Joint Base Lewis-McChord occupies a hallowed position in U.S. military history. From World War I to the present, JBLM forces have been the “tip of the spear” in our country’s defense. Unless prompt action is taken, however, the ability to tell JBLM’s story, and the story of the men and women who served there, is threatened by a shortsighted cost-cutting effort.
The U.S. Army recently announced plans to close or consolidate 29 military museums across the country — including the Lewis Army Museum at JBLM, in state Rep. Mari Leavitt’s 28th Legislative District. This is deeply troubling. Washington is home to one of the largest military installations in the nation and a proud legacy of Army service that spans generations. The potential closure of our state’s only certified U.S. Army museum threatens to sever a vital connection to that living history.
As reported in recent media coverage, local veterans, volunteers and advocates have responded with shock and dismay. Megan Nishikawa, a volunteer and former fellow at the museum, said it best: “Our museum is very special. It tells the story of Washington Army units and Washington soldiers. The things we have are treasures.”
Those sentiments were echoed when Leavitt, a Democrat, raised the issue at a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Veterans’ and Military Affairs: “We have a gem in the Lewis Museum. It’s been around for 50 years, serving the public nobly — and I’m concerned about the closure.”
As representatives from both sides of the aisle, we stand united. This isn’t a partisan issue; it’s about honoring the stories of those who’ve served and maintaining public access to our shared military history. State Rep. Hunter Abell, a Republican who has long championed military heritage in Eastern Washington, understands the stakes. When institutions like this close, priceless artifacts often vanish from public view — boxed up and hidden away, with little chance of returning to community view.
The Army cites staffing shortages and a maintenance backlog as reasons for the closures, claiming consolidation will improve access and quality. We understand the rationale. In our opinion, however, removing access from communities like ours does the opposite. The Lewis Army Museum is more than a static exhibit; it’s a living resource: a classroom for students and civic groups, a training ground for soldiers and a carefully curated home for personal items, documents and stories from Washington veterans.
The museum’s annual budget is modest. Its value, however, is immeasurable. It fosters pride, educates future generations, helps recruit future soldiers and airmen, and keeps alive the legacy of service members who called Washington home. The Army often speaks of the power of history to inspire those who serve. That inspiration starts here, with access to the stories and artifacts that make up our shared past.
Moreover, the museum is a vital tool for recruiting America’s future war fighters. In recent years, the U.S. military has struggled to meet its recruiting goals. As we look to inspire and prepare the next generation of service members, sharing our military history is more important than ever. When a future MacArthur or Patton visits the museum, they should not find a “closed” sign on the door.
We are reassured by Col. Kent Park, JBLM’s outgoing garrison commander, that the historic building may remain in use. But that assurance prompts important questions: Will the building continue to house the museum? What will happen to the exhibits and rare artifacts? Will they be preserved locally, or stored in distant facilities where the public can no longer see them?
These questions merit answers. To those who answer them, we call for transparency, collaboration and a long-term perspective. Before any final decisions are made, the Department of the Army should engage with state and local leaders, veterans organizations and community members. We urge the Army to share more information about the timeline, preservation plans, staffing transitions and opportunities for local partnerships that could support continued operations.
We respectfully urge the Department of the Army to pause its decision and consider local alternatives that can keep this vital institution open.
