Monday - May 6, 2024
Federal Tipoffs Involving Texas Newsletter for Sunday December 03, 2023 ( 80 items )  

2023 San Antonio Rock 'N' Roll Marathon comes through JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Dec. 3
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 30 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - The 2023 San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon will come through Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston between 7-11 a.m. Dec. 3. Residents should expect traffic delays and drivers need to watch for runners. The running course includes the Harry Wurzbach West Gate, Stanley Road, Staff  more

A Day in Command: Military Training Instructor takes the helm at the 37th Training Wing
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 30 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The 37th Training Wing granted a unique opportunity to one of its own -- Master Sgt. Aubrey J. Thrower, an exemplary and seasoned military training instructor, was selected to assume the role of Command Chief for a day. Renowned for shaping the next generation of Airmen, Thrower was selected for his outstanding leadership skills, dedication to the mi  more

A Triumph of Training for the 82nd Security Forces Squadron
SHEPPARD AFB, Texas, Dec. 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Airman 1st Class Katie McKee, 82d TRW Public Affairs A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the completion of the $1.3 million project for the new Security Forces Military Working Dog facility on Nov. 29, 2023, here. After a year-long wait, this facility was meticulously designed to ensure the MWDs and handlers have a state-of-the-art-facility to continue training. The primary focus wi  more

AETC announces 2023 safety award winners
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 28 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - The Headquarters Air Education and Training Command Safety Directorate, on behalf of Maj. Gen. James R. Sears Jr., AETC deputy commander, announced the winners of the 2023 AETC Safety Awards. "Congratulations to the winners for their achievements and best wishes for their continued success,  more

AFRL, 59th Medical Wing launch space medical research group
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 30 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio - A newly established collaboration between the 711th Human Performance Wing's Human Effectiveness Directorate, the Air Force Research Laboratory and the 59th Medical Wing is creating a military research working group to address defense space-linked medical research gaps. The Clinical and Opera  more

Air Force announces FY24 Experienced Aviator Retention Incentive, Rated Officer Retention Demonstration Programs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 30 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: ARLINGTON, Virginia - The Air Force recently announced the opening of two Regular Air Force FY24 Aviation Bonus programs - the FY24 Experienced Aviator Retention Incentive, formerly known as the Aviation Bonus, and the FY24 Demonstration Bonus. Eligible active-duty aviators have until Aug. 1, 2024, to apply for EARI and the FY24   more

Air Force releases chief master sergeant promotion cycle statistics
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - Air Force officials have selected 506 senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant out of 2,249 eligible for a selection rate of 22.5 percent in the 23E9 promotion cycle, which includes supplemental promotion opportunities. The average overall score for those selected was   more

Air Force Releases Chief Master Sergeant Promotion Cycle Statistics
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, Dec. 2 -- The U.S. Air Force Personnel Center issued the following news: Air Force officials have selected 506 senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant out of 2,249 eligible for a selection rate of 22.5 percent in the 23E9 promotion cycle, which includes supplemental promotion opportunities. The average overall score for those selected was 395.51. Selectees' average time in grade was 3.16 years and time in service was 21 years. The  more

Air Force Selects 506 Senior Master Sergeants for Promotion in 23E9 Promotion Cycle to Chief Master Sergeant
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, Nov. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Personnel Center issued the following news: Air Force officials selected 506 Air Force senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant out of 2,249 eligible for a selection rate of 22.5 percent in the 23E9 promotion cycle, which includes supplemental promotion opportunities. Senior Raters will be granted access to the select lists via the Virtual Enlisted Promotion Release (EPROM) application on 29 Nov. The c  more

Air Force selects 506 senior master sergeants for promotion in 23E9 Promotion cycle to chief master sergeant.
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 28 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Air Force officials selected 506 Air Force senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant out of 2,249 eligible for a selection rate of 22.5 percent in the 23E9 promotion cycle, which includes supplemental promotion opportunities. Senior raters will be granted access to the select lists via the Virtual Enlisted Promotion Release (EPRO  more

Army publishes first doctrinal manual dedicated to information
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 30 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas - The Army released its first doctrinal publication dedicated to the topic of information and its role in multidomain operations on the Army Publishing Directorate website, on Nov. 27, 2023. Army Doctrine Publication 3-13, Information, codifies the Army's approach to the military uses of data and informati  more

Ask Away, JBSA!
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: ASK AWAY, JBSA! is a forum that aims to connect the 502nd Air Base Wing with members of the Joint Base San Antonio community. Numerous organizations work in tandem to answer the questions and provide the community with vital information. Once a submission is received, they will be further researched and published as information becomes available. On  more

BAMC docs earn Army Surgeon General Physician Recognition Awards
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Two doctors at Brooke Army Medical Center were recently awarded the Army Surgeon General Physician Recognition Award. Capt. (Dr.) Juliette Conte is a Department of Emergency Medicine doctor and Lt. Col. (Dr.) Luis Rohena is the deputy chief of the Department of Pediatrics and the ch  more

BAMC Soldier beats stomach and breast cancer, continues to serve
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - After losing her sister to a rare form of stomach cancer, a Brooke Army Medical Center respiratory therapist found out that she too would likely develop the same type of cancer. In 2016, Army Staff Sgt. Kelle Brown was stationed at Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos), Texas, when her sister was diagnosed with  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Arkansas Job Openings and Labor Turnover - September 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 1 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Nov. 27, 2023, entitled "Arkansas Job Openings and Labor Turnover - September 2023": * * * Arkansas had 90,000 job openings in September 2023, unchanged from August, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. (See table 1.) Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael Hirniak noted that the job openings rate in Ark  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Houston Area Employment - October 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 1 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Nov. 30, 2023, entitled "Houston Area Employment - October 2023": * * * Total nonfarm employment for the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX, metropolitan area increased by 76,600 over the year in October, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael Hirniak noted that th  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Louisiana Job Openings and Labor Turnover - September 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 1 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Nov. 27, 2023, entitled "Louisiana Job Openings and Labor Turnover - September 2023": * * * Louisiana had 149,000 job openings in September 2023, compared to 140,000 openings in August, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. (See table 1.) Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael Hirniak noted that the job   more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Texas Job Openings and Labor Turnover - September 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 1 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Nov. 27, 2023, entitled "Texas Job Openings and Labor Turnover - September 2023": * * * Texas had 811,000 job openings in September 2023, compared to 809,000 openings in August, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. (See table 1.) Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael Hirniak noted that the job openings  more

BLS: Employment Up in 34 States Over the Year Ending October 2023
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics issued the following document from Economics Daily: * * * From October 2022 to October 2023, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 34 states and was essentially unchanged in 16 states and the District of Columbia. * * * Chart: 12-month percent change in nonfarm employment by state, October 2023 * * * The largest job gains occurred in Texas (391,500), California (285,300), and Florida (278,400). The   more

Brownsville Man Admits to Attempting to Transport more than $200,000 of Cocaine
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Nov. 30 -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Division issued the following news release: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 34-year-old man has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than four kilograms of cocaine, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. On Oct. 4, Elias Garcia attempted to drive a Jeep Che  more

CBP and GSA Announce Completion of Small-Scale Project Donated by the City of Del Rio at the Del Rio Port of Entry
DEL RIO, Texas, Dec. 1 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the General Services Administration, and the City of Del Rio are pleased to announce the construction completion of a small-scale infrastructure improvement project at the Del Rio Land Port of Entry. Under CBP's Donations Acceptance Program, the City of Del Rio constructed new Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Insp  more

CBP Officers Seize Over $2.7 Million in Methamphetamine at Colombia-Solidarity Bridge
LAREDO, Texas, Nov. 27 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers assigned to the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge seized methamphetamine that totaled over $2,700,000 in street value. "Seizures like this aim to prevent the trafficking of narcotics into our country, preserve public safety and enforce drug laws," said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of E  more

CFTC Chairman Behnam Issues Remarks at U.S. Cattlemen's Association 16th Annual Meeting, Fort Worth, Texas
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 -- The Commodity Futures Trading Commission issued the following remarks on Dec. 1, 2023, by Chairman Rostin Behnam at the U.S. Cattlemen's Association 16th Annual Meeting, Fort Worth, Texas: * * * As you all have experienced firsthand, livestock markets have been hit hard by extreme and unpredictable weather these last several years, with record droughts forcing many (if not all) of you to make the difficult choice between bringing in expensive feed to supplement pasture lo  more

Combat Capability Demonstration Held by 363rd Training Squadron
SHEPPARD AFB, Texas, Nov. 27 -- The U.S. Air Force's 82nd Training Wing issued the following news: By Julie Svoboda The 363rd Training Squadron put theory into practice for Weapons and Ammunition Airmen in Training during a Combat Capability Demonstration November 9, 2023, here. With AiTs cheering them on and the rain pouring down, instructors from the weapons and ammo schools engaged in a friendly competition to see which team safely assembled and loaded weapons on an F-15, F-16 or A-10 fast  more

Combat Capability Demonstration Held by 363rd Training Squadron
SHEPPARD AFB, Texas, Nov. 28 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Julie Svoboda The 363rd Training Squadron put theory into practice for Weapons and Ammunition Airmen in Training during a Combat Capability Demonstration November 9, 2023, here. With AiTs cheering them on and the rain pouring down, instructors from the weapons and ammo schools engaged in a friendly competition to see which team safely assembled and loaded weapons on an F-15, F-1  more

Commentary: Growing into leadership: from Airman to NCO
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 28 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - Leadership is a hard concept to fully grasp, especially when you are new to being a leader. The Air Force looks to develop its Airmen, especially those who are promoting, by instilling leadership into their training. Before any Airman is allowed to become a non-commissioned officer, or NCO, they mu  more

CSAF, CMSAF inspire and engage at Gateway wing before Thanksgiving
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David W. Allvin made his first visit to the Gateway Wing, marking the occasion by presiding over the oath of enlistment for 756 graduating Airmen. Allvin emphasized the importance of service in the U.S. Air Force, highlighting the commitment and dedication of the next genera  more

Customs and Border Protection: RGV Border Patrol Agents Foil Multiple Drug Smuggling Attempts
EDINBURG, Texas, Nov. 30 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on Nov. 29, 2023: Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents, in coordination with several law enforcement agencies, successfully interdicted six marijuana smuggling events in a two-day span from November 27th to 28th. On Monday, a camera operator observed three individuals throwing bundles over a border barrier near Los Indios, Texas. Harlingen agents appre  more

Department of the Air Force Students Find Resources With New Student Success Center
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, Nov. 28 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Larisa Langley, Ctr, AETC/A3BP The Air Force Learning Professionals' Program recently launched the Student Success Center, a new feature on the website that provides additional academic resources and fosters academic achievement for Airmen and Guardians. The new page provides a curated list of resources to support students' academic journey including academic   more

Department of the Air Force Students Find Resources With New Student Success Center
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, Nov. 28 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following news: By Larisa Langley, Air Education and Training Command/A3BP The Air Force Learning Professionals' Program recently launched the Student Success Center, a new feature on the website that provides additional academic resources and fosters academic achievement for Airmen and Guardians. The new page provides a curated list of resources to support students' academic journey including academic preparati  more

Department of the Air Force students find resources with new Student Success Center
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 28 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - The Air Force Learning Professionals' Program recently launched the Student Success Center, a new feature on the website that provides additional academic resources and fosters academic achievement for Airmen and Guardians. The new page provides a curated list of resources to support studen  more

Department of the Air Force Students Find Resources With New Student Success Center
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, Nov. 28 -- The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command issued the following news: By Larisa Langley, Air Education and Training Command/A3BP The Air Force Learning Professionals' Program recently launched the Student Success Center, a new feature on the website that provides additional academic resources and fosters academic achievement for Airmen and Guardians. The new page provides a curated list of resources to support students' academic journey includ  more

ERO Seattle removes Nicaraguan national wanted for murder
WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: SEATTLE -- Officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Seattle field office removed Pedro Jose Torres-Moran, 44, a citizen of Nicaragua who is wanted by authorities in his home country on charges related to murder, Nov 16. U.S. Border Patrol encountered Torres-Moran July 13, 2022, near Del Rio, Texas  more

Family, Friends, U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity Team Gather to Mark Milestone Promotion at Civil War Medicine Museum
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Nov. 28 -- The U.S. Army Medicine issued the following news: By Cameron E. Parks and Timothy Parish U.S. Army Col. Charles "Chuck" Bane Jr.'s family, friends, and colleagues with the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) attended his promotion ceremony the day before Thanksgiving at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Frederick, Maryland, Nov. 22, 2023. Bane is the director of USAMMDA's Force Health Protection (FHP) Division. USAMMDA, the DoD's   more

FCC Wireline Competition Bureau Issues Public Notice: Copper Retirement Network Change Notification Filed By AT&T Texas
WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued the following public notice (WC Docket No. 23-407) on Nov. 27, 2023: * * * Re: Copper Retirement Network Change Certification Received Southwestern Bell Telephone Company d/b/a AT&T Texas (AT&T), an incumbent local exchange carrier (LEC), has filed certification that public notice of network change(s) involving the retirement of copper has been provided through its publicly accessible Internet si  more

Hiding meth in batteries lands south Texas man in prison following HSI Rio Grande Valley, federal partner investigation
WASHINGTON, Nov. 27 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: MCALLEN, Texas -- A South Texas man was sentenced to prison for attempting to import more than 40 pounds of methamphetamine into the country following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Richard Nares, 51, of Edinburg, was sentenced by a federal judge Nov. 27 to 60 months in federal pris  more

Holiday resilience: How TRICARE supports your mental health
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: FALLS CHURCH, Virginia - Editor's note: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. This resource connects you with trained counselors who can help you get the help you need, 24/7. For many people, the holiday season brings expectations of joy. But for some, t  more

HSI Rio Grande Valley investigation leads to sentencing of human smuggler
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: McALLEN, Texas -- The final man involved in a fatal smuggling conspiracy investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley has been ordered to federal prison for two separate smuggling events that occurred only weeks apart, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Orlando Andres Garcia, 24, of Mission, pleaded guilty to human smuggling resu  more

HSI Rio Grande Valley, federal partner investigation results in guilty plea for narcotics trafficker who imported $800,000 in liquid meth
WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: MCALLEN, Texas -- A Mexican man pleaded guilty to importing nearly 91 pounds of liquid meth from Mexico following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Manuel Ignacio Ley Villa, 53, was convicted Nov. 28. According to court documents, on April 30, Villa approached the Hidalgo Port of Entry  more

JBSA lights up with holiday tree lighting celebrations
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The 502nd Force Support Squadron presents the annual tree lighting celebrations to kick start the holiday season at all three primary Joint Base San Antonio locations. Each event includes the lighting of the tree, a visit from Santa, hot chocolate, cookies and games. The event is open to all DOD ID cardholders. The dates and times for each location   more

JBSA prepares for first-of-its-kind geothermal energy prototype
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Joint Base San Antonio is the first Department of the Air Force installation planning to introduce a utility-scale advanced geothermal energy system.  This accomplishment bolsters national security and represents a critical milestone in the advancement of the nation's defense infrastructure. When operational, the system will hold the potential to fu  more

Justice Dept.: Former City Commissioner Sentenced for Role in Bribery Conspiracy
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Nov. 30, 2023: A former Weslaco, Texas, city commissioner was sentenced today to two years and six months in prison for his role in a bribery conspiracy that involved city contracts worth tens of millions of dollars. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Gerardo Tafolla, 57, along with former Weslaco City commissioner John F. Cuellar, accepted bribes from Arturo C. Cuellar Jr., Ric  more

Justice Dept.: Man Sentenced for Election-Related Threats Toward Georgia Public Officials
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Nov. 29, 2023: A Texas man was sentenced today to two years in prison for posting a message online threatening several Georgia public officials following the 2020 election. "Threats of violence against those who administer our elections are dangerous for people's personal safety, and they are dangerous for our democracy," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "This sentence should serve as warning --  more

Justice Dept.: Physician Sentenced for $1.2M Pill Mill Scheme
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Nov. 30, 2023: A Texas doctor was sentenced today to seven years in prison for operating a pill mill clinic that unlawfully prescribed over 600,000 opioid pills in exchange for cash. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Dr. Oscar Lightner, 73, and Andres Martinez Jr., 29, both of Laredo, operated Jomori Health and Wellness (Jomori), a purported Houston pain management clinic, as a  more

Laredo Sector Border Patrol Seized Over $3 Million in Methamphetamine
LAREDO, Texas, Dec. 1 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents working in Freer, Texas seized methamphetamine that totaled over $3,000,000 in street value. The incident occurred on Nov. 29, when a Border Patrol agent assigned to the Freer Border Patrol Station was working his assigned duties when he arrived to assist Duval County Sheriff Deputy with a vehicle stop. A Border Patrol canine wa  more

Local San Antonio community gives back on Thanksgiving
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 28 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: In a heartwarming demonstration of gratitude, "Giving back to those who serve" was a common theme among the more than 330 San Antonio families picking up Basic Military Training trainees on Thanksgiving Day for Operation Home Cooking. Families streamed through the Pfingston Reception Center early Thanksgiving morning, eagerly awaiting to meet their t  more

Long-time Laredo Drug Dealer Heads to Prison for Selling "China White"
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Nov. 30 -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Division issued the following news release: LAREDO, Texas - A 39-year-old man has been sentenced for possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jose Pedro Garcia pleaded guilty Aug. 8. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has   more

MEDCoE holds change of command ceremony
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - The U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence held a change of command ceremony where Maj. Gen. Michael J. Talley relinquished command to Brig. Gen. Clinton K. Murray, Nov. 17, 2023, at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Army Lt. Gen. Milford H. Beagle Jr., commanding gene  more

Mission & Installation Contracting Command Soldier Earns Army Contracting Command Contingency Contracting Officer Medallion
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, Nov. 27 -- The U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command issued the following news: By Daniel P. Elkins, Mission and Installation Contracting Command Public Affairs Office A Soldier from the 925th Contracting Battalion was presented the Army Contracting Command Contingency Contracting Officer Medallion recently during the organization's all-hands event at Fort Drum, New York. Sgt. 1st Class Igor Malyshev awarded the medallion by Col  more

Mission & Installation Contracting Command Soldier Earns Army Contracting Command Contingency Contracting Officer Medallion
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, Nov. 28 -- The U.S. Army Contracting Command issued the following news: By Daniel P. Elkins, Mission and Installation Contracting Command Public Affairs Office A Soldier from the 925th Contracting Battalion was presented the Army Contracting Command Contingency Contracting Officer Medallion recently during the organization's all-hands event at Fort Drum, New York. Sgt. 1st Class Igor Malyshev awarded the medallion by Col. Doug Ralph, commander o  more

Mission Ready Airmen Case Studies: Two A-10 pilots, the tank destroyers
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 30 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - Air Education and Training Command is reviewing moments of aviation history to reflect the importance of Agile Combat Employment, in addition to the warrior mindset and mission readiness its Airmen must sustain while preparing for the future fight. During Desert Storm's final phase on Feb.  more

NRC Issues Confirmatory Order to ProTechnics Division of Core Laboratories
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following news release on Nov. 29, 2023: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued a Confirmatory Order to ProTechnics Division of Core Laboratories, documenting mutually agreed upon actions to address regulatory compliance issues identified during a routine inspection at the company's headquarters in Houston, Texas. ProTechnics uses radioactive materials licensed by the NRC to perform diagnostic studies in oil, gas and geot  more

NRC Issues Event Notification for Frost Geo Sciences, Helotes, Texas
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (No. 56868) involving Frost Geo Sciences Inc., Helotes, Texas: * * * Rep Org: Texas Dept of State Health Services Licensee: FROST GEO SCIENCES INC Region: 4 City: Helotes State: TX License #: L06015 Agreement: Y NRC Notified By: Karen Blanchard HQ OPS Officer: Ernest West Notification Date: 11/21/2023 Notification Time: 21:20 [ET] Event Date: 11/21/2023 Event Time: 00:00 [CST] Last Upd  more

NRC Issues Event Notification for Frost Geo Sciences, Helotes, Texas
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (No. 56868) involving Frost Geo Sciences Inc., Helotes, Texas: * * * Rep Org: Texas Dept of State Health Services Licensee: FROST GEO SCIENCES INC Region: 4 City: Helotes State: TX License #: L06015 Agreement: Y NRC Notified By: Karen Blanchard HQ OPS Officer: Ernest West Notification Date: 11/21/2023 Notification Time: 21:20 [ET] Event Date: 11/21/2023 Event Time: 00:00 [CST] Last Upd  more

NRC Issues Event Notification for Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (No. 56867) involving The Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas: * * * Rep Org: Texas Dept of State Health Services Licensee: The Methodist Hospital Region: 4 City: Houston State: TX License #: L00457 Agreement: Y NRC Notified By: Karen Blanchard HQ OPS Officer: Karen Cotton-Gross Notification Date: 11/21/2023 Notification Time: 13:40 [ET] Event Date: 11/20/2023 Event Time: 00:00 [CST] La  more

NRC Issues Event Notification for Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (No. 56867) involving The Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas: * * * Rep Org: Texas Dept of State Health Services Licensee: The Methodist Hospital Region: 4 City: Houston State: TX License #: L00457 Agreement: Y NRC Notified By: Karen Blanchard HQ OPS Officer: Karen Cotton-Gross Notification Date: 11/21/2023 Notification Time: 13:40 [ET] Event Date: 11/20/2023 Event Time: 00:00 [CST] La  more

NTIA's Institute for Telecommunication Sciences and Department of Defense Select 2024 RIC Forum Presenters
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration issued the following news release: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS), in Boulder, CO, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), have selected presenters for their radio access network (RAN) Intelligent Controller (RIC) Forum happening March 26-28, 2024, in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas  more

Pantex Plant Activity Report for Week Ending Oct. 27
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 -- The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board's Resident Inspector in Pantex issued the following weekly report: * * * TO: Timothy J. Dwyer, Acting Technical Director FROM: A. Holloway, C. Stott, and C. Berg (acting), Resident Inspectors SUBJECT: Pantex Plant Activity Report for Week Ending October 27, 2023 Staff Activity: The resident inspector staff attended the 87th Biannual DOE/NNSA Explosives Safety Committee Meeting in Amarillo, Texas, as well as training courses   more

Preserving the Past for the Future: A Look Into Dyess AFB Historian Office
DYESS AFB, Texas, Dec. 2 -- The U.S. Air Force Dyess Air Force Base (7th Bomb Wing) issued the following news: By Senior Airman Sophia Robello, 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs The Dyess Historian's office is divided into three major sections: the historian's office itself, the Dyess Linear Air Park and the Dyess Memorial Center. Each office works in tandem, preserving various historical artifacts important to both Dyess and Texas military history. While the three sections work separately most of  more

Preventative law tip: Avoiding holiday scams
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 28 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Delaware - With Americans expected to spend an average of $1,000 this holiday season, scammers are hard at work targeting holiday shoppers with the latest identity theft and hacking scams. Follow these tips to stay safe this season! 1. Upgrade your digital security: Use strong passwords, multifactor verificat  more

Substitute teacher sentenced for extorting sexual images via social media
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: McALLEN, Texas -- A 31-year-old Mission resident has been sent to federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Edgar Aaron Hernandez pleaded guilty March 31. He admitted to requesting nude images from numerous child victims via a social media platform and engaged in this conduct while at work. Hernandez als  more

Texas Man Sentenced for Antisemitic Hate Crime After Seeking to Burn Down Synagogue
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Nov. 29, 2023: A Texas man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $470,000 in restitution for a hate crime and arson in which he set fire to the Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue in Austin, Texas, on Oct. 31, 2021. Franklin Sechriest, 19, of San Marcos, pleaded guilty to a hate crime and arson charges on April 7. Sechriest admitted that he tar  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Amarillo Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Fentanyl Distribution
DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 2 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton, issued the following news release on Dec. 1, 2023: A violent Amarillo fentanyl distributor has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Johnny Evrick Johnson, Jr., 30, was indicted in December 2022 and pleaded guilty in June 2023 to distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Johnson was sentenced T  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Brownsville Man Admits to Attempting to Transport More Than $200,000 of Cocaine
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Dec. 1 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Alamdar S. Hamdani, issued the following news release: A 34-year-old man has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than four kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. On Oct. 4, Elias Garcia attempted to drive a Jeep Cherokee SUV through the primary inspection lane of the Falfurrias Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint. Soon thereafter, an X-ray of the vehicle showed th  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Dallas Man Indicted for Alleged Smuggling Attempt of 187 Firearms Into Mexico
DEL RIO, Texas, Nov. 30 -- The U.S. Attorney, Jaime Esparza, for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: A Dallas man was indicted in a federal court in Del Rio with four counts related to smuggling firearms into Mexico from the United States. According to court documents, Santiago Ramirez, 26, was subjected to a vehicle inspection at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry in the early morning of Oct. 30. Customs and Border Protection Officers noticed that the interior sidewall   more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Final Smuggler Sentenced for Stealing and Selling People and for Scheme Resulting in Death
MCALLEN, Texas, Dec. 1 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Alamdar S. Hamdani, issued the following news release: The final man involved in a fatal smuggling conspiracy has been ordered to federal prison for two separate smuggling events that occurred just weeks apart, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Orlando Andres Garcia, 24, Mission, pleaded guilty to human smuggling resulting in death and conspiracy to harbor undocumented aliens within the United States Feb.  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Five Defendants Convicted of Health Care Kickback Conspiracy
TYLER, Texas, Dec. 1 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, Damien M. Diggs, issued the following news release on Nov. 30, 2023: Five defendants, including laboratory executives and hospital executives, were found guilty of conspiring to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today. Susan L. Hertzberg, 65, of New York, New York; Matthew John Theiler, 57, of Mars, Pennsylvania; David Weldon Kraus, 65, of Loudon, Tennessee; Thomas Gray Hardawa  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Former City Commissioner Sentenced for Role in Bribery Conspiracy
MCALLEN, Texas, Dec. 1 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Alamdar S. Hamdani, issued the following news release: A former Weslaco city commissioner has been sentenced 30 months for his role in a bribery conspiracy that involved city contracts worth tens of millions of dollars, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Gerardo Tafolla, 57, along with former Weslaco City commissioner John F. Cuellar, accepted b  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Hiding Meth in Batteries Lands Texan in Prison
MCALLEN, Texas, Nov. 27 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Alamdar S. Hamdani, issued the following news release: A 51-year-old Edinburg resident has been ordered to federal prison for attempting to import more than 20 kilograms of meth into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Richard Nares pleaded guilty May 2, 2022, to importation of 500 grams or more of meth. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now sentenced him to 60 months in federal priso  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Lab Owner Pleads Guilty to $1.7 Million COVID-19 Test Fraud Scheme
DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 2 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton, issued the following news release on Dec. 1, 2023: A Plano man pleaded guilty Thursday to orchestrating a fraudulent scheme to obtain approximately $1.7 million from Medicare, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Damon Heath Roberts, 55, was charged via criminal information in September 2023 and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to solicit or receive ki  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Long-Time Laredo Drug Dealer Heads to Prison for Selling 'China White'
LAREDO, Texas, Dec. 1 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Alamdar S. Hamdani, issued the following news release: A 39-year-old man has been sentenced for possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jose Pedro Garcia pleaded guilty Aug. 8. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now ordered Garcia to serve 286 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down t  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Mansfield Woman Defrauds Health and Human Services Technology Solutions Company Out of $3.7 Million
DALLAS, Texas, Nov. 29 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton, issued the following news release on Nov. 28, 2023: A Mansfield woman pleaded guilty today to a $3.7 million wire fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Tanisha Adderley, 51, was charged via criminal information in September. She pleaded guilty to wire fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez. "We are very proud of the work our Sec  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Physician Sentenced for $1.2M Pill Mill Scheme
HOUSTON, Texas, Dec. 1 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Alamdar S. Hamdani, issued the following news release: A Texas doctor has been sentenced to seven years in prison for operating a pill mill clinic that unlawfully prescribed over 600,000 opioid pills in exchange for cash, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. A federal jury convicted Dr. Oscar Lightner, 73, Laredo, April 11 of unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances and conspiracy. Accor  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Trafficker Admits to Importing $800,000 of Liquid Meth
MCALLEN, Texas, Nov. 28 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Alamdar S. Hamdani, issued the following news release: A 53-year-old naturalized citizen residing in Mexico has pleaded guilty to importing nearly 91 pounds of meth from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. On April 30, Manuel Ignacio Ley Villa approached the Hidalgo port of entry driving a maroon Chrysler Pacifica. Law enforcement noticed he appeared nervous and referred him to secondary inspection  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Tulsa, Oklahoma Man Sentenced to 54 Months for $7 Million COVID-19 Testing Fraud
DALLAS, Texas, Nov. 30 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton, issued the following news release: A Tulsa, Oklahoma man who submitted fraudulent insurance claims for COVID-19 testing, resulting in a more than $7 million loss to insurers was sentenced Wednesday to 54 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. William Paul Gray, 50, was charged via criminal information in March and pleaded guilty to Cons  more

The 2nd Annual Air Force Community Partnership Awards: A celebration of Innovation
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Nov. 30 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: ORLANDO, Florida - The Air Force's Community Partnership office engages with defense communities across the country to strengthen and fortify the nation's defense apparatus. These partnerships between the Department of the Air Force and local communities extend far beyond collaborations - they form strategic alliances that foster a  more

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Two Central Texas Aquatic Species Will Not Be Listed Under the Endangered Species Act
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued the following news release: After a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is announcing findings that two aquatic invertebrates, the Texas troglobitic water slater and mimic cavesnail, are not warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Texas troglobitic water slater is a tiny subterranean cru  more

VA IG: Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas
WASHINGTON, Nov. 27 (TNSrep) -- The Veterans Affairs Inspector General issued the following oversight report (No. 22-00238-213) on Sept. 22, 2023, entitled "Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas." Here are excerpts: * * * Report Overview This Office of Inspector General (OIG) Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program (CHIP) report provides a focused evaluation of the quality of care delivered in the inpatient and outpatient settin  more

VA IG: Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, La.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 (TNSrep) -- The Veterans Affairs Inspector General issued the following oversight report (No. 22-00240-17) on Nov. 15, 2023, entitled "Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana." Here are excerpts: * * * Report Overview This Office of Inspector General (OIG) Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program (CHIP) report provides a focused evaluation of the quality of care delivered in the inpatient and outpatient setti  more

VP Harris Issues Remarks at Campaign Reception in Houston, Texas
HOUSTON, Texas, Nov. 29 -- Vice President Kamala Harris issued the following remarks on Nov. 27, 2023, at a campaign reception: * * * THE VICE PRESIDENT: Hi, everyone. (Applause.) The first Second Gentleman of the United States. (Applause.) (Laughs.) Thank you, Dougie. Hi, everyone, and good evening. Good evening to everyone. Let me start by thanking Sima and Masoud and Dara for hosting us this evening. Sima and I went to the same law school. And -- and we have been working together most re  more