Submitted by City of Lacey
More than 4,000 soldiers returning from Afghanistan’s “Operation Enduring Freedom” will receive an enthusiastic South Sound welcome during a February 4 ceremony at Lacey’s Saint Martin’s University. Members of the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Infantry Division, also known as the “Arrowhead Brigade,” are finishing a year-long tour of duty in that region. The brigade is under the command of Colonel Charles “Chuck” Webster, Jr.
“These brave military personnel are integral members of both Lacey and the greater South Sound community,” commented Lacey Mayor Virgil Clarkson. “We want to recognize their outstanding service to our country and extend a warm welcome home.”
Voice for the Army – Support for the Soldier
The event, which is not open to the public to ensure enough space for the 3-2 Stryker Brigade soldiers and their families, runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the university’s Marcus Pavilion and Norman Worthington Conference Center. The event will feature appearances by local elected officials and military dignitaries, a buffet lunch, and entertainment, including an appearance by the Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals. The festivities are being organized by the Captain Meriwether Lewis Lacey Subchapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is the third largest employer in Washington. Saint Martin’s University has an extension campus at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where it has served active military students and their dependents for more than 40 years.
“We are very pleased to have these fine soldiers home and we truly appreciate the Lacey community for helping us honor them,” said Carlene Joseph, AUSA Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter President. “We’re looking forward to showing the 3-2 SBCT how much we care about them and to simply show our gratitude for their service.”
For more information, contact Carlene Joseph at (253) 312-9279 or carlene.joseph@harborstone.com.
