‘Lakewood Salutes’ celebrates local heroes

Photo By Kimberly Hackbarth | Spc. Matthew Davis, an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, watches as two-year-old Damien Isakson plays with the gunner's seat inside a humvee, Sept. 25, at the Lakewood Towne Center during "Lakewood Salutes." Davis, a Harrisonburg, Va., native, along with other soldiers, manned a static display of humvees provided by 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div., and taught people about the capabilities and purposes of humvees. Townspeople came out to show their appreciation and support toward service members, policemen, firemen and emergency medical technicians.  

LAKEWOOD, WA, UNITED STATES

10.04.2010

Story by Pfc. Kimberly Hackbarth 

4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division

LAKEWOOD, Wash. – Looking up over his helmet at his two brothers wearing Interceptor Body Armor as they spun around in the gunner’s turret of a humvee, Syxx Bullplume, 4, smiled eagerly awaiting another turn to play soldier.

The boys’ temporary playground was a static display of humvees provided by 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, part of a larger celebration at the Lakewood Towne Center, Sept. 25.

Titled “Lakewood Salutes,” the event was a way for local citizens to pay tribute to those in uniform including service members, firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians. During the appreciation day people could enjoy live music provided by a local radio station, vendors, and a raffle.

Monika Armstrong, a property manager with Inland U.S. Management LLC, along with help from Nat George, the promotions and events director with 96.9 "The Sound," put it all together.

“I grew up a military brat, and we never had anything like this when my dad was in the
service,” said Armstrong. “It's a way to give back and for the community to show their support.”

Armstrong is also a member of the brigade's “Adopt-A-Company” program. Through the program, local companies were able to support soldiers in the brigade before, during and after their deployment to Iraq. Adopt-A-Company, which is an expansion of the community connector program on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., helps bridge the gap between the military and the surrounding civilian population by allowing them regular interactions.

Sgt. James Dunn, a soldier with Company B, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th SBCT, 2nd Inf. Div., and a visitor to the event, said that connection is important.

“I believe it sets a positive image for the military as well as the young youth here (because) they look up to us,” said the Columbus, Ga., native. “We need to paint a positive image for the military because we represent our country.”

Capt. Tom Beyerl, the rear detachment commander for 1st Bn., 38th Inf. Regt, said that out of all the military towns he's lived in, Lakewood has been the friendliest and events such as “Lakewood Salutes” contribute to that atmosphere.

“Doing these kind of things where people can interact with Soldiers in a positive way and can see what they do on a day to day basis...really balances out well,” said the Jacksonville, Fla., native.

Along with strengthening bonds between service members and the community, another goal of the event, which took three months and less than $10,000 to plan and execute, was to keep the budget low so that money including fees that the vendors paid would be donated to the Oct. 7 barbecue on base following the brigade's uncasing ceremony to celebrate the final step of their homecoming, said

• Date Taken: 10.04.2010
• Date Posted: 10.04.2010 13:22
• Story ID: 57485
• Location: LAKEWOOD, WA, US