Lacey and JBLM forge stronger alliance to help support military families 

The City of Lacey hosted the 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team (1-2 SBCT) from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) on Monday, Oct. 6, at the Lacey Veterans Services Hub, as a means to strengthen command and civil relationships for active duty service members, veterans and their families in Thurston County. 

Through the JBLM Community Connections Program, Lacey “adopted” the 1-2 Stryker Brigade as its official Community Connector Unit, a partnership that fosters cooperation between military and municipal sectors. 

The engagement enabled both sides to reconcile current initiatives and pursue stronger collaboration for service members and their dependents. 

In a statement issued on Thursday, Oct. 9, the City of Lacey said the meeting “was a great opportunity to showcase the comprehensive range of services and programs available through the (veterans hub),” noting the hub’s mission in connecting military and veterans families with essential aid networks. 

Lacey officials then called the visit “an honor” as city representatives expounded on the hub's service functions in housing and employment support, Veterans Affairs benefits, behavioral health resources, transportation programs and volunteer opportunities. 

“It's another step forward in strengthening the long-standing relationship and reaffirming a shared commitment to service, community, and collaboration,” the city said. 

The hub also issued its own statement on Oct. 6, acknowledging the presence of the mayor, deputy mayor, Lacey City Council members, city staff and the JBLM Combat Team. 

 “The (veterans hub) looks forward to continuing to strengthen the connection between the City of Lacey, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord,” the veterans hub said.