2 JBLM soldiers die in Washington state boating incident

LAKEWOOD, Wash. — Joint Base Lewis-McChord says two soldiers died in what the base described as a boating incident south of Tacoma, Washington.

KOMO-TV reports the men died Tuesday at American Lake in Lakewood.

The base identified the soldiers as 21-year-old Pvt. Jamanni Gibson of West Peoria, Illinois, and 22-year-old Pvt. Jacques Means of Killeen, Texas.

The base says their bodies were recovered after there were reports of missing kayakers.

Gibson enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2017, and served in the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, since December 2017, as a motor transport operator.

Means also enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2017, and served in 23rd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1-2 SBCT, 7th Inf. Div., since December 2017, as a petroleum supply specialist.

In Other News

As the VA secretary departs, focus remains on outreach, trust

VA care and benefits have seen signifcant growth in recent years, a trend that the outgoing secretary hopes will continue.

Advocates fear dismantling of DOD’s extremism prevention, DEI programs

Trump’s choice for defense secretary said DEI programs eroded the military's values and described anti-extremism policies as a "purge."

Opinion

Why the military’s approach to its suicide epidemic is failing

In this opinion piece, the chairman of Boulder Crest Foundation argues that current military suicide prevention efforts are falling short.

VA acknowledges significant errors in budget shortfall predictions

Department leaders had warned of funding gaps of up to $18 billion but now believe those estimates were too high.

Women in combat ‘proficient,’ SecDef says, dismissing calls for change

Austin praised women in the military and said they should not be removed from front-line fighting posts.

Load More