ExploreJBLM Summer 2025 e-Guide, Issue 11

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD

SUMMER 2025

JBLM EXPLOREJBLM MORALE, WELFARE & RECREATION GUIDE

Have an Adventure on JBLM! Meet Your Outdoor Guides Pages 28–36

Youth of the Year Page 18–20

Deals & Discounts for Junior Enlisted Page 25–27

Compete in Fields of Friendly Strife

JBLM.armymwr.com Pages 42–46

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2ND FRIDAY

OF THE MONTH

WARRIOR ZONE SIGN-UP: 6 P.M. OPEN MIC: 7 P.M.

•MUSIC •COMEDY •POETRY •KARAOKE Open to JBLM DoD ID cardholders ages 18 and older.

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ExploreJBLM Summer 2025

Cheeseburger..............$7 Pulled Pork Sandwich...$7 Hot Dog......................$6

Proudly Sponsored By:

No federal endorsement implied.

Director, Family & MWR Venicia Morse

Activities described herein, which are open to

Marketing director Kimberly Perrenot

authorized patrons and, where applicable, guests,

Editor/Writer Amanda Thomas

are subject to change; contact the activity for con-

Graphics Toby Bartley, Emiliano Hernandez Contributing writers Angela Andrews, Carl Carlson Contributing photographers Toby Bartley, Ursula Buford, Emiliano Hernandez, Greg Hopper, Amanda Thomas, Hillside Youth Center staff, CYS Training staff, ODR staff For commercial sponsorship or advertising inquiries, off-base businesses, call 253-966-2256.

EXPLOREJBLM is an unofficial information source.

firmation. Opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent Family & MWR, Joint Base Lewis-McChord or any U.S. government entity. The use of a commercial sponsor logo or mention of a commercial sponsor or other organization does not constitute U.S. government endorsement.

NOTE: Events mentioned in this issue may be canceled or revised after publication date. For current updates, visit JBLM.armymwr.com.

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I N S TA LILNAT S TA I OLNL AT M AI O NN A GMEAMNEANGTEC MOEM NM T A CN OD MMAND

Joint Joint BaseBase Lewis-McChord Lewis-McChord

MWR DIRECTORY

Family Family and MWR and MWR

Go to Go JBLM.armymwr.com to JBLM.armymwr.com for more for information. more information.

Phonearea area Phone code area code 253. is 253.

Phone code isis253.

LM = Lewis LM = Main Lewis | LN Main = Lewis | LN =North Lewis | North MF = |McChord MF Field Field Field LM = Lewis Main | LN = Lewis North | MF==McChord McChord

LEISURE LEISURE RESOURCES RESOURCES

AQUATICS AQUATICS

BETTER BETTER OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES FOR SINGLE FOR SINGLE KIMBRO KIMBRO POOL POOL SERVICE SERVICE MEMBERS MEMBERS (BOSS)(BOSS) 2161 Liggett 2161 Liggett Ave. LM Ave. LM 967-5026 967-5026 11592 17th 11592 & 17th D St.&LN D St. LN 967-5636 967-5636 McCHORD McCHORD FIELD OUTDOOR FIELD OUTDOOR POOL POOL LEISURE LEISURE TRAVEL TRAVEL SERVICES SERVICES (open summers (open summers only) only) 8050 NCO 8050Beach NCO Rd. Beach LN Rd. LN 967-3085 967-3085 736 5th736 St. MF 5th St. MF 982-2807 982-2807 WARRIOR WARRIOR ZONE ZONE SOLDIERS SOLDIERS FIELD HOUSE FIELD HOUSE POOL POOL 11592 17th 11592 & 17th D St.&LN D St. LN 477-5756 477-5756 3236 2nd 3236 Div. 2nd & Handrich Div. & Handrich LM LM 967-5390 967-5390

OUTDOOR OUTDOOR RECREATION RECREATION

ARTS ARTS & CRAFTS & CRAFTS

HOLIDAY HOLIDAY PARK MF PARK MF McCHORD McCHORD ARTS &ARTS CRAFTS & CRAFTS CENTER CENTER PavilionPavilion Info & Reservations Info & Reservations 982-7744 982-7744 1121 Barnes 1121 Barnes Blvd. MF Blvd. MF 982-6719 982-6719 HolidayHoliday Park/Fam-Camp Park/Fam-Camp 982-5488 982-5488 AUTOAUTO FREEDOM FREEDOM PARK PARK 2275 Liggett 2275 Liggett Ave. LM Ave. LM LEWIS LEWIS AUTO AUTO CENTER CENTER SPLASHSPLASH PARK (Summer PARK (Summer only) only) 967-4661 967-4661 4043 West 4043Way West Way 967-3728 967-3728 NORTHWEST NORTHWEST ADVENTURE ADVENTURE CENTER CENTER McCHORD McCHORD AUTO AUTO CENTER CENTER 8050 NCO 8050Beach NCO Rd. Beach LN Rd. LN 1120 Barnes 1120 Barnes Blvd. MF Blvd. MF 982-7226 982-7226

OUTDOOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE ADVENTURE PROGRAMS PROGRAMS LN 967-7744 LN 967-7744 EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT RENTALRENTAL (NAC) LN (NAC) LN 967-7744 967-7744 TRAVELTRAVEL CAMP &CAMP CABIN&RENTAL CABIN RENTAL LN LN 967-7744 967-7744

LIBRARIES LIBRARIES

GRANDSTAFF GRANDSTAFF MEMORIAL MEMORIAL RUSSELL RUSSELL LANDING LANDING MARINA MARINA 2109 N.2109 10thN. & 10th Pendleton & Pendleton LM LM 967-5889 967-5889 (Open Memorial (Open Memorial Day–Labor Day–Labor Day) Day) PATCHPATCH CHILDREN’S CHILDREN’S LIBRARY LIBRARY 8981 American 8981 American Lake Ave. Lake LNAve. LN 967-2510 967-2510 BOOK BOOK (inside Grandstaff) (inside Grandstaff) SHORELINE SHORELINE PARK PARK 10thN. & 10th Pendleton & Pendleton LM LM 967-5533 967-5533 (Open Memorial (Open Memorial Day through Day through Labor Day) Labor Day) 2109 N.2109 McCHORD McCHORD LIBRARY LIBRARY Shoreline Shoreline Beach Rd., Beach Pavillion Rd., Pavillion info LN info967-2510 LN 967-2510 851 Lincoln 851 Lincoln Blvd., Ground Blvd., Ground Floor MF Floor 982-3454 MF 982-3454 OFF-ROAD OFF-ROAD VEHICLE VEHICLE PARK PARK

2 miles past 2 miles thepast Skeet theRange Skeet Range jblm.isportsman.net jblm.isportsman.net

CHILDCHILD DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTERS CENTERS

RIFLE & RIFLE PISTOL & PISTOL RANGERANGE (RANGE (RANGE 15) 15) 0015 East 0015 Gate EastRd. Gate LMRd. LM 967-9803 967-9803 BEACHWOOD BEACHWOOD CDC CDC SHOTGUN SHOTGUN SHOOTING SHOOTING COMPLEX COMPLEX 8300 American 8300 American Lake Ave. Lake LNAve. 967-2600/477-5379 LN 967-2600/477-5379 3969 2nd 3969 Div2nd Range Div Rd. Range LMRd. LM 967-7056 967-7056 CLARKMOOR CLARKMOOR CDC CDC

SPORTS SPORTS & FITNESS & FITNESS 2095 Bitar 2095 Ave. Bitar LM Ave. LM 967-2300/5455 967-2300/5455 HILLSIDE HILLSIDE CDC CDC PT occurs PT between occurs between 6:30–7:30 6:30–7:30 a.m. a.m.

6396 Garcia 6396 Blvd.

GarciaLM Blvd. LM 477-3125/3126 477-3125/3126 JENSEN JENSEN HUMAN HUMAN PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE CENTER CENTER MADIGAN MADIGAN CDC CDC 2022 Liggett 2022 Liggett Ave. & Ave. Div. LM & Div. LM 967-5975 967-5975 6995 Jackson 6995 Jackson Ave. LM Ave. LM 967-2800 967-2800 McCHORD McCHORD FITNESS FITNESS CENTER CENTER McCHORD McCHORD CDC CDC 729 5th729 St. MF 5th St. MF 982-6707 982-6707 578 Lincoln Blvd. (EAST) Blvd. MF (EAST) 982-0413/982-4903 MF 982-0413/982-4903 McCHORD McCHORD FITNESS FITNESS CENTER CENTER ANNEX ANNEX 578 Lincoln McCHORD McCHORD CDC CDC 726 5th726 St. MF 5th St. MF 982-6700 982-6700 McVEIGH McVEIGH SPORTS SPORTS & FITNESS & FITNESS CENTER CENTER 560 Lincoln 560 Lincoln Blvd. (WEST) Blvd. (WEST) MF 982-4166/4178 MF 982-4166/4178 2160 Liggett 2160 Liggett Ave. LM Ave. LM 967-5869 967-5869 YOUTH YOUTH PROGRAMS PROGRAMS SHERIDAN SHERIDAN SPORTS SPORTS & FITNESS & FITNESS CENTER CENTER CASCADE CASCADE SCHOOL SCHOOL AGE CENTER AGE CENTER 3759 Stryker 3759 Stryker Ave. LM Ave. LM 967-3797/4467 967-3797/4467 2402 Bitar 2402 Ave. Bitar LM Ave. LM 966-8977/8978 966-8977/8978 SOLDIERS SOLDIERS FIELD HOUSE FIELD HOUSE HILLSIDE HILLSIDE YOUTHYOUTH CENTER/TEEN CENTER/TEEN ZONE ZONE 3236 2nd 3236 Div. 2nd & Handrich Div. & Handrich LM LM 967-4771 967-4771 6397 Garcia 6397 Blvd.

GarciaLM Blvd. LM 967-4441 967-4441 WILSON WILSON SPORTS SPORTS & FITNESS & FITNESS CENTER CENTER LEWIS LEWIS NORTHNORTH SCHOOL SCHOOL AGE CENTER AGE CENTER 11596 D 11596 St. &D 41st St. Div. & 41st LNDiv. LN 967-7471 967-7471 8584 American 8584 American Lake Ave. Lake LNAve. 966-7166/7167 LN 966-7166/7167 McCHORD McCHORD SCHOOL SCHOOL AGE CENTER AGE CENTER INTRAMURAL INTRAMURAL SPORTS SPORTS OFFICEOFFICE 3032 Dogwood 3032 Dogwood St. MF St. MF 982-2203 982-2203 3236 2nd 3236 Div. 2nd & Handrich Div. & Handrich LM LM 967-6420 967-6420 YOUTHYOUTH SPORTS SPORTS 6398 Garcia 6398 Blvd.

GarciaLM Blvd. LM 967-2405 967-2405 Continued Continued on nexton page next page

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OTHER OTHER CHILD CHILD & YOUTH & YOUTH SERVICES SERVICES

ARMED ARMED FORCES FORCES COMMUNITY COMMUNITY SERVICE SERVICE

PARENT PARENT CENTRAL CENTRAL SERVICES SERVICES ARMED ARMED FORCES FORCES ACTION ACTION PLANPLAN (AFAP) (AFAP) 2295 2295 12th & 12th Bitar & LM Bitar LM 966-2977 966-2977 4274 4274 IdahoIdaho Ave LM Ave LM 967-2324 967-2324 FAMILY FAMILY CHILD CHILD CARECARE ARMED ARMED FORCES FORCES TEAM TEAM BUILDING BUILDING (AFTB) (AFTB) 2275 2275 Liggett Liggett Ave. Ave. LM LM 967-3039 967-3039 4274 4274 IdahoIdaho Ave LM Ave LM 967-2324 967-2324 SCHOOL SCHOOL SUPPORT SUPPORT SERVICES SERVICES INSTALLATION INSTALLATION VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER CORPS CORPS (IVC) (IVC) 2295 2295 12th & 12th Bitar & LM Bitar LM 967-7195 967-7195 4274 4274 IdahoIdaho Ave LM Ave LM 967-2324 967-2324 EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT READINESS READINESS PROGRAM PROGRAM 9059 9059 Gardner Gardner LoopLoop LM LM 477-9675 477-9675 HOME-BASED HOME-BASED BUSINESS BUSINESS BOWL BOWL ARENA ARENA LANES LANES Gardner Gardner LoopLoop LM LM 967-2906 967-2906 2272 2272 Liggett Liggett Ave. LM Ave. LM 967-4661 967-4661 9059 9059 BOWLING BOWLING CENTER CENTER

MOBILIZATION, MOBILIZATION, DEPLOYMENT DEPLOYMENT & SSO & SSO 4274 4274 IdahoIdaho Ave LM Ave LM 967-6200 967-6200 RELOCATION RELOCATION READINESS READINESS PROGRAM PROGRAM MWRMWR CATERING CATERING & AMERICAN & AMERICAN LAKELAKE 2140 2140 Liggett Liggett Ave LM Ave LM 967-3633 967-3633 CONFERENCE CONFERENCE CENTER CENTER 100Joe Col.Jackson Joe Jackson Blvd MF Blvd MF 982-2695 982-2695 8085 8085 NCONCO BeachBeach Rd. LN Rd. LN 966-7466 966-7466 100 Col. SURVIVOR SURVIVOR OUTREACH OUTREACH SERVICES SERVICES (SOS)(SOS) HABAÑERO HABAÑERO MEXICAN MEXICAN GRILLGRILL at at 2140 2140 Liggett Liggett Ave LM Ave LM 967-3672 967-3672 WHISPERING WHISPERING FIRS FIRS GOLFGOLF COURSE COURSE

DINING DINING & CLUBS & CLUBS

895 Lincoln 895 Lincoln Blvd. Blvd.

MF MF 982-3271 982-3271 FINANCIAL FINANCIAL READINESS READINESS McCHORD McCHORD CLUBCLUB 700 Barnes 700 Barnes Blvd. Blvd.

MF MF 982-2795 982-2795 WARRIOR WARRIOR ZONE ZONE CAFECAFE FINANCIAL FINANCIAL READINESS READINESS PROGRAM PROGRAM 1159211592 D St. D & St. 17th & LN 17th LN 477-5835/5833 477-5835/5833 2140 2140 Liggett Liggett Ave LM Ave LM 967-1453 967-1453 100 Col. 100Joe Col.Jackson Joe Jackson Blvd MF Blvd MF 982-3125 982-3125 GOLF GOLF COURSES COURSES ARMY ARMY EMERGENCY EMERGENCY RELIEF RELIEF (AER)(AER) 2140 2140 Liggett Liggett Ave LM Ave LM 967-9852 967-9852 EAGLE’S EAGLE’S PRIDE PRIDE GOLFGOLF COURSE COURSE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE AID SOCIETY AID SOCIETY (AFAS) (AFAS) Located Located off I-5, offExit I-5,116 Exit 116 967-6522 967-6522 100 Col. 100Joe Col.Jackson Joe Jackson Blvd MF Blvd MF 982-9027 982-9027 WHISPERING WHISPERING FIRS FIRS GOLFGOLF COURSE COURSE 895 Lincoln 895 Lincoln Blvd. Blvd.

MF MF

982-2124 982-2124

SUPPORT SUPPORT SERVICES SERVICES DIVISION DIVISION

FAMILY FAMILY ADVOCACY ADVOCACY

MWRMWR MARKETING MARKETING & ADVERTISING & ADVERTISING 2013B 2013B N. 3rd N.St., 3rdRm. St.,117 Rm.LM 117 LM 967-5202 967-5202 EFMPEFMP FAMILY FAMILY SUPPORT SUPPORT CORPORATE CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS PARTNERSHIPS 2013A 2013A N. 3rd N.St., 3rdRm. St.,203 Rm.LM 203 LM 967-5797 967-5797 2013B 2013B N. 3rd N.St., 3rdRm. St.,117 Rm.LM 117 LM FAMILY FAMILY ADVOCACY ADVOCACY PROGRAM PROGRAM 967-7942/966-2256 967-7942/966-2256 2013A 2013A N. 3rd N.St. 3rd LM St. LM 967-5901 967-5901 UNITUNIT FUNDS FUNDS NEWNEW PARENT PARENT SUPPORT SUPPORT PROGRAM PROGRAM 2013 2013 N. 3rd N.St., 3rdRm. St.,338 Rm.LM 338 LM 966-4300 966-4300 2013A 2013A N. 3rd N.St. 3rd LM St. LM 967-7409 967-7409 PRIVATE PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS ORGANIZATIONS 24/7 24/7 DOMESTIC DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VIOLENCE SAFELINE SAFELINE 2013 2013 N. 3rd N.St., 3rdRm. St.,312 Rm.LM 312 LM 967-6551 967-6551 2013A 2013A N. 3rd N.St. 3rd LM St. LM 966-7233 966-7233 NAF NAF FINANCIAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT 2013 2013 N. 3rd N.St., 3rdRm. St.,324 Rm.LM 324 LM 967-1332 967-1332 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY INFORMATION INFORMATION SUPPLY SUPPLY SERVICES SERVICES (CIS) (CIS) 2057 2057 CraryCrary Ave. LM Ave. LM 967-3991 967-3991 INFORMATION INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY AFCSAFCS PROGRAM PROGRAM PHONE PHONE TREETREE 2013 2013 N. 3rd N.St. 3rd LM St. LM 2140 2140 Liggett Liggett Ave LM Ave LM 967-7166 967-7166 CYMSCYMS 967-6276 967-6276 CIS WALLER CIS WALLER HALLHALL RecTrac RecTrac /WebTrac /WebTrac 967-8370 967-83702140 2140 Liggett Liggett Ave LM Ave LM 967-7130 967-7130 CIS SERVICE CIS SERVICE MEMBER MEMBER & FAMILY & FAMILY OTHER OTHER FACILITIES/BUSINESSES FACILITIES/BUSINESSES ASSISTANCE ASSISTANCE CENTER CENTER (SFAC) (SFAC) 9059 9059 Gardner Gardner LoopLoop LM LM 966-8433 966-8433 CPAC-NAF CPAC-NAF HUMAN HUMAN RESOURCES RESOURCES OFFICE OFFICE CIS McCHORD CIS McCHORD FIELDFIELD 2015 2015 4th &4th Pendleton & Pendleton Ave, Rm. Ave,B008 Rm. B008 LM LM 100 Col. 100Joe Col.Jackson Joe Jackson Blvd MF Blvd MF 982-2695 982-2695 OfficeOffice 968-6797 968-6797 PAINTBALL PAINTBALL INC. INC. ArmedArmed ForcesForces Armed Forces 4535 4535 Vancouver Vancouver Rd. LN Rd. LN 912-8000 912-8000 Community Community Service Service MWR Website MWR MWR Facebook MWR Community Service MWRWebsite Website MWRFacebook Facebook THE PET THEBRIGADE PET BRIGADE 0497 0497 Pendleton Pendleton Ave. LN Ave. LN 912-4898 912-4898 TEXAS TEXAS ROADHOUSE ROADHOUSE 2370023700 N 14th N St. 14th LM St. LM 393-9085 393-9085

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EXPLOREJBLM IN THIS ISSUE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

6 6

10

12

YOUR GUIDE REMEMBERING MWR’S TO JBLM ROOTS

JBLM’S NEXT TOP CHEF

ExploreJBLM Summer 2025

FEATURES

8

Summer Sippin’ Beat the heat with American Lake Conference Center Manager Carl Carlson and mix up some refreshing summer drinks to sip on while you chill out.

18 Future Leaders Meet Natalia, Youth of the Year and future leader. Listen to her story and learn about this grand opportunity for youth offered by the Boys & Girls Club of America.

28 Meet Your Guides Our Outdoor Recreation trips are some of the best in the country, so read to meet some of the awesome guides that make those trips possible.

42 Fields of Friendly Strife Learn about this friendly sports competition that is unique to JBLM, and the intramural sports staff that make it possible for our Service Members and families!

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25

38

HOT JOBS AND COOL SUMMERS

DISCOUNTS & DEALS

OVERDUE FOR A VISIT

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Your Guide to JBLM

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ExploreJBLM Summer 2025

to JBLM! MWR is here to meet your needs and support you through our expansive programs and services. Let MWR be your guide to Washington state and everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer!

MWR services and resources The sun’s finally out for JBLM residents, and MWR is here to support your needs through family-friendly options such as child care, youth sports, special events and celebrations focused on your family. Service Members can enjoy connecting with BOSS, and everyone can enjoy trips with Outdoor Recreation, festivals, events at the libraries and so much more.

On the cover Whitewater rafting is just one of the thrill-seeking activities that MWR Outdoor Recreation can take you on! From tackling rapids to chilling out on a wine tour, there’s something for everyone on the calendar every month.

In this issue Spend your summer months outside exploring on one of our guided trips hosted by Outdoor Recreation. Get to know your experienced guides (pages 28–36), why they started working in the great outdoors and some of their favorite locations to visit in Washington. We had the privilege of eating some tasty food prepared by JBLM CYS cooks, so learn about what they do in the kitchens of our childcare facilities (pages 12–16). Then find career opportunities within MWR (pages 22–24), and how to make money and save money with our Deals & Discounts for junior enlisted (pages 25–27). And finally, read about a unique JBLM initiative called “Fields of Friendly Strife” and get to know our Intramural Sports team as they head up the Commander’s Cup programs and all of the other iconic runs and races that the JBLM community know and love.

For resources, plus fun events & activities, visit

JBLMmwr

and look at our events list!

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FEATURE

Sip Sip, Hooray!

L

ong, hot days and cool nights make for the perfect time to chill out with a refreshing drink. MWR Catering Business Manager Carl Carlson at the beautiful American Lake Conference Center has whipped up just the mocktails (or cocktails if you’re over 21) for our Explore JBLM magazine readers.

He’s created both a sparkling paloma and a fun take on the traditional margarita.

Palomas are simple, bubbly cocktails that are relatively new to the bar scene, having sprung up with the invention of a certain popular grapefruit soda. Carl keeps this recipe light

ExploreJBLM Summer 2025 10 ExploreJBLM

with club soda and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and he deviates from the traditional highball glass with a fun and flirty wine glass.

Feel free to customize!

As for the history of the margarita, it’s as hazy as memories after a long night of drinking the classic cocktail on the beach. Carl again mixed things up by using watermelon purée for that extra summery feel and added the kick of fresh jalapeño. Both of these drinks are easily customizable, and just as sweet with or without alcohol, so drink responsibly and let’s get shakin’ this summer!

Sparkling Paloma Ingredients 1.5 oz grapefruit juice 0.5 oz simple syrup 0.5 lime juice Splash of club soda (optional) 1.5 oz tequila Garnish with orange slice

Watermelon Margarita Ingredients 2 oz watermelon purée 1 oz lime juice 1 oz simple syrup Splash of club soda (optional) 2-3 slices jalapeño (optional) 2 oz tequila blanco Garnish with Tajin around the rim

Recipe by Carl Carlson Photography by Amanda Thomas

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LIVE

Remembering MWR’s roots ExploreJBLM Summer 2025 12 courtesy photo of blog.seattlepi.com

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s an integral part of JBLM, Family & A new commissary, theater, golf course, MWR is a daily part of a military memsports fields, family housing and more were ber’s need for rest, relaxation and renewal. part of the new construction. Other older The need for war-weary troops to rest, structures were converted into clubs, a PX and refresh and reinvigorate was evident from the Red Cross convalescent housing. founding of the U.S. Army in 1775 with the Just three years later, an airfield north of Revolutionary War. Informal types of troop Fort Lewis was established, which 10 years support, such as meals, laundry, goods and later became what is now McChord Field. services, were provided by post traders who Army adapts to families’ needs set up shop at Army camps and forts throughOver the years, families slowly began to be out the U.S. included in morale, welfare and recreation proNot until 1895 did the Army post exchange grams. In the late 1960s, the Army began to become a permanent establishment with Army seriously consider the needs of Service memheadquarters and profits were used to support ber families as a whole unit, not as separate troops’ recreational activities. from married Service The Army began to Through all the transitions, the Members’ well-being. set up and maintain not philosophy of balancing work In the 1980s, the Army only PXs but libraries, and play while staying fit to Family Action Plan took schools, recreation cenfight has emerged and underlies effect to highlight the ters and gymnasiums for importance of Service all our services and programs. its troops during the first member families actively half of the 20th century influencing their Service member’s and their as a new part of the Army Special Services. community’s morale and resilience.

Building for the future Today, more than ever, families are recogThrough Pierce County’s donation of land to nized for their service and contribution to the the U.S. government for military use in 1917, Army. As we welcome new families as well as Camp Lewis was constructed in less than 90 single Service Members, we invite all retirees, days, just as World War I broke out. vets, military members, civilian personnel and In addition to Army facilities, volunteer orgafamily members to celebrate the many meannizations — the Salvation Army, American Red ingful changes and accomplishments that Cross, Knights of Columbus and the YMCA — cannot have happened without their presence built recreational and entertainment facilities and sacrifice. for the thousands of Soldiers in training, who Though all the transitions, the philosophy would enter the war in June of 1918. of balancing work and play while staying fit Camp Lewis’s buildings fell into disrepair to fight has emerged and underlies all our after the end of the Great War, but Congress services and programs. called for a 10-year rebuilding effort and, in Sources: armymwr.com, militaryonesource.

1927, it became property of the federal govmil/mwr, SR 8627 2017–18, myjblm.cityof ernment and was renamed Fort Lewis. lakewood.us

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JBLM’s Next Top Chef What CYS has cookin’ Text and photos by Amanda Thomas and CYS training staff

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t Parent Central Services, the Friday before Memorial Day was abuzz. Child and Youth Program Assistants, supervisors, trainers and cooks were all in attendance for a mandatory training day. While most people stayed home in preparation for their fourday weekend, CYS employees were busy with a full day of intensive, essential training. It’s hard work, with the optimum care of our children, state and DoD certification and much more on the line. The training our CYS employees undertake is for the safety and well-being of every single child enrolled in their service and under their care. It’s what prepares them to teach our children, to aid them when they’re having a hard day and even to save their life if an unfortunate circumstance were ever to arise. The leadership hosting this training day every year do their very best to make sure they include some fun and entertainment. Our CYS employees do so much for our community, so they should be celebrated just as much as they are prepared.

For the cooks of the CYS program, that was with a friendly cooking competition. In the fashion of such Food Network favorites such as “Chopped” or “Top Chef,” CYS Nutritionist Rachel Bedford and Program Specialist Michelle Caicedo organized this challenge to give these chefs an outlet to cut loose and show just how good they are at their jobs.

When asked what inspired her to cook up such a fantastic idea, Rachel said, “…we wanted to do something different and fun for

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the cooks. We wanted them to showcase their skills and talents. At my previous installation at Fort Stewart, Georgia, we did a cooking competition for one of our training days and the cooks really enjoyed it. I wanted to bring some of that fun to JBLM.” She and Mrs. Caicedo worked together to decide on a set of rules and criteria and directed the cooks to draw a “secret ingredient” from a hat and center their original recipes around that. Winners of this competition would be awarded the

coveted “Golden Spoon.”

Now, I’m a foodie at heart. I cut my teeth, so to speak, on food competition TV shows, and raised my kids to do the same. If you dangle free food in front of me, I’m liable to bite.

You tell me I get to sit on the judge’s panel, and taste a variety of unique dishes made by hand, all for this awesome team-building exercise? I couldn’t say no.

Each team of cooks represented the respective CDC or Youth Center where they worked. For the secret ingredients, Rachel researched cost, availability and commonality and eventually settled on eggplant, oranges, pumpkin, pesto, sundried tomato, strawberries, pineapple and zucchini. The teams then had to brainstorm together, with a budget of $250, to formulate a recipe for the competition. Experience of these cooks ranged from individuals with 20 years cooking experience, who can contribute professional knowledge and technique to the program, down to beginners, who quickly rise to occasion via the

training offered by CYS. Together, they make up the very capable kitchen staff of each CYS facility on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

In their everyday jobs, the cooks at JBLM CYS programs are required to adhere to a selection of recipes based on rules for the Child and Adult Food Care Program, each incorporating specific components that directly correlate to nutritional value, a more healthful lifestyle, and provide a variety of textures and flavors for growing children. This was the cooks’ chance to think a little outside the box, to really get creative and shine, and boy did they.

The judges’ panel consisted of myself and three other individuals from MWR. We were to grade on criteria such as creativity, plating, taste, and cleanliness. Among the dishes presented were a beautifully arranged Vegetable Medley (secret ingredient zucchini) poised tastefully on a boat made of raw cabbage leaf, a breathtaking Traditional Beef Wellington with roasted vegetables drizzled with a Continued on next page

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balsamic glaze (secret ingredient strawberries in the balsamic glaze), a silky-smooth Pumpkin Bisque (secret ingredient pumpkin) and a decadent dessert Orange Creamsicle Blondie (secret ingredient is … surprise, oranges!).

Judges took their obligatory bites, wrote down scores, and then promptly ferreted away the meals to return to later. While we couldn’t eat every plate at once during the judging, there is no way we were letting any of this delicious food go to waste!

And of course it didn’t. What was prepared besides the judge’s plates was later brought into the room for a potluck style lunch, allowing each team’s fellow cooks and other CYS staff to taste their incredible creations. The winners were announced at the end of their training day, and the cooks from McChord School Age Center, Hilda Feagin and Khaikhwan Gill, took home the Golden Spoon.

Their winning creations were Carne Asada Tacos with a Pineapple Pico de Gallo, featuring pineapple as the secret ingredient, of course. Hilda enthralled the judges with her introduction, citing her childhood home and the food she grew up

with as her inspiration. I find that when food is prepared with love, such as the dish presented

by Hilda and Khaikhwan, it is worth a Golden Spoon and much more.

Overall, there was a feeling of true fellowship between the competitors and every member of the CYS staff. The cooks are often overlooked — for most of us, it is only the front desk admin and classroom providers that we encounter when we drop-off or pick up our kids.

We’re aware they are fed on time, consistently, and we know that the food they are fed is healthy, with rigorous testing and inspections of every facility, but we often don’t get to meet the people who are working so hard in the kitchens of each center, behind closed doors. These very talented individuals supply every child with breakfast, lunch and snack each day. On JBLM that includes nine facilities with children ranging from infants to teenagers, with the biggest childcare facility on JBLM providing care to almost 200 children, and that’s not all.

In addition to their daily tasks, lead cooks with CYS must obtain within the first 5 months of employment and then maintain a Food Protection Manager Certification that is acquired Continued on next page

JBLM.armymwr.com 17

through an American National Standards Institute accredited agency. Those who are not the lead cook have to at minimum complete the four-hour initial food sanitation and safety training and a minimum four-hour refresher training annually. Most of the time, even these cooks still must complete the Food Protection Manager Certification. This is in addition to all annual CYS-required trainings!

18 ExploreJBLM Summer 2025

The kids are really the lucky ones in this.

They get to enjoy the food made by these phenomenal cooks. A few of our CYS centers’ favorite dishes include spaghetti and meat sauce, oatmeal, pancakes, French toast, cocoa muffins and cheese pizza. While our kids aren’t eating Beef Wellington for lunch, they sure are enjoying their meals.

Without the service provided by CYS, JBLM and its active duty parents couldn’t provide the world class readiness that we are known for. Rachel made it very clear that while her priority is making sure that JBLM kids are healthy and well-fed, she also cares about uplifting and supporting the awesome kitchen staff that make that possible. They are the unsung heroes, and four judges who had never eaten their food before left Parent Central Services very full and very happy.

Parents on JBLM can rest assured knowing that CYS is always maintaining the highest level of training and service in members of their staff, and that their kids are coming home having been well fed some delicious food.

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JBLM.armymwr.com 19

FEATURE

Leaders of the Future

By Angela Andrews; Photography by Hillside Youth Center staff

Youth of the Year At Hillside Youth Center, hub of JBLM’s middle school and teen program, you’ll find bright smiles and kids with very bright futures.

Serving students in grades 6–12, Hillside Youth Center provides opportunities for teens to develop leadership skills, discover personal values and grow in camaraderie with their peers, all while providing recreational, academic and social activities. Hillside also partners with the Boys & Girls Club of America, which runs an annual leadership development program, Youth of the Year.

The Youth of the Year Program has been recognizing outstanding teens for more than 75 years, and in 2013, Military Youth of the Year was introduced as a component of the program to include the BGCA-affiliated clubs located on military installations, just like JBLM’s Hillside! For as long as Hillside has been open, JBLM had been producing future leaders.

This year, we’re incredibly excited for Natalia, Washington state’s Military Youth of the Year finalist!

Natalia is a sophomore in high school and learned about the Military Youth of the Year program from her friend and fellow Hillside member, Jordan, who was a finalist last year.

20 ExploreJBLM Summer 2025

She shared that representing military youth through this program is important because, “military kids have a lot more to do when they move so much and to try and find stability.”

Natalia also feels participating in the Youth of the Year program “wasn’t really just about the scholarship, but about showing other youth they can do anything they put their mind to.”

Letting her encouraging, positive outlook shine, she also shared some advice for others.

Her tips include having faith in yourself, don’t doubt yourself, keep moving forward, be proud of yourself no matter what and finally, always have a support system.

Natalia counts her parents and Hillside friends and staff in her support system. She says her mom is her biggest supporter and cited a career switch to provide the best opportunities for Natalia and her well-being. Her dad is also really supportive, even when he can’t be there in person for military training or work reasons. He always finds a way to FaceTime and be there for her that way.

Through her participation in the Military Youth of the Year competition, Natalia took her own advice to heart and certainly has a lot to be proud of overall with her extracurriculars.

Continued on page 20

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FEATURE

She’s a member of the advanced orchestra at her school, plays volleyball, has recently been inducted into the National Honor Society and, at Hillside, she is a member of Keystone Club, Torch Club, the Anime Club and completed the babysitting class offered by the club, too. All of these activities spur her on even more, it seems. She aspires to study family law at George Mason University, where she’s already participated in a youth leadership for criminal justice program. Before she wraps up the second half of high school and heads off to obtain her degree, Natalia is headed to the Pacific Northwest Regional competition portion of the Military Youth of the Year program. We’re all very excited to see not only what’s in store for Natalia’s future, but what she and her friends from Hillside bring to the future of JBLM and beyond.

As a last note, Natalia shared that any youth and teens considering joining Hillside Youth

22 ExploreJBLM Summer 2025

Center should “do it!” She thinks it’s a great place, and she even shared another teen’s success story as evidence. She was really excited for her friend who attended the recent Dream Big event, learned how to apply and is now a lifeguard right here at JBLM! Dream Big was a program held at Hillside where teens could learn about college prep, scholarships, financial literacy, how to apply to schools, other avenues to explore after high school and about current opportunities. And that’s just one example of why she thinks Hillside is the place to be. To all our future leaders at JBLM, dream big, smile bright and may you meet inspiring friends like Natalia.

Editor’s note: You can stay tuned to Natalia’s Youth of the Year journey at fb.com/JBLMmwr.

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WORK

Hot Jobs and Cool Paychecks Workin’ on your tan and your résumé...

Join the workforce!

Starting a new life in a new place can be pretty intimidating, especially when it comes to finding a job. This can apply to military spouses, retirees, and even military kids old enough to join the workforce. Luckily, Joint Base Lewis-McChord has made this process as seamless and integrative as possible, providing ample job and training opportunities to allow you to adjust and grow during your time here. One of the best places to work just so happens to be with Family Morale, Welfare, and Recreation and it’s easier than ever to get started on becoming part of the team!

24 ExploreJBLM Summer 2025

Start your own business Have you ever wanted to be your own boss? Would you like to work from home? Do you love children? If the answer to any of those questions is yes and you live on base at JBLM, becoming a Family Child Care provider might just be the perfect job for you. Not only is it an incredibly lucrative and transferrable career choice for a military family member, you could truly make a difference in our community and the lives of military children.

The Family Child Care program is different than any other babysitting gig you might have experienced before. Once you make it past a vigorous vetting process tailored to select the best qualified candidates, you can be certified to provide in-home childcare to JBLM families.

You must complete background checks and regular home inspections as part of the certification process, but once complete, you are eligible to earn up to $10,000 a month, receive paid continued training as well as qualify for subsidies and free resources for your new business. As if that wasn’t enough to convince you, those that complete their onboarding can be eligible for a Relocation Bonus and/or a Recruitment Bonus, each valued at up to $1,000.

FCC has unique qualities that make it a preferred choice for many families. It offers flexible hours: full-day, part-day, extended/ overnight, weekend and hourly care, all in a comfortable home setting. FCC also offers 15% cost savings compared to Child Development Centers and School Age Care fees.

Childcare is a legitimate concern in a military lifestyle, and it can often make a difference in the readiness of our active duty Service Members. Becoming an FCC provider gives families peace of mind knowing that their children can be watched by a trained, certified caregiver right here in their own community.

The FCC Office

is at 2275 Liggett Avenue on Lewis Main. To get started or to ask questions about becoming a Family Child Care provider or about any of the benefits or bonuses discussed here, drop by in person, reach out to Family child Care at 253-967-3039 or check out the MWR website.

Play all day As an alternative to working at home with kids, JBLM Child and Youth Services is always looking for enthusiastic prospective employees that are prepared to work with all ages.

Child and Youth Services includes five Child Development Centers, three School Age Centers, the Hillside Youth Center, and the Youth Sports and Fitness program. Jobs in any of these facilities involves working with kids as young as 4 weeks and as old as high school seniors.

Working for CYS is just as rewarding as opening your home as an FCC provider. Work with a team inside a classroom to develop curriculum, enrichment, and fun as well as receive paid training that can prove vital to career progression.

CYS Employees receive priority placement for their own children and free enrollment for their youngest child with a 25% discount for your other children. Competitive salaries in comparison to similar careers in the private sector making CYS a great place to get started with a career in early childhood. Aided by career progression accelerated by world-class training, mentors, lateral moves, and tuition Continued on next page

JBLM.armymwr.com 25

Top le ft

: Emil middle iano Herna nd /r ight: M W R ez; staff

reimbursement for workrelated coursework at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s levels, CYS is one of the best divisions of MWR to get your start at if you’re wanting to make big moves in the workforce.

Aside from caregivers, there are many other hiring opportunities at CYS, such as IT professionals, program managers, cooks, custodians, administrative assistants, and supervisors. Openings can be found on USAJOBS. gov or you can attend one of MWR’s job fairs hosted on Eagle’s Pride Golf Course to sign on in person!

Make a splash at work You can get started as young as age 15 with training to be a lifeguard. The ultimate summer job can turn out to be a lifelong essential skill, so don’t miss out on the chance to receive free training while you’re living at JBLM! Getting started involves a in-water pretest

26 ExploreJBLM Summer 2025

at least two days prior to the first day of class. Show off your swimming skills by performing a 300-meter front crawl or breaststroke swim, two-minute tread using legs only and a timed brick retrieval. If you successfully qualify, the instructor will email you the blended learning content.

Classes are held Fridays, 5–10 p.m., Saturdays 9–10 p.m. and Sundays 9–5:30 p.m., and a full schedule of the dates of the season are available online.

Training includes a pocket mask and complete certification to be a lifeguard. Once you finish your training, be sure to check for job openings on JBLM for a Recreation Aid (Lifeguard) and start getting paid for your new skills. MWR is also offering $1,000 cash bonus for our lifeguards after working 100 hours!

There are many more job opening of all kinds on JBLM, so visit our webpage for more listings and apply yourself...because SPF won’t block this hot job offers!

DISCOUNTS AND DEALS Washington state is ranked as the 9th most expensive state to live in, and our Service Members can often feel that financial strain as they navigate life on JBLM. Family Morale, Welfare, and Recreation strive to offer services to relieve that strain by providing facilities and programs, often free or at a reduced cost, to help military families enjoy their time at Joint Base Lewis-McChord without breaking the bank. However, for our junior enlisted Service Members, even that can prove difficult, and base leadership and MWR understand that.

Which is why MWR now offers deals and discounts across multiple facilities, enacted specifically for active duty E1-E4. But don’t worry, there are deals and affordable options for everyone at the following places, so be sure to come check out what MWR has to offer.

Golf Enjoy a free round of golf on beautiful Eagle’s Pride green course during non-peak hours. Your free round is for 9 holes and is available Monday through Thursday after noon and on Friday – Sunday after 3 p.m., excluding special events or tournaments.

Eagle’s Pride Golf Course sits against the breathtaking backdrop of the iconic Mount Rainier. It is open to the general public. Enjoy tiered pricing (via rank) on their golf and multisport simulator with your friends for a digital indoor experience! For more information on prices and reservations, visit the MWR website or call 253-967-6522.

Toby Bartley

Continued on next page

JBLM.armymwr.com 27

WORK

MWR staff

Aquatics Did you know we have a total of three pools at Joint Base Lewis-McChord? The Kimbro Pool (located inside McVeigh Fitness Center), the Soldier’s Field House Pool, and the McChord Pool (located between the McChord Fitness Center and McChord Fitness Annex).

Kimbro and the Soldier’s Field House pools are open year-round, with the remaining pools open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, and all are available for recreational swimming.

These great deals have made swimming for fun or for fitness free for E1-E4 families and for active-duty Service Members, and costs for all others are broken down for day, week, and monthly passes on their website, so get ready to make a splash at any of these location!

Emiliano Hernandez

Bowling Get your strike on with a free game or one-hour lane rental during non-peak hours, Wednesday and Thursday 5–8 p.m. (excluding special events, tournaments, leagues and parties).

Bowl Arena Lanes is the spot for after-work or weekend fun on Lewis Main, and remains highly affordable for everyone, not just our junior enlisted. Take advantage of everything besides bowling by booking parties in the Spare Room or getting some good eats from the always excellent Strike Zone Café. Or if bowling is what you’re here for, rental your lanes by hour or by game, and be sure to show up on a Saturday to enjoy black lights, lasers, glow-in-the-dark balls and some vibing music at Rock N’ Glow Bowling.

28 ExploreJBLM Summer 2025

Fitness There are seven Fitness centers located on JBLM, the Jensen Human Performance Center, McChord Fitness Center, McVeigh Fitness Center, McChord Annex, the Sheridan Fitness Center, the Soldiers Field House, and Wilson Fitness Center. Each one offers their own array of fitness classes that include relaxing Tai Chi, high-intensity Bootcamp, rhythmic Zumba and so much more. These classes are now absolutely free for E1-E4 and their families, but are available at a highly affordable rate for the following options: • Single Class $5 • 5 Classes $20 • Monthly Unlimited $150 Ursula Buford • Annual Pass $275 For the current class schedule, visit fb.com/JBLMmwr.

ODR staff

Rentals The Northwest Adventure Center on Lewis North has a plethora of fun equipment available to rent for whatever you can think of.

Have you decided you want to go clamming here in the PNW? Rent a clam gun and shovel! Would you rather go camping? Trailers, cots, sleeping bags, even lanterns can all be found for rent from our Outdoor Recreation team. You can even rent a bounce house for your next birthday party! It’s all here, all affordable, and at a 50% discount for junior enlisted (excluding RVs, trailers, pavilions, and boats).

There’s more!

There’s something free, discounted, or available at reasonable pricing everywhere you go within MWR! Warrior Zone is free to utilize for DoD ID cardholders 18 and up with the exception of food, Sounders Indoor Playground is free for families as well. All DoD cardholders are eligible for services at Grandstaff, Book Patch, and McChord Library and have a daily quota of 15 free prints with all printing free for junior enlisted. In addition to the discounts at the aforementioned facilities, know that races hosted here on JBLM are free to all, with T-shirts available to purchase. Be sure to look to Leisure Travel Services to check out more great discounts for local and national attractions such as Disney World or Tacoma Rainier games that are available at special pricing for Service Members. As always, follow JBLM MWR on social media to catch one our awesome giveaways to score more free stuff!

JBLM.armymwr.com 29

FEATURE

30 ExploreJBLM Summer 2025

Meet Your Guides to Adventure!

By Amanda Thomas and Angela Andrews Photography by Emiliano Hernandez, Toby Bartley, and Outdoor Recreation staff

A

h, the great outdoors. To be honest, we don’t get to see much of it in this day and age. So many jobs involve sitting at a desk or in front of a computer screen, and even if they don’t, we’re utilizing them during our personal time. Smartphones and television screens aren’t just prominent in our lives – they’ve become essential. We have a constant lifeline to work and the comings and goings of the world. That can be especially true in military life, where our careers are intrinsically tied to every aspect of our lives. So, what are some ways we can disconnect from that stress?

Get out the door...

The solution might be simple. There’s something to be said about getting the privilege to live in “The Evergreen State.” From the snowy peaks of Mount Rainier to the whispering spruce and mosses of the Hoh Rainforest, there is not much that Washington and the Pacific Northwest are missing in natural majesty. It’s what drew my family to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and I’m sure it also attracts many other Service Members and families with a deep love of nature. You don’t even have to venture far! There’s wildlife right outside your doors in base housing – just ask McChord

residents about the black bears that come out to greet the springtime every year! And while yes, wildlife and the untamed wilderness can be scary, it has its own allure and its own uncountable benefits. Studies show that getting outside can reduce stress and improve your mood.

Having your children experience the natural environment and learn about it is a critical part of most childhood curriculums. In the JBLM area specifically, we have about 168 days of cloudy weather or rain throughout the year, so getting that vitamin D and fresh air is pretty important when it comes to mental health.

Continued on next page

JBLM.armymwr.com 31

So, what’s keeping you inside? Is it fear of the unknown? Are you unsure of where to go or how to get started on a new outdoor activity? Have you just not found that wow moment, that sudden realization as you gaze out at the shimmering Pacific Ocean about just what gems of natural wonder JBLM and the PNW can be? Lucky for you, the Outdoor Recreation team can be your guide. Headquartered out of the Northwest Adventure Center on Lewis North, this knowledgeable team of outdoor enthusiasts can help facilitate your exploration of our gorgeous natural landscape. They’ve opted to take their own personal love of the outdoors and turn it into service for the families of JBLM, and you get to meet them right here, in the aptly named Explore JBLM magazine. Let them tell you exactly why getting outdoors can change your life.

32 ExploreJBLM Summer 2025

Kaweka Stoney, or ‘Veke’ is a U.S. Army retiree of 22 years. His name is Hawaiian for David, and you can usually find him with a camera in his hand, leading some amazing photography trips and learning courses at Outdoor Recreation. He volunteered with ODR while he was still active duty stationed at JBLM and was promptly hired when he retired from service. He’s been with JBLM ODR ever since, now over 10 years. His favorite place in the PNW is the Olympic Peninsula and the wild, gorgeous coasts of Washington.

Which trip is your favorite to lead?

“My personal favorite trips are the photography trips I lead.

People can expect to learn how to use their camera in modes other than automatic, which allows them to

take artistic shots.”

What advice would you give to readers about recreating in the great outdoors?

“When you go on trips, prepare for all types of weather and respect the outdoors.”

Continued on next page

JBLM.armymwr.com 33

FEATURE Elena Christensen is a military spouse with children who draws upon her personal experience to coordinate programs she knows will benefit not only active duty Service Members but their entire families, too. She’s been an outdoor guide in various capacities across the country and overseas for the better part of a decade. Once she graduated the Outdoor Recreation Alpine Climb Course here at JBLM, she inquired about available positions based on her experience and decided it was kismet.

She’s been with our ODR Team for just shy of a year. Her favorite place in the PNW is anywhere she hasn’t been yet…but she does love the Northern Cascades and Forks on the Olympic Peninsula. She’s made the absolutely stellar accomplishment of having summitted Washington’s Big Five volcanoes within the span of a year: Baker (Kolma-Kulshan), Rainier (Tahoma), Mount St. Helens (Loowit), Glacier Peak (Dahkobed) and Adams (Pahto).

Which trip is your favorite to lead?

“Anything and everything. If it’s not a dedicated objective like climbing a mountain, paddling a river or snowshoeing a fresh trail, I like to create trips/programs that feel like a road trip: checking off the PNW must-see and do’s in a short timespan.”

34 ExploreJBLM Summer 2025

What advice would you give to readers about recreating in the great outdoors?

“Get outside! Go and experience the PNW while you are here regardless of the weather.

There is something for everyone and so much to entertain. Don’t worry about skill level – we’ve got you!”

Bryan Thomas has worked as an Outdoor Guide for 20 years, and at JBLM for the past three. He’s no stranger to challenging himself when it comes to experiencing what the outdoors has to offer. When he was in middle school, Bryan went on vacation in Puerto Rico where he was able to paddle under moonlight up a creek and into a lagoon full of bioluminescent plankton that glowed vibrant blue.

This magical experience cemented his goal to work in the outdoors. In his time as an outdoor guide, he’s taught everything — whitewater rafting, rock climbing, mountaineering, bike riding, kite boarding, skiing, snowshoeing, pack rafting and more. While in the PNW, he loves to explore anywhere that the weather’s good. He particularly enjoys the North Cascades, Olympics, Rainier, Goat Rocks, Eastern Washington, the Columbia River, BC Canada, the San Juans — there are just too many options to choose just one! His next great adventure is to head South to Arizona to do some serious white water rafting along at the Grand Canyon! This excursion will be 21 days long and will cover 225 miles. Bryan will be tackling this challenge 100% self-supported. He will have to raft all the rapids (up through class 10, the highest difficulty a raft can negotiate in the US) and carry all his own food and gear. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Which trip is your favorite to lead?

“My favorite trips to lead are our whitewater rafting trips in Leavenworth in June.

These trips are unlike any other trip we offer.

It’s pedal-to-the metal adrenaline. Most all our other programs, while they have some inherent risk. Every other program you can stop and take a break, but you can’t stop in the middle of a rapid. You’re at its mercy and only the skill of your guide and your crew can get you down safely. We have an absolutely amazing team with a flawless track record that I would trust to take me down the river, and if you’re looking for a bit of excitement, this is the trip for you! We float Class III & IV rapids over 18 miles and 13 rapids. It’s

nonstop excitement. Combine this with the picturesque scenery of Leavenworth and eastern Washington, and you’ve set up one heck of a weekend.”

What advice would you give to readers about recreating in the great outdoors?

“Please read the trip description and not just the name of the trip. We try our best to set you up for success but many times, we have people who forget minor things such as bringing their own lunch on a day-long hiking trip, which causes delays for the whole group.

If you have questions, please feel free to come into the Northwest Adventure Center and ask if needed.

Continued on next page

JBLM.armymwr.com 35

FEATURE

Shellby McGee is a military spouse who just so happens to be one of our toughest guides out there. During her time in Alaska, she won a Strongman Competition! You’ll have to watch out for her feats of strength when you’re following her on the mountainside or on the trail! It was after completing her very first guided summit on Mount Baker that she decided she wanted to learn how to summit mountains without a guide company.

She took the Outdoor Recreation Alpine Climbing course back in 2021 and fell in love with the job. She’s also always been interested in the outdoors and found herself in some sort of outdoor job. So far, she’s found herself leading outdoor excursions as part of the JBLM crew for three years. Her favorite places in the area are simply anywhere she hasn’t been yet, but she’s truly enjoyed exploring the PNW and is constantly on the lookout for new locations to visit.

Which trip is your favorite to lead?

“My personal favorite trips to lead are the overnight backpacking trips. On these trips, you can expect to have an outstanding experience while also leaving with new friendships that will

last a lifetime.”

What advice would you give to readers about recreating in the great outdoors?

“When signing up for a trip, remember your ten essentials and to respect the outdoors!”

36 ExploreJBLM Summer 2025

PLAY

Explore the PNW with JBLM Outdoor Recreation

of outdoor gear that you can use to create your own adventure!

So, whether it’s taking an Alpine Climbing The world is a big and beautiful place, and Course or going whale watching, MWR is creatnatural spaces are becoming fewer and far between as people advance in technology. Part ing chances for you to experience the outdoors in a safe and fun way. While the couch may be of what makes Washington so special is the availability of those natural spaces, so close to inviting when it gets hot this summer, it won’t where we live and work. JBLM itself sits within ever give you the same thrill has summitfull view of the Cascade Mountain Range and ting Mount Saint Helen’s or rafting down the the ever-watchful Mount Rainier, and these Wenatchee River, or even sipping some coffee iconic formations are part of the JBLM identity. in a kayak, while watching the morning light Just look at any logo, and you can usually find reflect off the waters of the Salish Sea. Check that familiar silhouette. The Northwest Advenout the Outdoor Recreation seasonal calendar ture Center is not only the headquarters of our distributed by MWR in person or on our website amazing Outdoor Recreation Team, but it’s a at JBLModr.com, and reserve your adventure place where you can rent or purchase a variety with the team today. Get out and explore!

JBLM.armymwr.com 37

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PLAY

Grandstaff Library

Grandstaff Library

McChord Library

Overdue for a visit J

oint Base Lewis-McChord is one of very few bases in the Department of Defense still able to offer not one, but three full-service libraries for families to enjoy (Grandstaff and Book Patch Library on Lewis Main and McChord Library on McChord Field). Libraries provide essential information services in the form of books and computers with commercial internet access and printing, but that’s certainly not all these amazing facilities offer. Did you know that you can also check out hotspots, Rokus, video games and board games? Or that you can walk in to reserve a video game station fully set up with a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or Nintendo Switch and game the day away? McChord Library also maintains an amazing Makerspace, equipped with a Cricut, embroidery and sewing machine and a stamp maker. Both McChord and Grandstaff libraries house two 3D printers each, ready to make anything you can dream up! All this, and JBLM Libraries are still consistently offering amazing programs catered to all ages from infants to adults. When you think of the library, I know our first thought is always of books, but they are that and much more!

40 ExploreJBLM Summer 2025

Summer Reading Program “Summer slide” is a term used to describe the two months of learning that children can lose during the summer months. The DoD MWR Summer Reading Program serves as a fun initiative for the entire family to keep reading and learning new things and invites them to the library to enjoy unique events offered throughout the typical eight-week length of the program, all helping to prevent that dreaded “summer slide.”

The 2025 SRP theme is “Level Up at Your Libraries,” featuring art by popular illustrators Ruth Chan, Care Pietsch, Oge Mora and Vanessa Brantley Newton. You can see their fun

illustrations on prizes and swag you can pick up at one of the base libraries. The program lasts all the way up until the Grand Finale on Friday, August 8th, hosted by all libraries in the MWR Fest Tent. Participation in Summer Reading Program is open to everyone, regardless of age, and you can look forward to prizes just for signing up!

Just a few of the programs you can look forward to this summer is a presentation of amazing reptiles, courtesy of the ever-popular zoologist Don Riggs of Reptile Isle who will be performing at both libraries and Family Beach Days courtesy of a partnership between the libraries and Outdoor Recreation.

Photos by Amanda Thomas

Grand Finale The Grand Finale event is one of the biggest library programs of the year! It’s a spectacular community celebration that takes place at the MWR Fest Test behind Bowl Arena Lanes. Show up for an evening filled with giant inflatables, exciting games, Gelly Ball, a rock wall and a performance from the musical group known as ABBAgraphs. They will also supply some delicious treats like popcorn, sno-cones, cotton candy

and nachos.

Families can come together to celebrate all their reading achievements that helped prevent the “summer slide” and enjoy a lively atmosphere of fun and laughter. It will be way more than just an end-of-summer party.

It will be a chance for the entire JBLM community to connect and make lasting memories. Don’t miss out on the festivities!

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PLAY

Photos by Amanda Thomas

Cool new stuff to “check out” It’s full STEAM ahead when it comes to updating the libraries’ catalogue, and no JBLM Library ever rests when it comes to bringing families the newest and best media and materials that they can possibly find. Brand new and ready for you to check out are these fun themed activity kits, each filled with books, games, electronics, and more to get you started in STEAM based on age or interest. Among these are bags for little ones exploring early literacy and even a bag catered towards adults for “Things That Fly” such as butterflies and

birds! My favorite inclusions are the kits with unicorn- and dragon-coding robots! Whether it is you or your child who is interested in science, technology, engineering, arts or mathematics, JBLM Libraries have got you covered. These kits are housed in Book Patch Children’s Library, but feel free to place them on hold to pick up in Grandstaff or McChord Library.

Otherwise, keep an eye out for hot new releases in books, movies and video games because you can find all these in your base libraries as well!

Toby Bartley

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2025 Summer Reading Program

PRESENTED BY

June 12 – August 7 Grand Finale Party, Aug. 8 4–7 p.m., MWR Fest Tent

Patti Jeffrey

& Book Patch Libraries Sign up Grandstaff 2109 N. 10th St., Lewis Main 253-967-5889 & 253-967-5533 online or McChord Library 851 Lincoln Blvd., McChord Field in person!

253-982-3454

JBLMmwr

SPONSORED BY

No federal endorsement implied

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FEATURE

Fields of Friendly Strife T

his powerful quote, attributed to global events such as 9/11 in the past and the famous World War I General Douglas more recent pandemic, create changes in how McArthur, is required knowledge for Army both seasoned and new Service Members are cadets at West Point Military Academy. It is able to do their jobs or even work together. also printed on the press box for all to see at Allowing them to get out an have fun while JBLM’s Cowan Stadium. It’s meaning is simalso honing physical, mental and interpersonal ple: Friendly athletic competition is shown to skills create a stronger, well-rounded, happier foster the knowledge, teamwork and physical fighting force. abilities that may later assist Service Members ntramural sports team out in the field. Based on these ideals held by We sat down with MWR’s Intramural General McArthur, the Fields of Friendly Strife Sports Team to chat about how our Sports, initiative here at JBLM was founded roughly Fitness and Aquatics program continues to four years ago in May 2022, and Service support this project and all the other things Members across the base are able to compete they help to organize for JBLM. with one another for bragThe team is led by the Upon the fields of friendly strife coordinator of Intraging rights, a little bit of extra funding and some are sown the seeds that, upon mural Sports, Merle sweet trophies in order McLain. He’s been other fields, on other days, to further the importance with JBLM MWR for a will bear the fruits of victory. of sportsmanship in a little under six years, ~General Douglas McArthur military setting. all within the Sports, ields of Friendly Strife as an initiative Fitness and Aquatics Division. Merle was a is paired with the more familiar Comstudent-athlete through his high school years, mander’s Cup series that Service Members and so upon graduation knew he had the desire may have seen at other bases. What makes to work in athletics. During his time in the miliour program at JBLM unique is the traditions tary, Merle participated in intramural sports and and values that it is based upon. The program coached at local high schools and colleges in was first suggested by previous garrison the area. Since coming onboard MWR’s Sports, commander COL Phil Lamb and has endured Fitness and Aquatics, Merle has been able to mainly because of the morale and sense of oversee the implementation of a Joint Services community that athletic initiatives such as this Softball Tournament in 2023 and coordinate the tend to instill in participants. National and/or Army-Navy Basketball series.

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Emiliano Hernandez

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FEATURE

Photos this page by Greg Hopper

46 ExploreJBLM Summer 2025

For Merle, having been a competitive runner for many, many years in which he won many quarterly Airfield Challenge and was the 1994 JBLM Individual Cross Country Champ, serving as Race Coordinator always brings back great memories and satisfaction that he is contributing in a way that others have done for him.

Next up on the team is Greg Hopper. He has worked with JBLM MWR for 24 years.

He started off as a Recreation Assistant with the gyms and worked his way up to Manager.

Working with intramural sports aligned more with his degree in Sports Management than working at the gyms, so intramural sports became his calling. He remembers assisting with the first mud run on JBLM, where they fished two garbage cans full of muddy shoes out of the mud pits!

Noel Hines has been with MWR for the last seven years. He started out similarly to Greg in the gyms, as a Recreation Assistant and then a Lead at Sheridan Fitness Center before transferring to intramurals as their Facilities Technician. To him, the support that intramurals offer the communities are the best part of his job.

Delbert Wong has worked with MWR for 23 years. Service Member support led him to want to work in athletics, and he knew that through each sport and activity he assists with, he’s lending support to Service Members in the form of special memories. He and his teammates offer Service Members cohesiveness in the work that they do and in the games they participate in. He believes hard work truly pays off.

And rounding out the team of five is Deborah Pierce, or “Debbie.” Debbie has been with MWR for 8 years across a variety of bases.

She’s an Army spouse and since joining the Army family, MWR has been critical in making it through TDYs and deployments. For Debbie, there are so many special moments associated with her time in the athletics field, but one thing stands out. During the pandemic, she was the Fitness Specialist and Personal Trainer for Fort Wainwright. She was approached by the 1-25 Chaplain to implement a “Homebound Fitness Program” for Service Members in quarantine. She was able to provide them with a routine that any Service Member with or without limitations could benefit from.

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Emiliano Hernandez

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FEATURE The planning for intramural sports is pretty straightforward. Staff present a proposal for each league or race for review and approval by the Community Recreation Director. Once approved, the Intramural Sports Team meets to distribute rules for the league and what documents will be required to officially enter.

During the registration period, the team is behind the scenes building the leagues and developing schedules, which can be a lengthy process with many revisions as they ensure field availability and work around unit training exercises. On game days, the Intramural Sports Team sends out reminders, confirming everyone is still available to compete, setting up fields for play, confirming that they have officials and scorekeepers, entering scores and updating standings. It’s a busy but extremely rewarding process, especially when it can be clearly seen how important these games are to the people who participate.

Intramural sports offer a fun, inclusive

environment for Service Members to engage in physical activity and social interaction, fostering teamwork, camaraderie and, most importantly, a sense of community. Participating in the sports organized by this amazing team helps build relationships that can become invaluable on the battlefield and can boost morale. For more information about Fields of Friendly Strife stop by the Intramural Sports Office at Cowan Stadium or check out JBLMsfa.com.

Merle McLain, as a man who has spent his life in athletics, knows a thing or two about motivating people to do their best. His parting words of wisdom are as follows: “Whether you have played in sports for a long time or are just starting out, there are opportunities to participate and everyone is welcome to join. Besides being another avenue to promote physical fitness, the benefits of the relationships built inside and outside of your organizations are tremendous!”

Emiliano Hernandez

Pictured from right: Noel Hines, Greg Hopper, Merle McLain, Debbie Pierce, and Delbert Wong.

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