LHS Adopts a Ft Lewis Unit

472nd Signal Company from Ft Lewis

Cpt Kelly Sanders, Pvt Hosner and 1st Sgt Beeson

Cpt Sanders in Iraq

Cpt Sanders and Becky Huber in Museum

The Lakewood Historical Society and Kris Kauffman, owner of Water Rights, Inc, have joined forces in adopting a unit from Ft Lewis’ 4th Stryker Brigade of the 2nd Infantry prior to their third deployment to Iraq in September. The 4th Brigade with 4,000 soldiers and 300 Stryker vehicles and commanded by Col John Norris, is the fourth unit to be deployed this summer from Ft. Lewis. Their deployment was accelerated 10 months to replace the 5th Brigade that departed in June for Afghanistan.

The “Adopt a Company” Program, spearheaded by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, was a natural progression from the partnership that was already established with the City of Lakewood as the Community Connector to the 4th of the 2nd. This is thought to be first of its kind program developed with a military base and its adjoining community. Over 40 area businesses and organizations have adopted the 30 units that comprise the 4th Brigade.

The Society was assigned to the 472nd Signal Company attached to the Manchu Battalion, a unit with 78 soldiers commanded by Cpt. Kelly Sanders, whose primary responsibility is providing the communications of the Brigade Combat Team. Prior to their deployment Becky Huber, President of the Society, and Mr. Kauffman attended several events hosted by the Brigade including the Colors Casing Ceremony held at Watkins Field on Ft Lewis on August 25th and a Brigade Ball on August 27th. Cpt. Sanders visited the Lakewood History Museum and Mrs. Huber attended the unit BBQ.

Each sponsor is asked to exchange letters and photos with the soldiers and organize fun activities for the soldier’s families left behind. It is up to each business and organization as to what they provide. The Lakewood Historical Society is planning a Halloween Open House at the Museum in October for the families and mailing holiday care packages to the soldiers in November.

This is a wonderful opportunity for us to show our appreciation to our military. If you would like more information on the program or would like to volunteer to help plan the activities, please call Becky Huber at 253-582-8682 or e-mail at craftyhubers@comcast.net. You need not be a member to participate. Thank you for your support.