Community Ledger, April 30

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.

Correction

In the story “Bronze Star recipient ‘knows her job’” that ran in the April 23 Northwest Guardian, an editing mistake described the award presented to Staff Sgt. Katteri Franklin, of 504th Military Police Battalion, as a “Bronze Star for valor” when her award was a Bronze Star. The staff of the Northwest Guardian regrets the error.

Reunion Workshop

Is your Soldier or Airman coming home soon? If so, then ACS has a workshop to walk you through the reunion process Tuesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the ACS Annex (12th Street and Liggett Avnue). Discussions will cover preparing for reunion day, how to help the transition back home and some possible expectations. Call ACS at 967-8430 or e-mail pamela.j.allen@us.army.mil to register. You can also schedule unit or family readiness group 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.

Sounders FC Military Appreciation Day

Celebrate Military Appreciation Day with the Seattle Sounders FC. See the Sounders take on the San Jose Earthquake, May 22 at noon at Qwest Field. Tickets are just $17 each. You save $16, only at Leisure Travel Services. Tickets are located in the Family Section — no alcohol allowed. Get your tickets while they last.

Executive leadership for Air Force officers

The Department of Defense has allocated a minimum of two active-duty Air Force officers to participate in the 2011 Executive Leadership Development Program scheduled to begin in October.

This program is designed specifically for highly motivated, active-duty officers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership ability, commitment to public service and integrity, and who have an interest in moving into senior management positions. Interested officers must be in the grades of major or major select and have completed Squadron Officer School, Intermediate Developmental Education, either in-residence or by correspondence or seminar, and successfully occupied a flight-level or higher command position. Active-duty military personnel must apply to HQ AFPC Officer Developmental Education no later than May 31. For information, contact Master Sgt. Kevin Tirrel at 982-9634.

Spring bazaar

The Enlisted Spouses Club is having a Spring Bazaar Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Building 4201, the ESC/OSC Building located between the intersections of West Way, Lewis Street and Pendleton Avenue. Come out and browse through one-of-a-kind handcrafted items. Vendors will be selling wooden signs, jewelry, purses, bows and more. For more information, e-mail hairbybrandy76@yahoo.com.

Mass transit security and you

Mass Transit Attacks are an ongoing threat. On March 29 in Russia, two female suicide bombers blew themselves up during the morning rush-hour commute on the Moscow subway, killing at least 37 people and wounding 65 more. Other recent attacks around the world included London in July 2005, when three bombers detonated themselves on three underground trains, before a fourth explosion occurred on a double-decker bus an hour later; Madrid in March 2004, where a series of coordinated attacks on the commuter train system with 10 explosions aboard four separate trains killed 191 and injured 1,800 more. Other attacks included Moscow in February 2004, South Korea in February 2003, Paris in July 1995, Tokyo in March 1995 and Azerbaijan in July 1994. It can happen here, too.

Vigilance remains key in preventing terrorist attacks against mass transit systems. Indicators of terrorist activity or attack preparations include:

● Asking suspicious questions, photographing, videotaping, or displaying prolonged interest in mass transit operations, equipment, facilities and security procedures.

● Placing backpacks or suitcases in a different compartment from the one being occupied.

● Leaving bags unattended in public areas to observe security response procedures and times.

● Wearing oversized coats, dressing inappropriately for weather conditions, or carrying backpacks that are excessively bulky, stained or emitting fumes.

● Attempting to gain employment with a mass transit system without the appropriate background or qualifications.

As a rider, your role in supporting mass transit security includes:

● Looking and listening — be smart, be vigilant.

● Being aware of suspicious activity. Inform the proper authorities if you are concerned about an unattended item or suspicious. Be cautious if you work on your laptop or cellular phone — working distracts you from your surroundings. Describe suspicious devices. Never touch a suspicious device. Do not use your cell phone within 50 feet of a suspicious device.

● Remembering to control all carry-on bags and keeping your items and tickets with you at all times. Medicines, cash, jewelry, business papers and valuables should be packed in carry-on bags.

● Never leaving anything unattended as it could be subjected to tampering or theft.

● Never carrying anything for another person, especially for someone you do not know.

The actions that you take while traveling could have a great impact on the outcome of possible situations that may happen. Remember, always be aware of your surroundings.

Escape Zone

Do you have a pre-schooler age 5 or younger? If so, then join other families at the Escape Zone on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the McChord Youth Center, 3021 Dogwood St. SW. This is a program for parents and children to meet, have fun and learn about community services and events — and, of course, to make new friends. Parents must remain with their children.

No reservations are necessary. For more information, call 982-2695.

Holocaust, Days of Remembrance

The 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division will host guest speaker Leo D. Hymas, WWII veteran and Buchenwald concentration camp liberator, who will share his memories of the Holocaust, Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the McChord Co-located Club, Building 700, Barnes Boulevard, JBLM McChord Field.

Care Team training

Care Teams are made up of trained volunteers who support and assist the primary next of kin of fallen warriors, filling the gaps between notification and arrival of their own personal support systems. Care Team volunteers are always needed and welcome. The next Care Team training will take place Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Army Community Service Annex, Building 2166. To register, e-mail pamela.j.allen@conus.army.mil or call 967-8430.

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

Family Night

Fill up the family affordably at Family Night on Thursday at Cascade Community Center from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat spaghetti buffet and ice cream bar for $4.25 per person for adults and $3.25 for children ages 3-10. Join in the free games and fun for the entire family. For more information, call 964-0331.

Reservations are suggested.

Claims Office closure

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord Claims Office will be closed May 11 through 14 for a training conference. The office will re-open at 9 a.m. May 17.

Father-Daughter Dance

Daughters of all ages are invited to bring their dads to the Father-Daughter Dance at the Teen Zone May 15 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. There will be food, music and fun for the special evening. Child must be registered with Child, Youth and School Services.

For more information about the dance, call 967-4441.

School boundary forum

Attention Clarkmoor, Evergreen, Greenwood and Hillside Elementary School families: Clover Park School District is holding a public forum to discuss school attendance boundary changes for the 2010-2011 school year at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Evergreen Elementary School, 9010 Blaine Ave., on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The boundary adjustments will address student enrollment and building capacity at each school. The school district encourages parents to attend the public forum to learn specifics about the boundary adjustments. Those who are unable to attend but have questions, can call the assistant superintendent for elementary schools, Robin Walter, at 583-5160.

Family child care provider training

Are you looking for a way to be a stay-at-home parent while still bringing in an income? If so, then consider being a family child care provider. You can make a positive impact on the lives of military children while providing a much needed service to parents who work away from home — and you can earn as much as $2,000 a month in the process. Pick up an application for FCC classes in Building 2013-B, Room 127, on the corner of 3rd Street and Pendleton Avenue. An orientation will take place Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. (Due to space availability and the importance of the meeting, please do not bring children to the orientation. Child care will be provided during the provisional classes.)

Provisional classes are May 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 17 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information call 967-3039.

Arts and crafts contest

The Army Arts and Crafts Contest is an annual competition of two- and three-dimensional artwork. Authorized FMWR patrons are eligible to enter. The competition is judged in two groups:

● Group I — Novices. Individuals whose art skills have not been gained through formal education leading to college credit or college degrees.

● Group II — Accomplished. Individuals who have gained skills and knowledge through formal courses leading to credit in college or art schools or awards in professional competitions. Artwork must be in: ceramics, wood, fibers and textiles, glass, metals and jewelry, mixed media (3D), drawings, prints, water-base painting, oil-base painting or mixed media (2D). For complete rules and entry form, go to https://artscrafts.fmwrc.army.mil.

All participants must have AKO e-mail accounts to access the Web-based program and verify eligibility. Contest entry images must be uploaded by June 30. For more information call 967-5746.

Philippine Scouts Heritage Society

The Philippine Scouts Heritage Society will hold its 26th National Annual Reunion on May 7 and 8, at La Quinta Inn & Suites in Tacoma.

The Philippine Scouts Heritage Society was formed in 1989 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to preserve the history, heritage and legacy of the Philippine Scouts. Membership is open to all former scouts, their families and anyone interested in preserving the history of the Philippine Scouts.

Events during the reunion include:

A presentation by Alice Finch Peeples, author of “Child POW,” a memory of survival, now being made into a movie; a presentation by Anthony Zendejas, a high school senior, on his research and artwork; presentations by Dr. Anthony R. Maravillas on “Pensacola Convoy,” followed by Victor Verano and Gil Mislang on a living history project from the Lt. Alexander Nininger chapter; Donald Plata, “Forgotten Soldier;” Dr. Fred and Dorothy Cordova presenting a “ Help Me Understand My Connection” session for “Generation X” young professionals (first, second, third generation sons and daughters of the Scouts); and a veterans’ panel of those who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

There will also be a dinner and dance. A donation of $40 is required to cover the cost for the registration and dinner. The guest speaker is Dr. Anthony R. Maravillas, PhD., professor of history, son of a Philippine Scout. Our master of ceremonies is retired Brigadier Gen. Oscar Hilman.

For tickets or information, contact Joe Calugas Jr., chapter president, at 752-2573, Jane Domeika at 752-3863 or Zenaida Slemp at 848-5563.

Fish releases

Russell Landing Marina will release 25,000 rainbow trout into American Lake Saturday at 10 a.m.

Boat rentals are available for $15 per hour or $45 for the day, plus gas. A boater safety card is required for all rentals and can be obtained at Russell Landing Marina or the Northwest Adventure Center. Fishing licenses can also be purchased at either location. For more information, call 967-2510.

No parking

On May 12 and 13, there will be no daytime parking in or around the Cowan Stadium area in preparation for Armed Forces Day. May 14 and 15, there will be no parking at all (including overnight).

Ammunition amnesty

Amnesty Day is Thursday, 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 larger than .50 caliber, officials recommend calling EOD for pickup. 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 is 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).

Communication and relationships

If you would like to know more about healthy ways to communicate within your marriage, sign up for a relationships communication class.

Brought to you by the Family Advocacy Program and the Family Life Center, the next six-class session begins Tuesday in Building 9120, Four Chaplains Memorial Chapel, from 9 to 11 a.m. and continues each Tuesday, May 11, 18, 25 and June 1 and 8. For more information call 967-5901.

Children and deployments

Army Community Service’s Children and Deployment Workshop is designed to help parents minimize stress, enhance resiliency and ensure the well-being of children during their parents’ deployments. Parents will learn how to tell their children about deployments and possible reactions their children might have to the news. They will also receive suggestions on how to handle situations that may arise before and during deployments. Attendees may come any time throughout the deployment cycle.

The next workshop is May 5 at the ACS Annex (Liggett and S. 12th St.) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. If you would like to attend, call ACS at 967-8430 or e-mail pamela.j.allen@us.army.mil.

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

Flag football and cheerleading

CYS Services flag football and cheerleading registration begins Monday and continues through May 27 for ages 5 to 15. The cost is $50. Register for sports at CYS Services Central Registration, Building 2295 (JBLM Lewis Main).

If you have a full CYS Services registration on file and a current sports physical, you can use the sports-only lane.

For a full CYS Services registration, bring a current shot record, military, DOD or contract ID card, three local emergency contacts and a completed sports physical. Call 967-2494 for more information.

Calendar

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

● 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

Retiree health fair

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord Retiree Council conducts an annual Retiree Activity Day that is cosponsored by Madigan Army Medical Center. Madigan supports this event by conducting a Health Fair with health education and health screenings.

This year, the Health Fair is May 14, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The goal is to support Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information measures — cardiac risk education, diabetes and injury prevention.

For more information, call Dr. Teresa Bruder at 967-3875 or 966-3757.

Spouse Appreciation Day events on base

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Military Spouses Appreciation events will begin on Monday, and continue throughout the week.

Special offerings will include: Battle Bean Coffee Shop — one-half breakfast sandwich and drink of choice special; Cascade Community Center — all week, free soft ice cream with purchase of lunch; Madigan Café — all week free soft drink with purchase of meal; Bowl Arena Lanes — Monday, free bowling and shoes for spouses; Eagles Pride Golf Course — all week, a 4-person, 30-minute group golf lesson, and 9 holes of play for $15 per spouse.

Military Spouse Appreciation activities will culminate on May 7. The day will begin with a free breakfast for Military Spouses served in the PX Food Court from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Drawings will be held for numerous giveaways for both adult spouses and children. After the breakfast, the PX will offer free samples, discounts and specials. Spouses will also receive two free Carey Theater movie passes. A special parents’ night out will be offered through CYSS Hourly Child Care — reservations can be made by calling 966-2977.

Special classes and training will also be offered during Spouse Appreciation. They include “Steps to Financial Freedom” class on May 6 from 2 to 3 p.m. — for information, call 967-3525. Life skill classes offered will include: a communication class at Four Chaplains Chapel, May 4, 9 to 11 a.m.; “Staying Connected With Your Teen” in the Building 2013 conference room, May 3, from 1 to 3 p.m.; a stress-management class, the Building 2013 conference room, May 4, from 1 to 2 p.m. Call 967-5940 to register.

There will be a Spouse Appreciation Employment Fair May 4 to 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Building 2166, the ACS Annex — call 967-3538 for information.

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.