Yelm, Washington

Yelm: A Military Community

Yelm’s connection with the U.S. Military is long standing and has only grown deeper over the years. The 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) based at JBLM connected with Yelm as its Community Connector city as part of a program developed in 2000. Regionally, the South Sound has been recognized as a Great American Defense Community, one with an exceptional commitment to improving the lives of service members, veterans and their families.

1st Special Forces Group after cleaning up Cochrane Park as part of their community service.

Yelm has a small town feel, while still being close to the big cities and JBLM. Communities are tightly knit and families are welcomed. 

In 2017, Yelm became the fourth Purple Heart City in Washington State, expressing gratitude to the sons and daughters of our community who were either wounded or killed in combat defending the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans. 

Yelm has a strong veterans support system, thanks to organizations like VFW Post 5580, the American Legion, and A Hero's Promise. 

The Yelm Veterans Service Hub started in Yelm in 2020 at the Veterans Hall located at 16733 103rd Ave. S. Yelm WA. 98597. Services and resources continue to grow as partnerships and relationships grow.

Services that are currently provided:

• Veteran Service Officer support and VA navigation. 
• Suicide prevention 
• Homeless Resources
• Education and Employment Assistance
• Burial Support and Military Honors
• Temporary Financial Assistance
• Military Family Support Network 
• Peer to Peer Support Groups
• Counseling and Group Therapy 
• Recreational Therapy
• Medical Equipment Bank
• Clothing and Food Closet

As a city, we look forward to honoring our fallen soldiers during our Memorial Day Service, those who have served at our Veterans Day celebration, those currently serving during our Armed Forces Day event. 

We also have a Military Banner Program designed to honor and recognize all military personnel. The banner signifies the City's gratitude for the service and commitment to our nation and our community. This program will reopen in Fall 2023.