Kids at a Catholic Youth Organization camp in Monroe will learn about overcoming challenges on a ropes course dedicated to a young Army lieutenant from Steilacoom who was killed in Afghanistan last June.

The high ropes challenge course at the Catholic Youth Organization’s Camp Hamilton in Monroe is to be dedicated next week in memory of Army Lt. Brian Bradshaw, who was 24 when he died last June.

He had been in Afghanistan only three months.

Bradshaw, a 2007 graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, was a member of the Army’s 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat …

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You may hear explosions coming from Joint Base Lewis-McChord on May 19 and 20.

Demolitions training is scheduled both day and night on those days, according to a news release.

Firing of artillery and demolitions training is periodically conducted on the base.

If you have comments about the nose, call Lewis-McChord’s public affairs office hot line at 253-967-0852.

Here’s a copy of the news release issued this morning:

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – Joint Base Lewis-McChord will be conducting late night firing on the following dates:

DATE TIME FIRING OF
19-20 May 2010 Day & Night Demolitions and

…

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Some of the last living members of a storied American military unit from World War II are spending the weekend in Tacoma, along with family members and history buffs.

The annual reunion of the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society, whose senior members are Bataan Death March veterans, is being held today and Saturday at the La Quinta Inn and Suites, 1425 27th St. E.

Organizers say the public is welcome. Some of the sessions that might be of broader interest include “Help Me Understand My Connection” at 3:30 today; a documentary film called “Forgotten Soldiers” at 10 a.m. Saturday; a …

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Families and friends are preparing to welcome home about 200 soldiers from the Middle East tonight, when members of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 593rd Sustainment Brigade are scheduled to march into Wilson Gym at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

About 450 soldiers with the brigade were sent to Kuwait last May. Another 75 of them (members of the 80th Ordnance Battalion) are set to return home early Sunday morning, according to Lewis-McChord.

The sustainment brigade was heavily involved in the drawdown of American troops from Iraq. After seven years of war, thousands of tons of equipment have been scattered …

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A U.S. Air Force reservist who lives in University Place is the recipient of the 2010 Howard O. Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year Award, presented by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber.

Lt. Col. Adam Torem was honored for service including coaching a team of nine and 10-year-old budding engineers in the “FIRST” Lego League Challenge, and for teaching youth classes at his synagogue.

Torem also helped put together state legislation ensuring that all Washington service members called to active duty receive the same benefits, as well as legislation designed to protect the parental rights of deployed residents.

He also …

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Golf for the mind and body

Construction to replace security devices will bring lane closures and traffic delays beginning Wednesday at the  Madigan Army Medical Center entrance to Joint Base Lewis McChord.

The work is scheduled through Aug. 16, according to a news release.

It involves digging up and moving metal plates that can be raised to prevent traffic from entering the base when security is heightened, a spokesman said.

The Madigan entrance is located at Exit 122/Berkeley Street off of Interstate 5.

Traffic there will be reduced to two lanes headed into the base and one out of the base for most of each …

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