Featured Stories
President's Spotlight: Senior Chief Jeremy Andersen
NEWPORT, Rhode Island, Oct. 26 -- The Naval War College issued the following news:
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President's Spotlight: Senior Chief Jeremy Andersen
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Through the end of my time here at the U.S. Naval War College, I'm regularly highlighting someone or something that's caught my attention over the previous couple of weeks. It might be a person - student, faculty or staff - who deserves recognition, or it might be an occasion I want to draw more attention to. These short 'President's Spotlight' pieces will be posted about once every two weeks.
You can tell a lot about someone based on the legacy they
... Show Full Article
NEWPORT, Rhode Island, Oct. 26 -- The Naval War College issued the following news:
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President's Spotlight: Senior Chief Jeremy Andersen
*
Through the end of my time here at the U.S. Naval War College, I'm regularly highlighting someone or something that's caught my attention over the previous couple of weeks. It might be a person - student, faculty or staff - who deserves recognition, or it might be an occasion I want to draw more attention to. These short 'President's Spotlight' pieces will be posted about once every two weeks.
You can tell a lot about someone based on the legacy theyleave behind, and I will be among the many people who will be talking about Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Jeremy Andersen long after he retires from the Navy this December.
If you've been to a reception or a dinner at Quarters AA - the Naval War College President's House - you're familiar with Senior Andersen's obvious excellence. He plans, procures and, with some help, perfectly prepares the mouthwatering food for those events.
Those receptions aren't catered by some outside, critically acclaimed restaurant, even though they look and taste like it. They're prepared by Senior Andersen, Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Marcia Robinson and our talented CS team.
The accolades he's accumulated throughout his distinguished career are numerous. As a 2nd Class Petty Officer about 10 years ago here at the war college, he was named the American Culinary Federation's Armed Forces Master Chef of the Year.
To claim that honor, his winning meal included foie gras, stuffed pheasant breast, wild rice pilaf, butternut squash puree, caramelized apples with pecan and maple, glazed root vegetable and roasted pheasant mustard reduction.
To earn a silver medal a few years earlier, he prepared bacon-wrapped rabbit loin and rabbit sausage, with creamy polenta and potato croquette, wilted spinach and pickled rhubarb and stone-ground mustard sauce.
I'm getting hungry just writing this...
But to complete the thought, last year, he was named the federation's Rhode Island Chef of the Year, and he has garnered additional professional recognition by the Culinary Institute of America.
I could go on forever about Senior's brilliance in the kitchen - as you can see from the dishes described above, every recipe he writes and every morsel he serves up is infused with the passion and joy he brings to his work. And his principles will not only go with him to whatever job he takes after his military service, but will live on in the world's greatest Navy through the sailors he's mentored.
Years from now, you may be attending a reception or Navy Ball or another ceremonial event, and you may see a menu of carefully prepared dishes, guided by Senior's three guiding tenets of Seasonality, Locality and Sustainability. Handcrafted meals made with fresh ingredients, sourced from local producers in a way that's replicable and environmentally sound.
Prepared for a U.S. Navy audience and most of the time served by enlisted personnel and officers who volunteer to assist at our events.
You'll see that menu and you'll have to at least wonder: Was the culinary specialist here a student of Jeremy Andersen at some point?
That will be a warm memory, and it's part of that enduring legacy that I spoke about.
But Senior Andersen's story is about more than his food, as truly delicious as that food is.
His legacy is one of hard work and resilience. Growing up on a farm in Minnesota, he learned at a young age about the sustaining value of the natural environment, and how to use the resources around him to maximize nutrition, taste and - most of all - joy. His family taught him not only to keep his shoulder to the grindstone, but to see the awesome potential in everything around him.
Those values came with him to the U.S. Navy.
His first jobs in the Navy were to prepare meals in the galleys of the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), vessels with austere kitchens, sometimes limited supplies and hundreds of demanding sailors.
But like on the farm, he saw the potential in the ingredients he had, and he worked whenever he could to make the mess decks a special place for the shipmates all around him. He wanted those American heroes to feel important, because he knew they were and he took pride in giving them the best meals he could.
When supplies were limited, he made sure the enlisted personnel onboard had their fair share of the favored sauces and freshest foods.
Once he became a chef for Navy flag officers, mostly on-shore, his access to ingredients expanded, but his work ethic, humility and ironclad commitment to Seasonality, Locality and Sustainability stayed true. I'm proud to say Senior Andersen's approach to my receptions is the same as his approach was in the galley of USS New Hampshire.
Both Laura and I truly thank him for staying on for our time at the college and know that he will always be our friend. He has made so many people comfortable and welcomed at Quarters AA.
Thank you, Senior Andersen, for all that you do, all that you've done and the Navy legacy you'll leave.
- Rear Adm. Darryl Walker,
President, U.S. Naval War College
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Original text here: https://usnwc.edu/News-and-Events/News/Presidents-Spotlight-Senior-Chief-Jeremy-Andersen
HUD IG: Puerto Rico Could Not Support Disaster Recovery Expenses for Non-Federal Match Payments
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 (TNSLrpt) -- The Department of Housing and Urban Development Inspector General issued the following report (No. 2027-FW-1001) on October 8, 2026, entitled "Puerto Rico Could Not Support Disaster Recovery Expenses for Non-Federal Match Payments."
Here are excerpts:
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As part of our mission to safeguard the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) programs from fraud, waste, and abuse, and to identify opportunities for HUD programs to progress and succeed, we selected Puerto Rico for a review of potential improper payments. Our audit objective was to determine
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 (TNSLrpt) -- The Department of Housing and Urban Development Inspector General issued the following report (No. 2027-FW-1001) on October 8, 2026, entitled "Puerto Rico Could Not Support Disaster Recovery Expenses for Non-Federal Match Payments."
Here are excerpts:
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As part of our mission to safeguard the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) programs from fraud, waste, and abuse, and to identify opportunities for HUD programs to progress and succeed, we selected Puerto Rico for a review of potential improper payments. Our audit objective was to determinewhether Puerto Rico made improper non-Federal match activity payments. We also assessed whether the Office of Community Planning and Development's Office of Disaster Recovery (CPD ODR) had sufficient and adequate controls to prevent improper match payments.
Puerto Rico could not support its expenses for 49 of 74 (66 percent) of the non-Federal match HUD payments related to two Hurricane Irma and Maria disaster recovery grants that we tested. Its HUD payment support was duplicative, incomplete, and inaccurate as its support did not equal or reconcile to the non-Federal match amounts paid with disaster recovery funds. These unsupported HUD payments occurred because Puerto Rico did not have adequate internal controls to properly classify, allocate, and track its disaster recovery funded non-Federal match expenses. As a result, Puerto Rico could not show that it properly allocated expenses and supported payments which totaled more than $47.8 million. Further, projecting the results of our statistical sample to the audit universe showed that Puerto Rico may have submitted expenses for unsupported HUD payments totaling $54.8 million. In addition, Puerto Rico comingled its CPD non-Federal match expenses with other CPD disaster recovery expenses for 26 of the 74 (35 percent) HUD payments tested. The other CPD disaster recovery expenses were not FEMA Public Assistance Program expenses and should not have been reported as such. These improper HUD payments occurred because Puerto Rico and CPD did not establish financial or payment controls as CPD did not require that grantees separately report non-Federal match expenses. As a result, Puerto Rico did not transparently report the amounts it spent on non-Federal match activities versus more than $2.8 million on other eligible CPD disaster recovery expenses. Projecting the results of our testing to the universe, this amounts to at least $7.17 million in HUD payments that are not related to FEMA non-Federal match expenses. Puerto Rico's action led it to overreport the amount HUD reimbursed for FEMA Public Assistance Program non-Federal match activities, which increased the risk of potential improper payments. Due to the overreported amounts, HUD and its stakeholders cannot use DRGR system to ensure that Puerto Rico properly used its disaster recovery funds to meet the non-Federal match portion of FEMA's Public Assistance projects.
We recommend that CPD ODR require Puerto Rico to support or repay unsupported HUD payments totaling $47.8 million. Additionally, should Puerto Rico implement the recommendations in this report, we projected it can avoid paying unsupported expenses of at least $54.8 million and avoid reporting other expenses as non-Federal match payments which total at least $7.17 million. Further, we recommend that Puerto Rico update or revise its financial and payment controls for non-Federal match payments and ensure that such expenses are appropriately allocated, tracked, and reported to protect more than $617 million of unspent funds at risk of improper payments.
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The report is posted at: https://www.hudoig.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/2027-fw-1001_508.pdf
HHS IG: Kentucky Could Better Protect Children Residing in Qualified Residential Treatment Programs
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 (TNSLrpt) -- The Health and Human Services Inspector General issued the following report (OAS-24-05-010) entitled "Kentucky Could Better Protect Children Residing in Qualified Residential Treatment Programs" filed under the ACF:
Here are excerpts:
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Why OIG Did This Audit
* The Family First Prevention Services Act (Family First), enacted in February 2018, included requirements to ensure that placement of children in congregate care settings was based on the specialized behavioral and mental health needs or clinical disabilities of the child.
* Family First created a
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 (TNSLrpt) -- The Health and Human Services Inspector General issued the following report (OAS-24-05-010) entitled "Kentucky Could Better Protect Children Residing in Qualified Residential Treatment Programs" filed under the ACF:
Here are excerpts:
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Why OIG Did This Audit
* The Family First Prevention Services Act (Family First), enacted in February 2018, included requirements to ensure that placement of children in congregate care settings was based on the specialized behavioral and mental health needs or clinical disabilities of the child.
* Family First created anew category of child care institutions called qualified residential treatment programs (QRTPs), which are facilities for children in the foster care system who have serious emotional or behavioral disorders or disturbances.
* This audit examined whether Kentucky and its QRTPs complied with Federal and State requirements related to children in foster care who were eligible for assistance under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act (the Act).
What OIG Found
Kentucky and its QRTPs did not comply with Federal and State requirements related to children in foster care who were eligible for assistance under Title IV-E of the Act from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024. Specifically, we found:
* 70 instances of noncompliance in 25 of the 30 children's case files and records that we reviewed, including missing family support group documentation, court approvals, discharge plans, and health records and screenings.
* 165 instances of noncompliance across the 15 QRTPs that we reviewed related to requirements for background checks, personnel and training records, written policies, staffing, and physical environment.
These weaknesses exposed children in Kentucky's QRTPs to unsafe environments, inadequate care, and unqualified staff, and resulted in $571,306 ($416,009 Federal share) in improper Title IV E payments during the placements.
What OIG Recommends
We made four recommendations to Kentucky, including that it work with the Administration for Children and Families to determine the portion of the $416,009 in improper payments that must be refunded to the Federal Government. In addition, Kentucky should ensure the 15 QRTPs comply with background check requirements and that it conduct onsite monitoring of the facilities. The full recommendations are in the report.
Kentucky concurred with two recommendations and detailed steps it has taken and plans to take in response to them. Kentucky did not concur with the remaining two recommendations.
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The report is posted at: https://oig.hhs.gov/documents/audit/11952/OAS-24-05-010.pdf
DHS Highlights Worst Illegal Aliens Arrested in Michigan
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued the following news release:
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DHS Highlights Worst Illegal Aliens Arrested in Michigan
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If You Seek a Pleasant Peninsula, Deport More Illegal Aliens
WASHINGTON - The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement highlighting examples of the worst illegal aliens arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Michigan recently, with criminal histories that include armed robbery, identity theft, and driving under the influence of liquor.
"Every day, the steadfast
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued the following news release:
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DHS Highlights Worst Illegal Aliens Arrested in Michigan
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If You Seek a Pleasant Peninsula, Deport More Illegal Aliens
WASHINGTON - The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement highlighting examples of the worst illegal aliens arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Michigan recently, with criminal histories that include armed robbery, identity theft, and driving under the influence of liquor.
"Every day, the steadfastpatriots of ICE are arresting and deporting illegal aliens from all across the country, including the beautiful state of Michigan," said Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. "In recent days, they've arrested armed robbers, scammers, and drunk drivers. At DHS, we will always enforce the law and protect the American people. Arresting and removing illegal aliens from our country is how we save lives and make America safe again."
Among the worst illegal aliens arrested in Michigan are:
Amilcar Jose Suarez Barreto, an illegal alien from Venezuela, arrested by ICE in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on October 12. His criminal history includes arrests for felony armed robbery, FOUR counts of assault, FOUR counts of trespassing, TWO counts of property damage, felony possession of weapon, shoplifting, larceny, resisting officer, obstructing justice, and escape/violate electronic monitoring. He illegally entered the United States in July 2023 through Texas, and was RELEASED into the country by the Biden Administration. He was issued a final order of removal by an Immigration Judge on January 27, 2025.
Sarah Jane Hulbert, a criminal illegal alien from the Philippines, arrested by ICE in Detroit, Michigan, on October 16. Her criminal history includes convictions for aggravated identity theft from $10,000 to $100,000 against a person 60 years or older and domestic violence, as well as arrests for driving under the influence of liquor, TWO counts of intimidation/physical harm, FOUR counts of forgery, TWO counts of harassment, obstructing police, and computer fraud. She was first lawfully admitted to the United States in August 2004, but became inadmissible after her criminal convictions. She was subsequently taken into custody by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), but was RELEASED back into the country by the Biden Administration.
Kelvin Ramon Castillo Rodriguez, an illegal alien from Venezuela, arrested by ICE in Detroit, Michigan, on October 18. His criminal history includes an arrest for assault. He illegally entered the United States in April 2023 near Hidalgo, Texas, and was RELEASED into the country by the Biden Administration.
Elmer Domingo Lopez Tomas, an illegal alien from Guatemala, arrested by ICE in Detroit, Michigan, on October 18. His criminal history includes an arrest for a felony weapons offense. He was lawfully admitted to the United States in March 2025 but failed to depart after his authorized period expired in July 2025.
Anderson Jesus Rosales Ramos, an illegal alien from Venezuela, arrested by ICE in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on October 16. His criminal history includes an arrest for second-degree retail fraud. He illegally entered the United States in August 2023 through Texas, and was RELEASED into the country by the Biden Administration. He was issued a final order of removal by an Immigration Judge on January 19, 2024.
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Original text here: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/10/26/dhs-highlights-worst-illegal-aliens-arrested-michigan
Boston Man Sentenced to Prison for Failure to File Export Information
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Oct. 26 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts posted the following news release:
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Boston Man Sentenced to Prison for Failure to File Export Information
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BOSTON - A Boston man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for illegally sending firearms between the United States and the Dominican Republic.
Alexis Lara Herrera, 28, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to eight months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation. In May 2026, Herrera
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, Oct. 26 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts posted the following news release:
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Boston Man Sentenced to Prison for Failure to File Export Information
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BOSTON - A Boston man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for illegally sending firearms between the United States and the Dominican Republic.
Alexis Lara Herrera, 28, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to eight months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation. In May 2026, Herrerapleaded guilty to failure to file export information.
On or about March 18, 2023, law enforcement in the Port of Haina in the Dominican Republic conducted security examinations of international freight in the port. During a search of a shipping container from Brooklyn, New York, they discovered a shipping manifest indicating the container contained household goods. During a search of the container, four Glock firearms and 500 rounds of ammunition were found inside an air conditioner. Further investigation revealed that the shipping container originated in Boston.
Four of the Glock firearms seized in the shipment originated from federally licensed firearms dealers. Herrera was also in communication with multiple co-conspirators throughout the shipment. A search of his phone showed his engagement in firearms smuggling, including texts and a photo of multiple guns. Additional evidence recovered from Herrera's cell phone indicated that he discussed numerous shipments of firearms to the Dominican Republic, including one in June of 2023 after authorities seized this shipment.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, in New England; and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Feld Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
***
Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/boston-man-sentenced-prison-failure-file-export-information
Army & Air Force Exchange Service's Salute to Service Month Returns with Giveaways for Veterans, Service Members
DALLAS, Texas, Oct. 26 -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service issued the following news release:
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Army & Air Force Exchange Service's Salute to Service Month Returns with Giveaways for Veterans, Service Members
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What you need to know:
* Free giveaways: The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) will offer Veteran for Life keychains Nov. 7, challenge coins Nov. 11 and collectible Service-specific penny POGS Nov. 20 during Salute to Service Month.
* Eligible shoppers include active-duty service members, military retirees and service-connected disabled Veterans with in-store shopping
... Show Full Article
DALLAS, Texas, Oct. 26 -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service issued the following news release:
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Army & Air Force Exchange Service's Salute to Service Month Returns with Giveaways for Veterans, Service Members
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What you need to know:
* Free giveaways: The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) will offer Veteran for Life keychains Nov. 7, challenge coins Nov. 11 and collectible Service-specific penny POGS Nov. 20 during Salute to Service Month.
* Eligible shoppers include active-duty service members, military retirees and service-connected disabled Veterans with in-store shoppingbenefits.
* Giveaways are available in-store only, while supplies last. Visit ShopMyExchange.com/salute-to-service or contact your local Exchange for details.
DALLAS - The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES, the Exchange) will honor active-duty service members, military retirees and service-connected disabled Veterans with in-store giveaways Nov. 7, 11 and 20 during Salute to Service Month. Giveaways are available to eligible shoppers with in-store shopping benefits, while supplies last.
The Exchange celebrates Salute to Service Month throughout November to recognize the service and sacrifices of America's military community.
Salute to Service Month recognizes one day is not enough to celebrate our nation's heroes. Active-duty military, retirees and Veterans with in-store shopping benefits are eligible to receive a token of appreciation throughout the month signifying the Exchange's appreciation for their service, while supplies last.
"Salute to Service Month reflects the Exchange's commitment to serving those who serve," said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Angela Holden, the Exchange's senior enlisted advisor. "One day is not enough to honor our heroes. We are looking forward to recognizing those who have given so much to protect our freedoms."
What are the Exchange's Salute to Service Month giveaways?
In-store Salute to Service giveaway dates include:
Nov. 7: Veteran for Life keychains provide heroes with a tangible badge of honor to commemorate their service no matter where they go.
Nov. 11: An Exchange tradition going on its seventh year, the challenge coin features an America 250 design on one side and the emblems of all six military branches on the other.
Nov. 20: Collectible Service-specific penny POGS, designed for Salute to Service month. The penny POG serves as a special memento with history dating back to Southwest Asia in the early 2000s.
"We are excited to welcome our heroes to the Exchange for the recognition they deserve," Holden said. "We look forward to strengthening our connection with the military community."
Who is eligible for the Exchange's in-store giveaways?
Giveaways are in-store only for active-duty service members, retirees and service-connected disabled Veterans with in-store shopping benefits. Quantities are limited. Shoppers can visit ShopMyExchange.com/salute-to-service for more information or contact their local Exchange.
Facebook-friendly version: Salute to Service Month is back at @ShopMyExchange. Heroes with in-store shopping benefits can visit the BX or PX for an exclusive giveaway each week. Learn more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-3kh
Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has gone where Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 60th-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In FY 2025, the Exchange generated $307 million for military Quality-of-Life programs. In the last 10 years, the Exchange has generated $2.4 billion in dividends to Quality-of-Life programs. The Exchange is a nonappropriated fund entity of the Department of War and is directed by a Board of Directors. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on X at https://x.com/shopmyexchange.
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Original text here: https://publicaffairs-sme.com/ExchangePost/2026/10/26/army-air-force-exchange-services-salute-to-service-month-returns-with-giveaways-for-veterans-service-members/
Coast Guard rescues four people after vessel capsizes near Key Largo
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard issued the following news release:
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Coast Guard rescues four people after vessel capsizes near Key Largo
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MIAMI -- A U.S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada boat crew rescued one person, Saturday, after a 23-foot vessel taking on water capsized near Key Largo, Saturday.
No injuries were reported. All four mariners were transported to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
A commercial salvage company arrived on scene and salvaged the vessel.
Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders received a report of a 23-foot
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard issued the following news release:
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Coast Guard rescues four people after vessel capsizes near Key Largo
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MIAMI -- A U.S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada boat crew rescued one person, Saturday, after a 23-foot vessel taking on water capsized near Key Largo, Saturday.
No injuries were reported. All four mariners were transported to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
A commercial salvage company arrived on scene and salvaged the vessel.
Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders received a report of a 23-footvessel taking on water near Key Largo. A good Samaritan rescued three passengers aboard their vessel, while the captain remained onboard attempting to dewater the vessel.
The vessel eventually capsized as Station Islamorada's boat crew arrived on scene. The crew rescued the captain and transported the individual to safety.
Coast Guard Southeast District reminds mariners to wear a properly fitted life jacket while underway and ensure their vessels are equipped with appropriate safety and communication equipment.
***
Original text here: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4633002/coast-guard-rescues-four-people-after-vessel-capsizes-near-key-largo/ (TNSmrp)
BAMC celebrates the life of infants lost during Remembrance Ceremony
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Oct. 24 -- The U.S. Army Medicine posted the following news:
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BAMC celebrates the life of infants lost during Remembrance Ceremony
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In the early days that followed, all appeared fine, and Revell assumed she would experience a routine pregnancy except for the occasional fatigue.
But at 23 weeks, Revell had cause for alarm.
"I had abrupt right abdominal pain," she said. "I knew something wasn't right."
After being admitted to BAMC, Revell was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome, a life-threatening pregnancy complication, along with preeclampsia. "Those two conditions made
... Show Full Article
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Oct. 24 -- The U.S. Army Medicine posted the following news:
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BAMC celebrates the life of infants lost during Remembrance Ceremony
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In the early days that followed, all appeared fine, and Revell assumed she would experience a routine pregnancy except for the occasional fatigue.
But at 23 weeks, Revell had cause for alarm.
"I had abrupt right abdominal pain," she said. "I knew something wasn't right."
After being admitted to BAMC, Revell was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome, a life-threatening pregnancy complication, along with preeclampsia. "Those two conditions madeit dangerous for me until the baby was born," she said.
In a matter of days, their son, Rex, was born prematurely via cesarean section, 23 weeks and 6 days, weighing 1.2 pounds. "He came out breathing and made a little cry," Revell recalled. "He wanted to fight."
At first, Rex seemed to be doing well while in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. "Doctors discovered he had a heart defect," Revell said. "If he was big enough, they could repair it with surgery, but he was too small."
Rex soon developed an abdominal infection, and his condition deteriorated. Then, on Dec. 17, 2023, at just 20 days old, he passed away.
Revell and her husband were among more than 100 people who gathered on a cool and breezy morning, Oct. 16, for a Perinatal and Pediatric Loss Remembrance Ceremony to honor the lives of premature and infant babies who left their parents much too soon. The Department of Ministry and Pastoral Care hosted the event.
At the start of the ceremony, Army Chaplain (Maj.) Joshua Kim reminded families and guests of the significance of the occasion.
"Today is not about asking you to remember because love ensures that our children are never forgotten," he said. "Instead, today is about community. It is a reminder that you do not walk this sacred ground alone. We are here to bear witness to your grief, to celebrate the precious lives and dreams of your little ones, and to draw strength from one another."
Guest speaker Lindsay Unsworth, wife of BAMC Deputy Chief, Department of Ministry and Pastoral Care, Army Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Jason Unsworth, delivered a memorial message, as she recounted the loss of their baby, Ginny, and the ensuing heartbreak.
"At the 20-weeks' ultrasound, I knew that something was wrong," she shared with the audience. "It had gone on for too long, and there were too many doctors and nurses coming in and out of the room to look at the monitor. We were all eventually brought into the cry room, where the doctors gently broke the news. Our little butterfly had a heart defect and spina bifida, indicative of a possible genetic disease."
Several months later, Ginny passed away on her due date of July 4, 2014.
"I miss her deeply and grieve what the future could have been," Unsworth said. "I grieve the life that she and we have missed out on. But death is bittersweet, and our little butterfly also did amazing things in her short existence. She taught us about love, community, charity and grace. And she did all this without even being born."
In a solemn tribute, Amy Beyer, NICU social worker, read aloud the names of 18 infants. A bell rang after each name. "There are 156 other babies whose parents chose to remember silently and who we honor today as well," she said
Army Master Sgt. Cory Caston was also among those who attended the remembrance ceremony. He and his wife, Lindsey, lost their first child, Olivia Grace, in 2013, from complications following her birth at 29 weeks. He said the event allows parents like himself to remember those precious souls in the company of others.
"I think it's great to take the time each year to remember her at an event like this while supporting other families who have gone through a similar experience," Caston said.
The ceremony concluded with a butterfly release. Pastoral staff distributed purple, triangular-shaped envelopes to attendees. They were then asked to open the envelopes to let the butterflies fly away.
Today, life is brighter for the Revell and Caston families. Caston and his wife now have two daughters, ages 6 and 12.
"I love being a girl dad," he said, smiling.
As for the Revells, Lyddia gave birth in 2024 to a girl, Reese, now 15 months old. "She was our rainbow baby," Lyddia said.
The Revells find great comfort, Lyddia said, knowing that Reese "now has a guardian angel watching over her forever."
And that little angel has a name - Rexton "Rex" Marshall Revell.
***
Original text here: https://www.army.mil/article/296301/bamc_celebrates_the_life_of_infants_lost_during_remembrance_ceremony
