Washington Relocation

Relocation to Washington State

Being located at the most southern end of Puget Sound, our region is close to many of the state's natural wonders. The Olympic Peninsula, with its miles of coastline and lush rain forest is just northwest of here, Mount Rainier National Park is an easy drive from Thurston County, and Puget Sound is right at our doorstep for all the lures of waterfront activities. A number of rural communities in the surrounding areas offer peaceful neighborhoods in the midst of beautiful scenery. For big-city activities Seattle is only an hour north of Olympia, Portland two hours to the south.

Thurston County's biggest appeal is its high quality of life. For area residents, that means quiet neighborhoods, an abundance of parks and community activities, competitive school districts and career opportunities close to home. South Sound residents prefer to take things at a slower pace than the larger cities north and south of us. Thurston County is an excellent choice for Washington relocation.

Relocation to Washington Military Communites

Ft. Lewis
Fort Lewis is home of I Corps, the 4th ROTC Region Headquarters, Madigan Army Medical Center, and other tenant and support units. Ft. Lewis is the largest employer in Pierce County with 20,000 soldiers on the payroll. In addition, Ft. Lewis is ranked as the fourth largest employer in the state. Ft. Lewis services 65,000 military dependents, civilians and retirees. The combined payroll of military, civilian and retirees is $1.2 billion. For more information, contact the Public Affairs office at (253)967-0156. Web site: http://www.lewis.army.mil/

The Fort Lewis Military Museum
The Fort Lewis Military Museum is dedicated to preserving artifacts and memorabilia related to the history of the post and the U.S. Army in the Pacific Northwest. The museum features a splendid collection of uniforms, arms, and accouterments as well as tanks, cannon, and wheeled vehicles. The museum is housed in the historic Red Shield Inn which was built and operated as a guest house during World War I. The Inn was sold to the U.S. Army in 1921 for the price of one dollar and continued to be used as a guest house until 1972. In 1973 the structure became the home of the Fort Lewis Military Museum and today serves as a distinguished reminder of Fort Lewis' historic past. Hours of operation are Wednesday-Sunday from 12:00-4:00 p.m. For more information call (253) 967-7206.

McChord AFB
McChord AFB is home to the 62nd Airlift Wing and its Air Force Reserve counterpart, the 446th Airlift Wing. Operating the C-17 Transport Aircraft, these units continually train to be able to deploy enormous numbers of troops and huge amounts of equipment to any problem area in the world on very short notice. The 62nd and 446th also support humanitarian airlift efforts, as well as provide air movement for other armed services during training missions, and is also home to the Western Air Defense Sector. McChord's more than 9,400 active, reserve and civilian personnel earn a combined annual payroll in excess of 200 million. The base information number is (253)982-1910; the Public Affairs office can be reached at (253)982-5637. McChord AFB Web Site: http://public.mcchord.amc.af.mil/ 

McChord Air Museum
The McChord Air Museum welcomes visitors with exhibits that show a variety of Air Force operations of the past and the present. Learn the heritage of the Air force units associated with McChord for more than a half century. Ten aircraft are in the airpark, which include a: F-15A Thunder Bolt II, SA-10A (PBY) Catalina, B-23 Dragon, C-47 Skytrain, C-82 Packet, F-15A Eagle, F-86D Sabre, CF-101F Voodoo (in Canadian markings), T-33 Shooting Star, and an F106 Delta Dart. . This new and unique exhibit is the top 36 feet of the McChord Control tower which was in use for 43 years (1952-1995). McChord's old tower is one of but a few "free standing control towers." We also have a C-124 and a C-141, but because of their location tours need to be coordinated prior to coming to the museum. Please call during the week.

Inside the museum you'll find the history of McChord Field/Air Force Base, from its beginnings in 1938 to current missions.They have a telephone operators station built in 1938, installed 1939, and removed form service in 1992. One of only two F-106 simulators is another rare exhibit in our museum. Visitors are allowed to sit inside to get the feel of a fighter-interceptors cockpit. We have displays of armament, vintage uniforms, and an impressive aviation art collection. The museum is located in Bldg. 517 across from the Burger King Restaurant. Picnic tables are available for those who would like to have a picnic around the aircraft. The museum is free and open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Donations are accepted and are tax deductible to the degree that the law allows. To get to the museum take I-5 to exit 125 (Bridgeport). At the visitors center adjacent to McChord's main gate visitors need to show drivers license, proof of insurance, and current registration or rental agreement. From there follow the signs or ask directions from the visitors center. Operational necessities may infrequently result in a brief closure of the museum.

Camp Murray
Camp Murray is the Headquarters of the Washington State Military Department, a state agency, and the Washington Army and Air National Guard. Camp Murray also holds the Washington State Emergency Operations Center. This Emergency Operation Center is the coordinating center for all state responders during a disaster. The Emergency Management Division is part of the Military Department. Over 400 military and 220 civilian employees of the agency work at Camp Murray. Over 9,000 soldiers and airmen are proud to be members of the Washington National Guard.

The Adjutant General

State of Washington Camp Murray Tacoma, WA 98430-5062 Public Affairs Office (253) 512-8481 Web site: http://www.washingtonguard.com/

For more information about relocating to Thurston, Pierce or Lower King County, call me @ 360-888-2088 or use my web contact form.