Services

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Lewis Main Shopping Area
The JBLM Shopping Center provides customers the convenience of one-stop shopping. In addition to the main store, the shopping center includes a GNC Supplement center, Mobile Exchange Center, a Beauty and Barber shop, and Optical shop. There are several specialty shops that are frequently rotated among a variety of concessions. With an assortment of retail shops, there are many food facilities to either sit and dine or grab and go; these include Manchu Wok, Charley's Steakery, Cinnabon, Koibito Sushi & Teriyaki, Taco Johns, and Anthony's Pizza. There are multiple Burger Kings at various locations on post as well as a Popeye's Chicken, all include a drive thru service. There is a Domino's delivery located inside Nelson Rec Center beside one of our many troop stores. 3rd Brigade Troop store on Railroad Ave has a newly opened food court which includes a Subway and Sushi, and Wingzone will be open this summer. On Liggett Avenue, the AAFES Mini Mall which a pharmacy, GNC Supplement Center, GameStop, UPS Store, Optometry Shop, Laundromat, Furniture Store, Class VI and Military Clothing Sales store. Pizza Hut, Blimpie's, Luck Penny Cafe and Koibito Sushi & Teriyaki are some great food facilities that are located at the Mini Mall as well. Close to the Mini Mall is a Firestone Auto Center along with an Einstein Bagel Shop located in both the Armed Forces Bank and Pendleton Express. The Gateway Mall conveniently located at the main gate, is home to Godfather's Pizza, Laundry/Dry Cleaning, Auto Car Detailing, Enterprise Car Rental, Storage Units, and GI Java, with a full service Nail Salon opening this summer. Just behind the mall is a self serve car wash. Waller Hall is another location on base that houses several food facilities to include Starbucks and Subway. After visiting our Flower Shop in Madigan Hospital, go down to the lower levels and visit one of our many food facilties such as Subway, Koibitos, or Anthony's Pizza or visit the Optical Shop, Troop Store, or Barber Shop. We also offer great deals on movie prices and snacks for the family at the Carey Theater. There are four gas stations/express stores at different locations on Lewis Main, to include a new alternative fuel station located on Pendleton Ave. Facilities are available to all active duty service members, retirees, their family members, and Reservists. Food facilities are available to everyone, military or civilian. For more information call (253) 964-3161.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Lewis North
While on Lewis North you'll be able to find several different food facilities, such as Burger King, Koibito Sushi & Teriyaki, and our newly opened Wingzone and Charley's Steakery. This is in addition to the newly opened Domino's Pizza next door, inside America's Credit Union with the convenience of a drive thru for quick service. Along with food facilities, there is a gas station/express for your convenience, an Enterprise car rental, Laundry shop, Barber shop, and GNC. Facilities are available to all active duty service members, retirees, their family members and Reservists. Food facilities are available to everyone, military or civilian. For more information call (253) 964-3587.

McChord Field Shopping Services
The McChord Shopping Center provides the customers the convenience of one-stop shopping at the Exchange. Along with the main store, the shopping center includes a Flower Shop, GNC Supplement center, Optical & Optometry shop, GameStop, Laundry/Dry Cleaners, Alteration Shop, Nail Salon, Starbucks, and Paul Mitchell Salon and barber shop. In addition to the retail shops, the Exchange has many delightful food facilities, including Charley's Steakery, Manchu Wok, Anthony's Pizza, Taco Johns, Popeye's Chicken, Robin Hood Sandwich Shop, and Koibito Sushi & Teriyaki. There is also a gas station and express store with/Class Six and Subway conveniently located on McChord Field. Across the street from the express is a Burger King that does includes drive thru for fast service. Food facilities are available to everyone, military or civilian. For more information call (253) 582-3110.

JBLM Lewis Main Commissary
The JBLM Commissary is a modern, stateof- the-art super store. In addition to the large grocery, meat and produce departments, it features a bakery, deli, fresh fish area and plant section. Because its nearly 18,000 products are sold at cost plus a 5 percent surcharge, commissary patrons regularly save more than 30 percent on their grocery bills. This makes the commissary one of the most valuable benefits. The commissary, located between Pendleton and Nevada Avenues, is open seven days a week to all service members, eligible Reservists, retirees and their families.
JBLM Lewis Main Store Hours:
• Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information, call Customer Service at (253) 966-8476.

McChord Field Commissary
The McChord Commissary is located at 577 Lincoln Boulevard and was renovated in 1985. The commissary is open seven days a week and closed on only three major holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Store hours are:
• Sunday, 10 a.m to 7 p.m.
• Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Disabled patrons and early bird customers with 15 items or less may enter the store a half-hour prior to opening.

The commissary features 18,668 line items in the grocery department, 378 in the produce department, including plants and 140 line items in the meat department. There is a full service deli/bakery featuring custom photo cakes, party cakes, deli, fresh sandwiches to go, rotisserie chicken and sushi bar and fresh fish on ice with lobster tank and shellfish. Gift certificates are also available for purchase in increments of $25 at the cash office window.

An ATM is also available inside the store near the front entrance. Buy in bulk at our Worldwide Case Lot Sale held in front of the commissary twice a year in May and September. The McChord Field Commissary also hosts two on-site-sales in the State of Oregon, bringing the benefit to the Guard/Reserve units twice a year. For further information, visit http://www. commissaries.com or call customer service at (253) 982-3285.

Lewis Thrift Shop
The JBLM Lewis Main Thrift Shop is a nonprofit organization serving the military community by providing authorized active and retired military personnel, DoD personnel, their spouses and authorized adult family members a means for consignment of used personal and household property.

These items are then sold to members of the military community and the general public. Resulting profits are disbursed to base charities, base activities of a community or military nature and military server-related welfare and charity organizations that benefit JBLM retired and active-duty service personnel and their Families.

The Thrift Shop is located in Buildings 2070 and 2071 on Pendleton Avenue between the JBLM Arts and Crafts Center and the Fort Lewis Express Store.

The Thrift Shop accepts clothing, furniture, household items, books and other items for sale on consignment or as donations. All items must be clean and in good working order. Volunteers provide the backbone of the work force. If you are interested in volunteering, contact the store manager at (253) 964-0445.

Thrift Shop hours of operation are:
Sales: Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and the first Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Consignments:
Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (military in uniform have priority at all times).

McChord Thrift Shop
The McChord Thrift Shop is a non-profit store run almost entirely by volunteers. All proceeds are distributed to various McChord Clubs to provide scholarships for military family members and to support various charities in our community.

Not only can you find a bargain but you can also make some extra cash for yourself by consigning items that you no longer need. Eighty percent of the sales price is yours and the other 20 percent goes to the Thrift Store. The Thrift Store is unable to process debit cards.

The Thrift Shop is located in Building 717, directly across the street from Adventures Unlimited. Coming in from Main Gate, take a left at the traffic light onto Barnes Boulevard and then make a right turn on Battery. Contact the store manager at (253) 982-2468.

Thrift Shop hours of operation are:
Sales: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the first Saturday
of the month 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Consignments:
Tuesday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m

Legal Services
The JBLM Legal Assistance offices provide confidential legal services to service members, retirees and their family members. Legal assistance attorneys provide advice on divorce, separation, child support, child custody, wills, powers of attorney, landlordtenant issues, debt collection, military administrative matters, such as OER/NCOER appeals, financial-liability investigations and other personal legal matters. Remember to bring your valid military, family member, or retiree identification card and all relevant documents needed to be reviewed.

The hours for the Legal Assistance office, located in Building 2027A, Liggett Ave., are as follows: Appointments are taken from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Notary services such as powers of attorneys are available on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments with attorneys are scheduled in person only with presentation of a valid military identification card. Appointments are usually scheduled about one to two weeks out and fall between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Retiree services are generally available one Saturday per month from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Call 477-1875/1874/1873 to verify hours of operation or for further information.

The hours for the JBLM Satellite Legal Assistance office, located on McChord Field in Building 100, Col. Joe Jackson Boulevard are as follows: Notary services are available on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attorney services are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Appointments at this office may be scheduled by calling (253) 982-5513.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Tax Center is located on Joint Base Lewis-McChord Main and is open from mid January through September. The Tax Center may assist with state and federal income tax filing.

For hours of operation and eligibility contact (253) 967-1040.

Both legal assistance offices are closed on federal holidays.

The Claims Office is open for customer service Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except federal holidays. It is located in Building 2027A, corner of Liggett Avenue and 8th Street. The Claims office receives and processes personal property claims, tort claims against the government, and Article 139 claims. Anyone who has damaged or missing items from a governmentcontracted move must turn in a completed DD Form 1840/1840R, Notice of Loss or Damage, to the Claims office within 70 days of the delivery of property even if the move has full replacement value (FRV) coverage. Submission of the completed DD Form 1840/R does not constitute filing of your claim. To receive FRV coverage, your claim must be submitted to the carrier within nine months of delivery. For more information or for assistance call (253) 967-0704. Air Force personnel household goods claims are now filed electronically and processed by the Air Force Claims Service Center in Dayton, Ohio.

For information on how to file your claim go to http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/claims.

If you already have the required information and wish to file your claim, go to https://claims.jag.af.mil from any government computer. If you don't have access to a government computer or want more information on how to file a household goods claim, call the Claims Center at (877) 754-1212 for assistance.

The Air Force Claims Center is open 24/7. The Trial Defense Service on the third floor, Building 2027A, provides counseling and services to active-duty service members pending non-judicial punishment, administrative separation and courts-martial.

Article 15 and chapter separation counseling are provided on a walk-in basis on Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. (check- in no later than 1 p.m.). Services may be provided at other times and on the weekend subject to availability of TDS reserve attorneys (when services are provided on the weekend, the main office will be closed for walk-ins on the preceding Wednesday). Schedules for weekend services will be provided to the units as they become available. Follow-up representation and other services are available by appointment by calling (253) 477-1847.

Service members informed of their Article 31 rights do not require an appointment and should contact TDS immediately. Service members in doubt as to whether TDS representation is appropriate in their case should consult with TDS. Air Force personnel should contact Air Defense Counsel, 100 Col. Joe Jackson Blvd., Suite B135, (253) 982-2240.

The JBLM Special Assistant United States Attorney's office is on the first floor, Room 125, Building 2027B. The office prosecutes military and civilian on-base traffic offenses and all on-base non-felony criminal cases involving non-military persons. All court hearings are held in U.S. District Court, downtown Tacoma. For information call (253) 477-1905.

Base Information Services
If you're looking for a telephone number for a JBLM Lewis Main or North organization, dial 113 from on base and (253) 967-1110 from off base. On McChord Field dial 113 from on base and (253) 982- 1110 from off base.

JBLM Newspaper
The Northwest Guardian carries news about units, service members, family members, civilian employees and features of interest. Among the helpful sections are announcements, schedules, club news and community activity notes. The editorial office is located in Building 2026B, phone (253) 477-0183.

Base Transition Services Program
The Joint Base Lewis-McChord ACAP Center, along with its Departments of Labor and Veteran's Affairs partners, provide comprehensive pre-and post-transition counseling services and support to service members in all branches of the military and the Coast Guard. Through the Joint Base Lewis-McChord ACAP Center and its partners, active duty, Reserve, National Guard and DOD civilian employees can consider their career options as they prepare for separation or retirement. Army Remote and regional clients located in the 14 western states covered by the Sixth Region ACAP will continue to be supported by the JBLM Transition Services Program.

JBLM ACAP Center eligibility begins two years prior to retirement, a year prior to separation and immediately for individuals being considered for early release from the military. Initial pre-separation counseling (documented on DD Form 2648 or DD Form 2648 is followed by a three-day Transition Assistance Program job search skill training opportunity. TAP assists transitioning military and their adult family members in preparing to re-enter the civilian work environment. Public law guarantees transition services at any military installation for up to 90 days after separation or retirement. The JBLM ACAP Center Program extends eligibility for 180 days after separation from active duty at JBLM or an Army ACAP Center. The Army has also made transition services a continuing retirement benefit for all Army medical and tenure retirees. Surviving spouses and the spouses of registered clients are eligible for all transition services and are strongly encouraged to participate in JBLM Transition Services Program activities.

The JBLM Transition Services Program process begins by identifying individual transition needs during a mandatory preseparation counseling session. Following initial counseling, the JBLM Transition Services program conducts weekly TAP training workshops, veterans benefits briefings, monthly disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP) workshops, and more than a dozen additional specialty workshops such as federal and state employment, small business classes, resume and interviewing seminars to assist Soldiers and family members in preparing for a successful transition.

The JBLM Transition Services Program (http://lewis.army.mil.acap), and the national ACAP (www.acap.army.mil) websites, and a combination of federal, state and contracted services, including the Washington State Employment Security, Veterans Job Service Center office, which is co-located with the JBLM Transition Services Program Lewis Main Center, offer extension transition information, training and Internet-based job search resources.

Individuals anticipating separation or retirement can schedule JBLM Transition Services online at www.acapexpressarmy.mil in-person at the JBLM Transition Services Program reception desk or in Building 2013A, or by telephone at (253) 967-3258.

The JBLM Transition Services Program main office is located in Building 2013A at the corner of Liggett Avenue and North Third Street.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord ACAP Transition Center offers a three-prong approach to its transitioners in finding the right career. It offers transitioners the standard resume writing/job search track with several mentorship programs; trade apprenticeships, including Helmets to Hardhats, Veterans in Piping (VIP - Welding), and Veterans in Construction Electrical (VICE); and we host an array of courses provided by the Small Business Association (SBA) that includes "Starting a Business," "Marketing Your Business," and an 11 week (one day per week) course called VOTE (Veterans Outreach for Training and Education Program).

The core briefs/workshops offered at the center are the pre-separation benefits brief, 3-day Transition Assistance Program (TAP) workshop, Veterans Administration (VA) briefing, and VA Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP) briefing. We also offer the following courses: advanced resume writing, interviewing, Washington State Application workshop, and a Federal Application (RESUMIX) workshop. The ACAP Center has seven career counselors at the center and one at the Soldier and family Assistance Center (SFAC).

Army Continuing Education System
The David L. Stone Education Center, Building 6242 on Colorado Avenue, is home to many educational opportunities. For information about the ACES programs, call (253) 967-7174 (DSN 357) or visit: www.lewis.army.mil/eso. Stone Education Center includes 28 classrooms, seven computer classrooms, a testing center, a computer learning center, a science laboratory, a 185-seat auditorium, college mall area, Heroes at Home (Spouse Program), a bookstore, a coffee shop, free WI-FI (courtesy of Pierce College), and provides many services to the community. Five colleges and universities are located in Stone Education Center and offer multiple undergraduate- and graduate- level programs. The Washington State Legislature considers service members and their family members residents for tuition purposes when pursuing higher education while stationed in the state.

ACES enriches the quality of life in the military community by making all services available on a walk-in basis for Soldiers, Reservists, family members, veterans and civilians. Services include Education and Career Counseling, Academic Testing, Army Personnel Testing, and Functional Skills Training (FAST). The Technical Academic Resource Center (TARC) is a high-tech computer center that provides a study area where family members, veterans, civilians, college students and Soldiers may use the computers to improve educational skills or complete work-related projects. Computer access, CD-ROM library, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) library and Common Access Card (CAC) pin reset are available at the TARC. For more information, call (253) 967-2171 (DSN 357).

Advising is an integral part of an individual's educational endeavors. Professional advisers provide a full range of adult continuing education advice. Advisers can assist in indentifying an individual's interests, career clarification/development and informing individuals of other education programs and services. Advising is available on a walk-in basis, Monday through Wednesday and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Basic Skills Education Program offers individualized instruction in reading, math and language skills. Classes begin weekly and are provided free to Soldiers. The High School Completion Program allows students to earn credits toward a high school diploma or prepare for the GED examination. Testing services are available at no cost to Soldiers and include SAT/ACT, CLEP, DANTES Subject Standardization Tests, career certification testing through Pearson Vue and various interest inventories. Family members may be eligible for fee-paid tests, including CLEP, DANTES Subject Standardization Tests and some certification testing. Distance Learning test proctor service is available free upon request. The Test of Adult Basic Education is used primarily for placement in the BSEP program and is also required in some service schools. Additional information on other tests can be obtained from the ACES educational advisors or by calling (253) 967-5657.

The new John D. "Bud" Hawk JBLM Lewis North Education Center opened to customers in 2011. The 31,500 squarefoot facility houses five education advisors, nine classrooms and a 165-seat auditorium as well as a 60-computer resource center and coffee shop. Located at Building 11577 41st Division Drive. It serves as a second education resource for service members. The facility is open Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

McChord Education Center
The Education Center is located in Building 851, on Lincoln Boulevard, and is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The services of the education center are available to military personnel, Department of the Defense civilians and family members. These include counseling and advisement, testing and the reference and resource center. The program directors of the on-base schools are available for evaluations and advisement on their specific programs. The base has a large and very active educational program, with approximately 450 undergraduate college courses offered on base each year in cooperation with Pierce College, Brandman College, Saint Martin's University Southern Illinois University and Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University.

Base Substance Abuse Program
The program is located in Building 2008B on North Third Street, (253) 967- 1413. The program is staffed by preventive education specialists, rehabilitation counselors and staff advisers/consultants who provide assistance to eligible individuals with alcohol and other drug-related problems. Services are available to Soldiers, retirees and family members (18 years and older) of these individuals. Additionally, Army employees at JBLM Main and North along with Air Force employees at McChord Field are afforded services through the Employee Assistance Program (253) 967-1448, not only for alcohol and drug-related problems but for any job-affecting personal problem.

The Installation Biochemical Test Coordinator (253) 967-6183 and staff help commanders and supervisors implement a focused effort involving urinalysis (for illegal/ controlled drugs) and alcohol-focused breath analysis. Both types of tests serve to deter abuse and as a means for early identification of abusers or individuals whose duty performance is impaired by alcohol. Existing BSAP urine testing services for McChord military and civilians continue to be provided at McChord Field.

The Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator (253) 477-0259/0258/0257 coordinates with directors and supervisors to train select first responders on suicide prevention and how to recognize and respond to warning signs. The SPP coordinator also advises/assists unit chaplains as they work to help unit commanders provide standardized suicide prevention training for their Soldiers. The Risk Reduction Program Coordinator (253) 966-5778 advises/assists senior commanders and staff in developing targeted prevention activities based on administration/ interpretation of a Unit Risk Inventory, along with an ongoing quarterly statistical assessment of 21 indicators of readinessimpacting personnel problems.

The Prevention Coordinator (253) 967- 1412 and Outreach Prevention Coordinator operate a resource library of prevention materials and lesson plans on various topics related to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. The coordinators provide daily briefings at the JBLM Reception Center and coordinate a 12-hour Prime for Life course as well as a state certified remedial Alcohol and Drug Abuse Information school for eligible personnel apprehended for driving under the influence and referred by their commanders for a clinical assessment, followed by a rehab team meeting in which a decision is made that enrolled in BSAP rehabilitation is not appropriate.

Clinical assessments, referral/liaison services, outpatient rehabilitation and intensive outpatient-treatment programs are available through the BSAP Clinical Director (253) 967-1449). Appointments can be made by calling (253) 967-2202 or (253) 968- 6765.

Information about the Confidential Alcohol Treatment and Education Program is available at (253) 968-4364.

Alcoholics Anonymous and its counterparts, AL-ANON (for spouses) and ALA-TEEN (for children of alcoholics) are independent programs available on base and in the surrounding areas. Narcotics Anonymous groups are also available.

Army Military Personnel Division
The Waller Hall Welcome and Farewell Center, Building 2140, is the central gateway into and out of JBLM Lewis Main. In addition the building houses multiple agencies that provide installation-level personnel services. Operating hours are: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition, the ID Card section is operational on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 8 to 11:30 a.m.

The MPD services provides a wide range of personnel service support such as: Inand out-processing; Soldier Actions which include compassionate reassignments, Army Married Couples program, MMRB, JMCOM congressional actions, voting assistance, name changes, officer candidate boards and MMRB. The Retirement Services Office provides assistance to retirees, widows, and widowers, assists active duty Soldiers with the retirement application process, provides assistance with Career Status Bonus (CSB) Election, retired pay, Combat Related Special Compensation, and Concurrent Receipt, provides Pre-Retirement briefing, Survivor Benefits Plan, processes active duty death cases, publishes Retiree News Bulletin, and sponsors the Annual Retiree Appreciation Day (RAD). The Soldier readiness center verifies that the Soldier is deployment ready, assists reserve components with the mobilization and demobilization. Reassignment processing provides assistance to the Soldier in permanent change of station and temporary change of station orders and provides assistance in applying for an official passport.

The Transition Center processes the DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) and Separation or Retirement orders for separating Active Duty Soldiers. The Transition Center also processes all administrative separations (chapters), prepares enlisted and officer retirement applications, and provides appropriate discharge and retirement recognition items (certificates, flags, pins).

The ID card section provides ID/DEERS customer service to members of the Uniformed Services and their eligible family members. Service includes non-PSDR Soldiers CAC, retirees, DAV, federal civilian employees and DOD beneficiaries. Additional services include ID process by mail for California, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and various Washington state geographical locations.

The Casualty Assistance Center manages the notification and casualty assistance support to the families of deceased active duty Soldiers. The center notifies and keeps the unit and families of wounded Soldiers up to date on the Soldiers status until they can bring the family to bedside. It coordinates military funeral honors for a five state area of responsibility for all active duty, retiree and veterans.

The Center provides and coordinate plane side honors for the remains of our fallen Soldiers returning home from combat, as well as Casualty Notification Officer (CNO) and Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) training, tracks the number of senior NCOs and officer by unit who are certified, and manages the recertification of those personnel. It coordinates the Casualty Process with the National Guard and Reserve units that fall in our five state area of responsibility (AOR) to make sure we are providing timely notification and assistance. The center also provides assistance to the unit when coordinating memorial service for their fallen Soldiers and providing the families with invitational travel orders (TCS).

McChord Military Personnel Section
All active duty service members are required to in-process though the Customer Service office located within the Military Personnel Section upon arrival. Members must be in uniform. In-processing is held Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m. At that time your relocation package will be opened and the Customer Service office will collect your Unit Personnel Records Group (if e-records not established yet), begin processing Permissive TDY for house hunting and you will be required to complete a new SGLI form. You will receive back all other records, such as medical, dental and onthe- job training records. After you receive your medical and dental records back, you will bring them directly to the medical and dental clinic. The customer service representative will guide you in where to drop off the records. You will also be scheduled for the Base Newcomers' Orientation Program at this time. At this orientation, you will attend briefings provided by different base agencies on McChord Field and you will accomplish your travel voucher with finance that day, as well as speak with a representative to be set up with TRICARE West.

The Newcomers' Orientation is held at the McChord Club. It is a mandatory appointment and attendees should be in uniform of the day.

Spouses are highly encouraged to attend. If newcomers need free childcare, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at (253) 982-2695 or DSN 382-2695 to request a Childcare for PCS certificate, (20 hrs. per child) upon arrival at McChord.

Please bring all receipts necessary for completing your travel voucher, which will be done during the finance in-processing portion. Be sure to stop by your squadron and speak with your squadron liaison to pick up the squadron's in-processing checklist.

If you are an Airman coming from technical school, you will be required to attend the First Term Airmen's Center (FTAC). All briefings held at the Newcomers' Orientation will be covered in a more detailed format in FTAC.

However, before FTAC, it's imperative that you report to the Military Personnel Section to turn in your relocation package. You will be scheduled for the afternoon portion (1 to 4:30 p.m.) of the Newcomers' Orientation where you will file your travel voucher and meet with a TRICARE West representative.

Important Note: If you are a new accession, be prepared to provide all enlistment documents to include prior service and guard/reserve documents. If you are prior service (enlisted only), have your DD 214 available. Also, it is important that you have a copy of your paid travel voucher, as this will ensure your active duty pay account is started through finance.

Base Personal Property
Joint Personal Property Shipping Office JPPSO is in Waller Hall, Building 2140, Inbound and Outbound (253) 967-5093, Option 1; Outbound Appointments, (253) 967-5093, Option 1; Documentation/ Permanent Storage, Option 2; (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.). For more information call (253) 967-5099.

McChord Military
Dining Facilities
The Olympic Dining Facility, located in Building 548, starts your day off wt hia complete breakfast selection, keeps you going with a varied lunch menu and then lays out dinner menus as diverse as its patrons. Understanding the various schedules Airmen maintain, the Olympic fills in the gaps with a carryout service at each meal period an d a late-night meal that ensures no one goes hungry. For daily menu information, call (253) 982-EATS.

Flight Kitchen
Located in Building 1419, the flight kitchen caters meals to a variety of groundsupport and flight-line personnel, including the security forces and transient passengers.

Army Community Service
Army Community Service is an Armywide program designed specifically to assist Soldiers, retirees and their families in coping with a variety of topics. Some ACS services are also available to civilian employees and their family members. ACS provides information, assistance and guidance to members of the community in coping with personal and family problems beyond the scope of their own resources. ACS services are located in the Waller Hall Welcome Center (Building 2140), the ACS Annex (Building 2166), the Family Resource Center (Building 4274) and FMWR Headquarters (Building 2013). For up datde i nf or mati on regarndgi ACS programs, visit the ACS website JBLMmwr. com/acs or call Information and Referral Services at (253) 967-7166.

Guidance and assistance can be found through the following offices and programs. Information, Referral and Follow-up services provide an integrated system of service delivery, which links clients to available and appropriate resources. Intake assessments are conducted with individuals and families in need of social services assistance and refer them to the appropriate program or agency.

When necessary the Information, Referral and Follow-up Program will contact referral agencies on behalf of the client. An extensive resource file of local public, private and voluntary service agencies and organizations is available to help clients get the assistance they require. A follow-up visit may be scheduled to ensure that appropriate services were provided and the problem was resolved.

Information, Referral and Follow-up Services are located in Waller Hall, Building 2140. For more information, call (253) 967-7166.

Family Resource Center
The Family Resource Center opened in Building 4274 on April 11, 1996, to serve as the operations/synchronization center that ties Family Readiness Group requirements to garrison support functions. The FRC supports commanders with programs that enhance family readiness, provides resource support for families, coordinates FRG trainings and guides FRG leaders and members in implementing a unit FRG. The facility has meeting spaces for FRG meetings, projects and briefings. The FRC is located on the corner of 9th Division Drive and Idaho Street in Building 4274 at JBLM-Lewis Main and can be reached by calling (253) 967-9496.

Outreach Program
As the installation Outreach Program for FMWR, ACS is responsible for linking family support and other services to Soldiers (active duty, Reserves and National Guard), retirees, DA civilians and their family members who are physically or socially isolated and/or have the greatest need of and are least likely to seek out services. On- and off-base, staffed outreach stations are established to provide ACS information and referral. For more information, please call (253) 968-7199.

Survivor Outreach Services
Survivor Outreach Services provide long-term support to families who have l sot a Sol di er. The of fice asssits survi vors with financial counseling, money management, information and referral services and suppor t groups. For more information, call (866) 963-2538 or e-mail LewisArmySOS@conus.army.mil.

Relocation Assistance
Newly assigned Soldiers and family members are welcomed at the Relocation eRa di ness Pr ogra m ta Wall er Hall ta JBLM-Lewis Main. Individual relocation counseling and computerized information — "Plan My Move" installation booklets — from active duty military installations are provided upon request. Stop by ACS or call (253) 967-3633 for the JBLM welcome packet or a Plan My Move installation booklet printout.

The office also assists foreign-born spouses by referring them to English-as-a- Second-Language classes. Limited immigration and naturalization services are also available. For more information, call (253) 966-6338.

You may obtain a 30-day loan of household items from the ACS Loan Closet. A copy of your orders is needed to pick up the household items.

During inprocessing at the USAG Reception Center, you will be required to attend the Newcomer's Orientation, which is usually held on the last Tuesday of each month. Spouses are highly encouraged to attend. Representatives from various FMWR facilities and other installation offices/organizations attend to promote their activities.

There you will find information on family readiness groups, libraries and child, youth and school services, as well as the David L. Stone Education Center, upcoming special events and more. Free onsite childcare is provided. Attendees are provided free lunch and a guided bus tour of the installation.

Army Family Team Building
Learn Army acronyms as well as basic information about the Army, personal growth skills and leadership skills with Army Family Team Building. The classes improve personal and family preparedness, which enhances overall Army readiness, increases resiliency and helps America's Army adapt to a changing world. Offered in three levels, classes are offered monthly in the ACS Annex and can be customized to meet the needs of organizations on the installation. AFTB offers free childcare while you take the classes. The AFTB office is located in Building 2166. Register today by calling (253) 967-AFTB.

Army Family Action Plan
The Army Family Action Plan is the Army's grassroots process to identify and elevate the most significant quality of life issues impacting Soldiers (all components), retirees, Department of Army civilians and families to senior leaders for action. Information provided through the AFAP process gives commanders and leaders insight into current satisfaction detractors, quality of life needs and expectations of Army constituents. Leadership uses the information to effect changes that improve standards of living and support programs. These changes foster a satisfied, informed and resilient Army community. AFAP is a year-round process that begins at the installation or unit level. It is the preeminent means for commanders at all levels to learn of and seek solutions to the concerns of their communities. The AFAP office is located in Building 2166. To learn more or to volunteer, call (253) 967-3689.

McChord Airman and Family
Readiness Center
A key resource at McChord Field and a gateway to accessing all of the resources available to you is the Airman and Family Readiness Center. The center provides information, support and services for Airmen and their families to help balance the demands of a military lifestyle. This facility is located at Building 552 Barnes, Blvd. For more information call (253) 982-2695.

Soldier and Family Assistance Center The Soldier and Family Assistance Center was created to provide compassionate, coordinated services to Task Force Phoenix Warriors in Transition and their families. The SFAC is a one-stop shop for services that partners with the Warrior Transition Battalion as a friendly, supportive team dedicated to encouraging self-development, wellness and to meet the unique needs of WTs and their families.

The SFAC provides a warm, relaxed environment where WTs and their families can gather to foster physical, spiritual and mental healing. The facility includes a central reception area, two computer cafés with Internet access and a lounge with video games, TV, library and a children's play area.

The SFAC also serves as a resource center for information and referral services. There are many services offered in the SFAC in order to maximize the convenience to the WTs and their families. Other services requiring less than a full-time presence are brought in at designated times. Still other services will be provided through priority off-site appointments coordinated by the SFAC staff, using a priority Blue Card System.

In September 2007, the JBLM-Lewis SFAC opened its doors for the first time. It has been steadily working to meet the needs of WTs and their families and to involve them as an integral part of the WTs recovery and rehabilitation program. Partnered with the WTB, the SFAC supports the needs of the WTs and their families with support services as they prepare to transition back to their unit or into a productive civilian workforce. JBLM Volunteer Corps Coordinator Volunteers — making a better tomorrow today! Learn and develop new skills, network with other professionals and create opportunities for yourself while making a difference in our community. JBLM has a host of volunteer organizations offering many exciting opportunities.

To learn more about volunteering, go to www.myarmyonesource.com or contact the Volunteer Corps Program manager at (253) 967-2324. Located in the Family Resource Center, the office will assist you in finding a place to share your time and talent. The office tracks volunteers, monthly hours and conducts annual base-wide recognition.

JBLM Employment Readiness Program
Create or update your resume, locate local jobs and enter the job market with help from the Employment Readiness Office. Located in Building 2166, ERP services are available to all eligible personnel except active duty service members. Active duty service members are required to use the Army Career and Alumni Program transition services. Services are also available to family members of DOD civilians on a space-available basis.

The ERP maintains listings of local job openings including federal, state, county and other local job vacancies. Employment opportunities range from temporary parttime to permanent full-time positions.

Job announcements are updated daily. Assistance is provided to those who want to volunteer their services in order to gain additional experience.

Computers are available for family members registered with the ERP. The program's coordinator offers assistance on the preparation of applications, resumes and cover letters. For more information and operating hours, call (253) 967-3538.

JBLM Financial Readiness
Establish a budget and more with assistance from the skilled counselors at the JBLM Financial Readiness Office. The counselors can also help those with severe debt enroll in local debt reduction programs, as well as provide investment, tax and consumer information. Additionally, the office helps with consumer complaints. A counselor from the Consumer Credit Counseling Service can advise and assist service members in restructuring debt payments. Located at Waller Hall at Lewis Main, the office offers assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call (253) 967-3525.

JBLM Mobilization and
Deployment Program
Commanders, Soldiers, Airmen and family members can maintain mission readiness and resiliency with assistance from the Mobilization and Deployment Program. The program offers one-on-one deployment and family care plan assistance, as well as provides unit and family readiness group briefings and workshops.

Workshop topics include pre-deployment, children and deployment, reunion and family care plans. Additionally, Battlemind for Spouses, Emotional Cycle of Deployments, Care Team Training and Care Team-The Commander's Role are also held. The office provides multiple resources such as deployment checklists, activity books for children and "Deployment Cycle Readiness: Soldier's, Airmen and Family Member's Handbook." The Mobilization and Deployment Program is located in the ACS Annex, Building 2166, at corner of Liggett Avenue and S. 12th Street at Lewis Main. For more information, call (253) 967-9916.

Army Emergency Relief
Emergency financial assistance is available from the Army Emergency Relief Office. AER provides interest-free loans and grants to Soldiers, retirees and their families. Active duty Soldiers must apply for help on DA Form 1103 at the AER office in Waller Hall, Building 2140 at Lewis Main. Assistance with emergency travel is available during normal business hours. For after-hours emergencies, contact the Red Cross at (877) 272-7337.

AER also provides educational assistance for family members of active duty, retirees or deceased Soldiers. Loans and scholarships are available. For more information, stop by the office or call (253) 967-9852.

Air Force Aid
If an emergency or financial crisis leaves you short of cash, Air Force Aid may be able to help. Areas of assistance range from buying food and paying rent to covering funeral expenses. In other cases, Air Force Aid can assist with utilities, repair of essential vehicles, emergency leave expenses, moving costs and, in certain circumstances, may help with medical expenses Representatives are available to help at the Airman & Family Readiness Center in Building 552, call (253) 982-2695 for details.

JBLM Waiting Families Support Group
Families whose service members are on overseas tours will find support with the Waiting Families Support Group. The primary function is to provide support and to help family members find solutions to their problems. The WFSG also provides an opportunity to meet others in similar circumstances as well as support for the unique problems involved in this type of military tour. For more information, call (253) 967-3633.

JBLM Key Spouse Program
The Key Spouse Program enhances family resiliency through several programs while an Air Force member is deployed. For details call (253) 982-2695.

Family Advocacy Program
The Family Advocacy Program provides education and prevention programs to help Soldiers and their family members be strong. FAP is concerned primarily with the prevention and reduction of spouse and child abuse. The program has two major components. One, the manager is responsible for the prevention program, which includes educational classes and community awareness. Two, Social Work Service provides treatment at Madigan Army Medical Center. The overall program ensures coordination between ACS, SWS and many other components in the community. The program monitors the prevention, identification, reporting, investigation and treatment of spouse and child abuse.

Classes focus on healthy families and programs that help parents develop positive parenting skills. The classes cover the various aspects of ages and stages in child growth and development and skills that prevent child abuse. For more information, call (253) 967-5940. Offices are in Building 2013 at Lewis Main.

Supplementary classes focus on healthy relationships for Soldiers and their spouses that develop coping skills to prevent spouse abuse. They include classes on anger and stress management. These classes are open to all eligible personnel. FAP provides required annual prevention training to all units and Soldiers at JBLM. The program has launched a joint effort between the hospital and the installation. The Preventive Intervention Program works with individuals and couples to prevent abuse before it becomes an incident. PIP is a model program for the Army. McChord personnel should report to the Medical Squadron Building 690, Barnes Boulevard or call (253) 253-3684.

JBLM Victim Advocacy Program
The Victim Advocacy Program's victim advocates provide comprehensive assistance and act as liaisons to and for victims of spouse abuse on JBLM-Lewis. The advocates also strive to educate personnel regarding the most effective responses to domestic violence on behalf of victims and at-risk family members. Military spouses who are victims of spouse abuse and are ID card holders are eligible for services of the VAP. The victim advocates are available during regular workday hours Monday through Friday. After-hour reports should be made to the emergency hotline, (253) 968-1390, which is located at Madigan Army Medical Center. For more information, contact a victim advocate at (253) 966-0363/1088/1233.

JBLM New Parent Support Program
The New Parent Support Program is a professional team of social workers and registered nurses who provide no-cost in-home parenting support and educational services to JBLM families with children ages five years and younger free of charge. The program helps parents learn to cope with stress, isolation, post-deployment reunions and the everyday demands of parenthood.

Home visiting services offer parents the opportunity to improve their skills as parents and to learn new skills that may work even better. There are often many questions about children's needs and what to do. The NPSP is a reliable source for parents. For more information about the program, call (253) 967-7409. McChord personnel should report to the Medical Squadron Building 690, Barnes Boluevard or call (253) 982-9040.

JBLM Exceptional Family
Member Program
The Exceptional Family Member Program provides referral services for educational, housing, community and military services for families with special needs. Early enrollment in the EFMP is the Soldier's guarantee that the Army will do its best to match the Soldier's grade and specialty with a location where their exceptional family member's needs may be met. Information about EFMP enrollment is not given to selection boards; therefore, enrollment does not adversely affect a Soldier's selection for promotion, schools or assignments. For more information, call (253) 967-9704/9705/3451 or stop by Waller Hall at Lewis Main. McChord personnel should report to the Medical Squadron Building 690, Barnes Boulevard or call (253) 982-3350.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Military and Family Life Consultants
Military and Family Life Consultants are licensed professionals who provide situational, problem-solving consultations anonymously and confidentially. No written records are kept, and it is free to military and family members. They also work hand-in-hand with existing services and the program to provide consulting, education and training support on topics such as: combat stress and coping strategies, emotional cycle of deployment and reintegration, communication, relationship issues and reestablishing intimacy, anger management/conflict resolution, parenting skills, children's reaction to deployment and reunion. Five consultants are available on- and off-base and can be reached by calling (253) 495-8425 (on base), (253) 320-1707 (off base) and evenings and weekends at (800) 977-7595. Offices are in Building 2166 at Lewis Main. In addition, there are two consultants working with Child, Youth and School Services who can be reached at (253) 677-3883.

Employment
More than 8,000 appropriated and nonappropriated fund JBLM civilian employees provide valuable support to various military organizations in varied occupations, from physicians to engineers to heavy mobile equipment mechanics. The majority of civilian service employees work for the Joint Base Garrison or Madigan Healthcare System (MAMC). Civilian employees are able to use a variety of services at JBLM such as the golf courses, libraries, gyms, swimming pools, equipment rental facility and recreation centers.

Civilian employment alone, however, does not authorize employees to use the Exchange or commissary. Applicants may apply for vacancies www.armycivilianservice. com. The Civilian Personnel Advisory Center is located in Building 2015, on the corner of Pendleton and N 4th Street. General information is available on the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center web site at http:// www.lewis.army.mil/cpac. Employment opportunities also exist with the Exchange. The Exchange personnel office is located in Building 9503 at the Logistics Center. Call (253) 964-2522 or visit the Exchange website at www.shopmyexchange. com.

Local Schools
The Department of Defense requires all Soldiers and Airmen with school-age children to notify their children's school upon receipt of reassignment instructions. Parents are encouraged upon receiving notification of orders for a new assignment to speak directly with their student's counselor and request transcripts, and special educational needs documentation, GPA interpretations with course descriptions, and copies of any assessment reports.

This information will ensure a smooth move to the new school. Students living on Joint Base Lewis-McChord are served by the Clover Park School District. Families living off base in local communities will attend school in the local school district where they live. There are private and parochial schools located in the nearby communities that serve military families. There are six elementary schools that support military students on the installation. There are two middle schools; Mann and Woodbrook Middle Schools and two high schools.Clover Park High School for those living on McChord Field or Lakes High School for those living on JBLM Main and North. For transportation contact the Transportation Office for families residing on base for pick-up and drop-off points at (253) 583-5494.

If you have questions, contact the School Liaison Office, Waller Hall Welcome and Farewell Center, Room 203, at (253) 967-7195. K-12 school-related information is available for transitioning Soldiers at, www.jblmmwr.com/SLTS.html. Check out the information concerning the Military Child Education Coalition at www.militarychild.org. For more information call: Clover Park School District (253) 583-5000; North Thurston School District (360) 493-9000; Bethel School District (253) 683-6000; Olympia School District, (360) 596-6100; or the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction at (360) 725-6000.

Lewis Chapels
Several base chapels offer weekly and/or daily religious activities. Religious education is provided for all ages. Several chapels offer Protestant Sunday School. Call (253) 967-4849 for information. Catholic Continuing Christian Development instruction is taught at the JBLM Lewis Main Base Chapel. Jewish services, education and social programs are held in Chapel No. 5.

Opportunities for participation are offered through choirs and other activities. Several Protestant, Catholic and Jewish groups, including Protestant Women of the Chapel and the Catholic Ladies' Guild, meet weekly. Free child care is provided during most services and activities at the Main Base Chapel and several unit chapels. To volunteer for chapel activities, call the Main Base Chapel at (253) 967-4849.

JBLM chaplains operate two special programs: the Family Life Center and an ongoing crisis intervention ministry. A marriage-preparation course is held the first Friday of each month from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center, located at the Four Chaplains Memorial Chapel. Call (253) 967-1723 for more information. A certificate of completion from the course is required for marriage by a military chaplain. If you do not have a unit chaplain, call (253) 967-3718. For emergency assistance or counseling after duty hours, call the on-call duty chaplain at (253) 967-0015.

McChord Field Chaplain Corps
The Chaplain Corps provides for the free exercise of religion for all faiths of the McChord community through a variety of worship opportunities, religious education, counseling, unit visitation, wing wide programs and special programs for men, women, singles, youth and children. For appointments or for more information during duty hours, please call (253) 982-5556 or stop by the Chapel Support Center, Building 746. For after hours emergencies contact the on-call Chaplain through the Command Post at (253) 982-2635.

American Red Cross provides a number of services to Soldiers and Airmen and their immediate family members. The Red Cross Office at JBLM also has coverage of McChord Field and Madigan Health Care System. These services include emergency communication, verification of emergency leave and access to financial assistance. For active duty military, the Red Cross is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling (877) 272-7337. In the event of an emergency, illness, critical accident, death, birth of a new child in a service member's family, or the family's request for the service member's presence, your Red Cross should be notified immediately.

Through our advanced Service to Armed Forces Center, the service member can be reached and given this information anywhere in the world. Once the service member is notified, it is then up to military authorities to decide whether or not to grant leave.

American Red Cross works with other organizations on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, such as Army Emergency Relief or Air Force Aid. The Red Cross is located in Building 1017, upstairs, on Ninth Division Drive. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The phone number is (253) 966-3889, at Madigan call 968-1055.

The Veterinary
Treatment Facility
The JBLM VTF offers limited pet care for active duty and retired military personnel. The VTF treats pets for zoonotic and communicable diseases, gives routine vaccinations and issues health certificates for international and interstate travel. Health certificates are also required for child care (FCC) providers. Pets living on base must be registered with the VTF within 10 calendar days of occupancy of government quarters or when a housing occupant acquires a new pet. Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in a carrier.

Office hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed for lunch, noon to 1 p.m. Appointments may be made by calling 982- 3951 at McChord Field. If you see a stray or lost animal on base, call the JBLM Military Police at 967-3107/3108; at McChord Field, call Security Forces at 982-5624/5625, 982-2001. Any stray animals found on JBLM are now taken to the Humane Society of Tacoma and Pierce County.

Lost pets are kept for a minimum of three days, though if not reclaimed by an owner, most are kept longer to give them a better chance at adoption. Pets surrendered by owners are immediately available for adoption, as there is no minimum holding period on owner-released pets. These pets can be here for anywhere from a few minutes to 10 or more days. Many underage pets are taken into volunteer foster care until old enough to be adopted. For more information call 383-2733.