Re: “JBLM soldiers accused of selling military secrets” (March 6, Local News) and “2 arrested with arsenal and Nazi paraphernalia after base robbery were ex-military, prosecutors say” (June 4, Local News):
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is the cornerstone of Tacoma. It is our pride, our duty and our honor to be home to one of the U.S. Army’s great military bases and to be trusted with the responsibility of their great power. But, what about JBLM’s responsibility to Tacoma? And to the United States of America?
Can we trust JBLM? That is the question. From two active duty soldiers selling secrets to China to former military members who were in possession of Nazi paraphernalia waltzing off base with military-grade weapons like they checked out a library book to a soldier murdering one of the locals to a former army commander from JBLM committing heinous acts of sexual harassment, it is clear some soldiers at this base are taking liberties with the power that comes from being a monolith of war for the U.S. military.
After Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane let treason happen on his watch, it makes me wonder: What else is JBLM’s current commanding general missing? Has there been any further investigation into future possible leaks and weaknesses? Is leadership at JBLM worried about more potential vulnerabilities to enemies neighboring our shores, like China, who lurk closer than we think?
Kelly Nassour, Tacoma
