Joint Base Lewis-McChord occupies a hallowed place in U.S. navy historical past. From World Struggle I to the current, JBLM forces have been the “tip of the spear” in our nation’s protection. Except immediate motion is taken, nevertheless, the power to inform JBLM’s story, and the story of the women and men who served there, is threatened by a shortsighted cost-cutting effort.
The U.S. Military just lately introduced plans to shut or consolidate 29 navy museums throughout the nation — including the Lewis Army Museum at JBLM, in state Rep. Mari Leavitt’s 28th Legislative District. That is deeply troubling. Washington is residence to one of many largest navy installations within the nation and a proud legacy of Military service that spans generations. The potential closure of our state’s solely licensed U.S. Military museum threatens to sever a significant connection to that dwelling historical past.
As reported in current media protection, native veterans, volunteers and advocates have responded with shock and dismay. Megan Nishikawa, a volunteer and former fellow on the museum, mentioned it greatest: “Our museum may be very particular. It tells the story of Washington Military models and Washington troopers. The issues we now have are treasures.”
These sentiments have been echoed when Leavitt, a Democrat, raised the problem at a current assembly of the Joint Committee on Veterans’ and Navy Affairs: “Now we have a gem within the Lewis Museum. It’s been round for 50 years, serving the general public nobly — and I’m involved in regards to the closure.”
As representatives from either side of the aisle, we stand united. This isn’t a partisan challenge; it’s about honoring the tales of those that’ve served and sustaining public entry to our shared navy historical past. State Rep. Hunter Abell, a Republican who has lengthy championed navy heritage in Japanese Washington, understands the stakes. When establishments like this shut, priceless artifacts usually vanish from public view — boxed up and hidden away, with little probability of returning to neighborhood view.
The Military cites staffing shortages and a upkeep backlog as causes for the closures, claiming consolidation will enhance entry and high quality. We perceive the rationale. In our opinion, nevertheless, eradicating entry from communities like ours does the other. The Lewis Military Museum is greater than a static exhibit; it’s a dwelling useful resource: a classroom for college kids and civic teams, a coaching floor for troopers and a rigorously curated residence for private gadgets, paperwork and tales from Washington veterans.
The museum’s annual finances is modest. Its worth, nevertheless, is immeasurable. It fosters delight, educates future generations, helps recruit future troopers and airmen, and retains alive the legacy of service members who referred to as Washington residence. The Military usually speaks of the facility of historical past to encourage those that serve. That inspiration begins right here, with entry to the tales and artifacts that make up our shared previous.
Furthermore, the museum is a crucial software for recruiting America’s future warfare fighters. Lately, the U.S. navy has struggled to satisfy its recruiting objectives. As we glance to encourage and put together the subsequent era of service members, sharing our navy historical past is extra vital than ever. When a future MacArthur or Patton visits the museum, they need to not discover a “closed” signal on the door.
We’re reassured by Col. Kent Park, JBLM’s outgoing garrison commander, that the historic constructing could stay in use. However that assurance prompts vital questions: Will the constructing proceed to deal with the museum? What is going to occur to the displays and uncommon artifacts? Will they be preserved domestically, or saved in distant services the place the general public can not see them?
These questions benefit solutions. To those that reply them, we name for transparency, collaboration and a long-term perspective. Earlier than any last selections are made, the Division of the Military ought to have interaction with state and native leaders, veterans organizations and neighborhood members. We urge the Military to share extra details about the timeline, preservation plans, staffing transitions and alternatives for native partnerships that would help continued operations.
We respectfully urge the Division of the Military to pause its choice and take into account native alternate options that may maintain this important establishment open.
