For Ray Ainsworth, used car sales manager at Lakewood Ford, supporting the wear blue: run to remember group came naturally.

"I lost a good friend in Iraq, so this group is close to my heart," said Ainsworth, who retired from the Army after serving 20 years. He became aware of the group when one of its members, Crystal Paresa, kept trying to win some Seattle Mariners tickets via a Facebook giveaway the dealership was holding. Though she didn't win, she did attract management's attention, and when they called to offer a consolation prize, she told them about a local group of runners making a name for themselves by honoring the lives of fallen warriors.

Wear blue: run to remember began as a small, nonprofit group intended to provide an outlet for grief, heartbreak and fear to those who had lost someone downrange, whether a spouse, relative or fellow Servicemember. In the past two years, the group has grown into a recognizable, positive force locally and has begun to enter into the national spotlight.

"As I learned more about the group, I started to figure out how we could help. So I set up a meeting between their leaders and Henry (Krebs)," Ainsworth said.

Krebs, who is the general manager of the dealership and a former Marine, decided almost immediately to back the group and have his business become a chapter-level sponsor - meaning that it contributes enough money to help the organization start new chapters across the country.

Lakewood Ford dealership will begin selling wear blue: run to remember gear, from shirts to hats, out of the parts department, with 100 percent of the proceeds going back to the running group.

"We say we are the strongest veterans serving veterans' car business in the area," said Ainsworth. "This is just part of what we believe in."

Lakewood Ford is located at 11503 Pacific Hwy S. and is open Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.  

To join wear blue: run to remember, just come out to PowderWorks Park in DuPont on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. To donate or to learn more, visit www.wearblueruntoremember.org.

The Ranger & NW Airlifter newspapers already have 1500 kids registered to attend their Salute to Unsung Heroesevent.  
   "We are thrilled with the community outpouring of support, including our main sponsor, SDC Homes," said Ken Swarner, publisher of the newspapers.
  Those attending and handing out free prizes or services include Shipwreck Beads, Mattress Makers, Dennys, Hands on Children's Museum, Albertsons, Kaplan, Walmart, YMCA of Lakewood, Lakewood Ford, Dupont Realty, The Ram, The JBLM Commissary, Branding Innovations, Education Services, The Melting Pot, Harborstone Credit Union, The Pet Brigade, Children's Denistry of DuPont, Dhane Orthodontic, America's Credit Union, NW Harley Davidson, Epic Realty, USAA, Hawks Prairie Furniture, Steilacoom High School, Lacey Parks & Recreation, YPN, PAVE, and Il Forno.  
   "It is sure to be the fitting tribute that our local military kids deserve," Swarner added.

Here's a great example of a local biz on JBLM honoring heroes.  We can all take a page from Regis Jackson.  See the story here.

Those interested in starting their own small business have a great opportunity to talk to and get tips from several local small business owners at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Small Business Expo Aug. 27 at the La Quinta Inn and Suites, 11751 Pacific Hwy Southwest, Lakewood.

The event, which is co-sponsored by The Ranger and Northwest Airlifter newspapers, will bring together military spouses, veterans and military affiliated businesses.

There will also be demonstrations by Spanaway Hit (a local kickboxing gym), Black Hills Gymnastics, the Capitol City All Star Cheerleading and Zumba with Leslie.

Businesses scheduled to participate include AB Photography, Anew Thyme, Annie's Unique Gifts, Anytime Fitness, At a Glance Magazine, Baby Boot Camp and Bees, Butterflies and Stars Party Planning.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.facebook.com/JBLMFamiliesforBusiness or email Allison Burton at www.facebook.com/allisonburton33.

Here are shining examples of how two former soldiers translated their skills and desires into local businesses.  CLICK HERE to see AYCH Electronics and A Personal Touch.

Ken Swarner will speak at the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce's Military Affairs meeting tomorrow, Aug 16th at Burs Restaurant in Lakewood.  He is giving a presentation on connecting with JBLM units via Facebook, Twitter and beyond.  The meeting starts at 8 a.m.

From the "10% off military discount" sign prominently displayed on its front door to its participation in a range of military organizations and events, it is clear that Famous Daves supports the troops.

The eatery - which has local locations in Tacoma, Tukwila, Puyallup, Silverdale, and Everett as well as in 39 states around the country - works with the military almost daily, said Jim Perkins, regional catering sales and marketing manager. 
The company not only donates meals for deployment and welcome home ceremonies for Joint Base Lewis-McChord troops, but also frequently caters hails and farewells, retirement parties and going-away events, Perkins said. In addition, Famous Daves is part of the Association of the United States Army, Air Force Association and Lakewood and Silverdale Chambers of Commerce Military Affairs Committees.

SEE THE REST OF THE STORY HERE

A robust community partner program that has swelled to more than 130 members is one of the reasons the Air Force Association's McChord Field chapter is able to do so many great things.

And McChord chapter leadership members want to make sure the community partners that put forth effort that goes above and beyond are recognized.

Coinforce.com owners Jordan and Donna Haines were given the chapter's inaugural "Above and Beyond" award Tuesday afternoon at the chapter's monthly meeting.

SEE THE REST OF THE STORY HERE

Carlene Joseph provided an update this week on the Military Affair's Committee work the Lacey Chamber is doing:

She writes...
The month of May was very busy on Joint Base Lewis McChord and I have to say that your Chamber has been very active in support of our soldiers and Airmen.  

Earlier in May, the 446th Airlift Wing hosted the Air Force Reserve Command's "Tour for the Troops" program with Jay Leno on McChord Field.  Prior to the show, civic leaders attended a pre-reception at the LeMay Family Foundation and met Jay Leno in person.   Special thanks to Col. William Flanigan, the commander of the 446th Airlift Wing, and LTC Anna Sullivan for sending invites to some of our business leaders in Lacey.  

On July 21, the Lacey Chamber is having a picnic for the Air Mobility Command Rodeo home team.   During the picnic Famous Dave's will be on hand to provide the food for the fine Airmen of McChord Field.   This is a Lacey Chamber event, so we need sponsors for the picnic.  If you're interested, please contact me at carlene.joseph@harborstone.com.  The picnic will be held at Joint Base Lewis McChord's Heritage Park. 

So Lakewood Ford had four tickets to this weekend's Mariner's game.  They asked us to help them promote the give-away.  In the past 24 hours since we started, Lakewood Ford has increased their friends on their Facebook page by 12%.

Give-aways are a great way to make connections and drive traffic to your social media.  The gift needs to be what people want, but once that is determined, the rest is kind of easy.

Great work Lakewood Ford.  You can see the people posting to their wall with their Seattle Mariner Spirit HERE.