Growing up on a military base can have its share of challenges for children, including the stress of having a parent deployed. That’s why Boeing and the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of Boeing are providing a combined $1.5-million contribution for the creation of the world’s first children’s museum on a U.S. military base.
The Children’s Museum of Tacoma announced it’s launching the Play is on Base project, which will include the opening of a new satellite museum on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) near Tacoma, Wash. Boeing is providing $1 million to fund program development and the creation of interactive, multi-faceted galleries tailored to military families with children experiencing special needs. ECF is providing an additional $500,000 to support the capital expenses of construction and installation of exhibit galleries.
Boeing also has a robust relationship with the USO Pathfinder program and recently hosted its first summit at Joint Base Lewis-McChord geared towards assisting military women, including spouses, navigate the transition to civilian life. The event is part of a $5-million, multi-year commitment Boeing made last year to help expand USO Pathfinder. The roughly 100 women in attendance represent a small portion of more than 210,000 transitioning service members expected to be assisted nationwide through USO Pathfinder programs.
“Boeing recognizes the unique value that service members, veterans and military families bring to their jobs and our communities, and we are committed to supporting programs that address their needs,” said Bill McSherry, Commercial Airplanes vice president of Government Operations.
With topics ranging from insights on interviews, resumes and social networking, to dressing for civilian success, there was plenty to discuss during the United Service Organizations (USO) Pathfinder program’s first expo for servicewomen and military spouses who are transitioning to civilian life.
