Community Ledger, Sept. 2

Public announcement of gate survey

The JBLM commander is considering a plan to build a new gate for access to and egress from JBLM-Lewis North in the vicinity of South Drive and DuPont-Steilacoom Road.

This location has been proposed because there is enough space available to build a gate that would handle a large traffic volume, because traffic entering or exiting the gate will not travel through troop billet areas or Family housing, and because of its proximity to I-5.

The contractor studying the traffic congestion has developed a six-question survey that will be available from Aug. 31 to Sept. 23 at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KV5B3KY.

We need your input to get the best possible solution to the traffic congestion issues on Lewis North. The better we understand your driving habits the more likely it is that we will get the added capacity you need. Log in and participate. (Note: you may need to depress the ‘Ctrl’ button on your keyboard to use your mouse to access this link).

Overpass conduit

Today the crews working along the I-5 corridor for Washington State Department of Transportation will be installing a conduit along the Pendleton Avenue and 41st Division Drive overpass. Flaggers will be closing one lane at a time for this work, with a bucket truck in support of the operation.

Traffic should be light on the installation because today is a day of no scheduled activity.

Roy Bridge

Drivers who use the Roy Gate of JBLM should be aware of an upcoming road closure where North Warren Street crosses Muck Creek at the Roy Bridge. Pierce County construction crews are rebuilding the existing bridge, and expect the road to be closed for about four months.

The new bridge will have two lanes with paved shoulders and prestressed concrete girders.

Construction will begin as soon as the water in the creek recedes. For more information, call Henry Gertje at 798-6826.

Pendleton Avenue

Construction to upgrade the road substructure under Pendleton Avenue near the Town Center on JBLM Lewis Main will be completed in a few months. Pendleton between 8th and 12th streets will be closed daily for construction from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. Access to offices and other buildings will be maintained. Traffic will be detoured to Liggett Avenue during construction hours. Officials are working to mitigate noise impact to Town Center residents.

This is the first of several major construction projects on two miles of Pendleton Avenue during the next 18 months, as crews widen the road and upgrade communication, power and water lines underneath. The widened avenue will result in better traffic flow, parking and facility access, creating a friendlier environment for bikes and pedestrians. For more information, visit the Pendleton Avenue website at www.jblmpendleton.com.

North Gate Road

Road repairs on the JBLM North Gate Road (Huggins Meyer Road SW), a 1.7 mile stretch between JBLM Lewis-North’s D Street Gate and Lakewood, will continue through Sept. 16. Commuters who normally use North Gate Road will be detoured through Lakewood and Steilacoom.

The D-Street Gate on JBLM Lewis-North will remain open throughout the road repair projects.

Emergency vehicles will have access through the construction site for emergencies. Clover Park School buses will also have access to transit through the construction site.

Upon completion of the North Gate Road repairs, East Drive will close for repairs. East Drive repairs include adding a right turn lane and a traffic signal. Repairs to East Drive are expected to take 90 days.

These road repair projects were designed to improve roadway surfaces, increase traffic mobility, and create a safer driving environment for the community. More information about traffic revision updates and construction changes will come as the contractor announces them.

For road conditions, call 967-1733.

Calendar

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

• Today, DONSA

• Sept. 5, Labor Day

• Oct. 7, DONSA

• Oct. 10, Columbus Day

• Nov. 11, Veteran’s Day

• Nov. 14, DONSA

• Nov. 24, Thanksgiving Day

• Nov. 25, DONSA

• Dec. 23, DONSA

• Dec. 25, Christmas Day

• Dec. 26, Christmas holiday

• Dec. 30, DONSA

• Jan. 1, New Year’s Day

• Jan. 2, New Year holiday

JBLM 9/11 observance

Joint Base Lewis-McChord will pay tribute to the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives on 9/11, 2001, with a dawn flag-raising ceremony at 8:46 a.m., Sept. 11 in front of the JBLM Lewis Main Fire Station, Building 4100, inside the DuPont Gate. A mixed-service honor guard will raise the flag in a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack ever on U.S. soil. JBLM military police and firefighters will flank the flag detail in memory of the first responders who died that day.

JBLM has annually commemorated the lives lost on 9/11 with a flag ceremony. This year’s speaker will be Larry Saunders, Lakewood polce chief and retired Army military police colonel. JBLM Garrison Commander Col. Thomas Brittain will also speak.

Wood cutting permits

Wood cutting on Joint Base Lewis-McChord is by permit only. Contact Forest Resources at 964-2100 or 964-2101.

Burn ban in effect

A countywide burn ban took effect Aug. 8. The ban was declared by the Pierce County fire marshal in conjunction with the Pierce County Fire Chiefs’ Association and the Washington Department of Natural Resources, prompted by long-range forecasts calling for continued dry weather.

It is scheduled to expire Sept. 30 and applies to all outdoor burning except for small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved camp grounds or private property with the owner’s permission. The use of gas and propane self-contained stoves and barbecues will continue to be allowed. Persons with approved DNR burn permits are advised to call 1-(800) 323-BURN (2876) for more information.

Are you a Rising Star?

If you have the talent, we have the cash. Auditions for Rising Star began Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Cascade Community Center on Lewis Main; the contest continues Sept. 8, 15 and 22, with finals Sept. 29.

First place wins $500 and a chance to compete in the televised finals. Second place wins $250 and third place wins $100.

Singers must be active duty military, Reserve or National Guard personnel or their Family members ages 18 and older with a valid DOD ID card. Visit www.OpRisingStar.com for rules or call the Nelson Recreation Center at 967-2539.

Put down that cell

The Directorate of Emergency Services Law Enforcement personnel will begin issuing District Court Violation Notices (i.e., Federal Magistrate Court ticket) for using cell phones while driving on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

This will require the violator to pay a $75 fine or go to court to argue before the magistrate judge. Those who opt to continue using their cell phones while driving must use a hands-free device to keep from being ticketed. Repeat offenders risk losing installation driving privileges at the discretion of the garrison commander.

Legal assistance hours

Effective Tuesday, Sept. 6, the hours of operation on Tuesdays and Thursdays will change for the JBLM Lewis-Main Legal Assistance Office. Hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will remain the same.

The new hours are as follows: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for attorney services and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for notary and power-of-attorney services. Tuesdays and Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for attorney services, notary and power-of-attorney services. For questions, call 477-1875.

Star Cards for travel

Government Vacation Rewards, a travel benefits program available through the Army’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation program, announced that the Military Star® Card will now be accepted when servicemembers purchase airline tickets online. GVR is the only online travel retailer to accept the Military Star® Card for all travel-related products and services.

GVR provides military members exclusive savings on cruises, hotels, airfare and resort stays. Military Star® Card holders have complimentary access to all travel destinations and discounts through this program. Additional benefits include no booking fees, a best price guarantee, military rates and loyalty programs. For more information, and to book travel or vacation packages, visit http://www.MWRExchangeVacations.com, or http://www.GovVacationRewards.com/military.

Community Café

Community Café is a quick way for spouses new to the military to make friends and get information about services at JBLM McChord Field. This fun round-table event held at the Escape Zone, Building 841, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will give you tools for a seamless transition into the military. Experts from a wide range of fields will be available for open question and answers.

Call the A&FRC at 982-2695 to register. Onsite child care and lunch is available.

Seahawks tix $19

Get a taste of the NFL now with the best buy ever on Seahawks preseason tickets. Buy $19 Raiders preseason tickets, or regular season tickets for $60 (300 level) and $80 (100 level).

Buy tickets at two locations: Army Family Covenant Arena in the Leisure Travel Office, Building 2275 at Lewis Main, or Adventures Unlimited at McChord Field, Building 739. Call the LTS at 967-3085 for more information.

First-come, first-served. Unit funds can be used for groups. Sales open to authorized ID cardholders.

Home business fair

The Airman & Family Readiness Center at McChord Field is offering military spouses seeking part-time employment a Home Business Opportunity Fair Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fair takes place in the Chapel Support Center’s fellowship hall, Building 746, Jackson Blvd. For details, call 982-0260 or 982-2328.

Walk 4 Life vs. suicide JBLM will be having a “Walk 4 Life” on Sept. 14, beginning at 6:45 a.m. with the pre-walk message. The walk is designed to build awareness for suicide prevention and provide tools for doing our part as a community to help build resilience in the military Family. The walk begins and ends at the parking lot of the garrison headquarters (Building 1010 on 9th Division and Liggett).

Join us as a step out to “Walk for Life!” For more information call the Suicide Prevention Office at 477-0259/0258.

Register for AF Ball McChord Field will celebrate its 64 years of service by having a ball on Sept. 17, 5 to 9 p.m., hangars 3 and 4.

Prices of tickets are: E-1-E-6, GS-5 and below $15; E-7-0-3, GS-6-GS-11, $25; 0-4 and above, GS-12 and above/retiree, $35. RSVP by Sept.9, E-mail 62AWCCP.RSVP1@US.AF.MIL or call 253-982-2788. Child care is available but preregistration is required by calling 982-4166.

Troops to Teachers

The Troops to Teachers program enriches the quality of American education by helping to place mature, motivated, experienced and dedicated personnel in our nation’s classrooms. TTT also provides tuition assistance for teacher certification and a bonus for teaching in a high needs school. If you want to continue serving your country as a teacher, contact TTT to find out how.

A representative is at Stone Education Center, JBLM, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Contact Tim Bomke, Wash./Ore. State Director at tbomke@mpttt.org or call 973-9775.

Free BMX racing

Enter North SeaTac BMX Park is hosting a military appreciation day Sept. 11, with free food and racing from noon to 5 p.m. for military members and Families. There will be complimentary barbecue lunches for all servicemembers. Come experience BMX with North SeaTac BMX Park on us, at 1855 So. 136th St. in SeaTac. Register to race between 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

For questions, visit www.seatacbmx.org, email us at seatacbmx@hotmail.com or call (206) 243-4411.

Annual half marathon

Enter the Joint Base Lewis-McChord fifth annual JBLM Half-Marathon, 5K and 1K Fun Run, Sept. 17. Register online at JBLMmwr.com.

Early registration deadline is through Sept. 13 by noon. Late registration is after noon Sept. 13 to 17; does not include a shirt or gate pass. The USATF-certified course is closed on race day; only paid entries will be allowed to run.

For more information, call 967-4768 or 967-2604.

Stone Ed. tests set

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord–David L. Stone Testing Center will be giving the following tests. If interested, contact our testing center at 967-5657. Contact us prior to the testing session you wish to attend:

ACT: Sept. 13, 27, Oct. 4, 18. Tests begin at 9 a.m.

ASE (certification for auto professionals): Nov. 10, 15 and 17, times to be announced.

Registration deadline Sept. 23. Fee $36. DANTES funds three exams per test cycle for active duty, Reserve and National Guard including Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard.

Praxis (teacher licensure and certification): Nov. 15, time to be announced. Registration deadline Oct. 11. Fee $50. DANTES funds only one administration of the Praxis I: PPST (complete or partial) and one administration of the Praxis II: Subject Assessments, which includes the PLT, per lifetime at a DANTES Test Site for military personnel.

McChord Thrift sales

The McChord Thrift Shop Bag Sale will take place Sept. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Buy a 30-gallon bag for $5 and fill it with items from the donation area. The shop’s quarterly sale will be Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All clearance items will be an extra 50 percent off. The consignment desk will not be open. Located next to Adventures Unlimited on McChord Field. Questions? Call 982-2468

Green Dragon Ball

The 23rd CBRN Battalion will host the Pacific Northwest CBRN Conference Sept. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Carey Theater, JBLM, for all Pacific Northwest chemical-branch Soldiers. The conference will end with a social at Cascade Community Center.

The theme this year is “Celebrating Our CBRN Profession of Arms.” Keynote speaker is the CBRN School Commandant, Col. Vance Visser.

The Pacific Northwest Green Dragon Ball will be on Sept. 30 from 5 p.m. to midnight at the Landmark Convention Center’s Temple Theater Ballroom. Keynote speaker is the 20th Support Command Commanding General Brig. Gen. Leslie Smith.All chemical branch Soldiers, regardless of unit, are encouraged to attend to share information and experiences.

For information, call 1st Lt. Peter Ahching or Master Sgt. Demetric Herron at 966-1960 or email peter.ahchingjr@us.army.mil.

JBLM Education Fair

Ever thought about going back to school, but weren’t sure where to start? Don’t know which school to attend? Not sure how you will pay for it? Come to the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Education Fair Sept. 15 and 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stone Education Center. Open to all JBLM Lewis Main and McChord Field military community members, including military, DOD civilians and Family members. For information, call the Education Center at 967-7295/7174.

Funded law school

The Office of the Judge Advocate General is accepting applications for the Army’s Funded Legal Education Program. The Army projects up to 25 active-duty commissioned officers will attend law school at government expense beginning fall, 2012, while remaining on active duty.

The program is open to O1s to O3s with at least two but less than six years of total active federal service.

Applicants should register for the earliest offering of the Law School Admission Test and send requests through command channels, to include the officer’s branch manager at AHRC, with a copy to to the OTJAG, ATTN: DAJA-PT (Ms. Yvonne Caron-Rm 2B517), 2200 Army Pentagon, Washington, DC 20310, to be received by Nov. 1, 2011. Early application is advised.

See the AHRC website at www.hrc.army.mil for branch-specific contact information; AHRC has relocated from Alexandria, Va. to to Fort Knox, Ky. Contact I Corps and JBLM OSJA at 477-1900.

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 477-0183.