive (connects to SR 507);

● DuPont Gate, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week, I-5 Exit 119;

● D Street (POV), 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week, access to Lewis North from DuPont-Steilacoom Road;

● D Street (CVIP), 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday (closed on federal holidays), same as D Street (POV);

● Scouts Out, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7 days a week (closed on federal holidays), 2nd Division Range Road;

● Transmission Line (ASP), 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday (closed on federal holidays), Transmission Line Road;

● Center Drive (outbound only), 4 to 6 p.m., Monday to Thursday, 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday (closed on federal holidays), adjacent to the Regional Confinement Facility;

● I Street Gate (Lewis North) (inbound only), 5 to 9 a.m., Monday to Friday (closed on federal holidays), 1 1⁄2 miles north of DuPont Exit 119, just off DuPont-Steilacoom Road;

● Lincoln-Rainier Gate, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., 7 days a week, from off post — access via Perimeter Road/150th Street; from on post — access via Rainier Drive and Lincoln Street on the Logistics Center.

JBLM McChord Field gate hours and locations:

● Main Gate, 24 hours, 7 days a week, I-5 Exit 125 (Bridgeport Way);

● Barnes Gate, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., 7 days a week, Perimeter Road, approximately 1/2 mile from the Lincoln Boulevard Gate exit of JBLM Lewis Main;

● Commercial Vehicle Inspection Point, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday (closed on federal holidays), Perimeter Road approximately 1⁄4 mile from the Lincoln Boulevard Gate exit of JBLM Lewis Main;

● Woodbrook Housing Gate, 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, I-5 Exit 124 — Gravelly Lake.

Attention

Event announcements must be received no later than the Friday before publication. They can be e-mailed to nwgeditor@nwguardian.com. Announcements can be viewed online at NWGuardian.com. The Northwest Guardian office is located in the basement of Building 2026-B.

For more information, call 477-0184.