Monday - May 6, 2024
Federal Tipoffs Involving Texas Newsletter for Sunday December 17, 2023 ( 68 items )  

2nd Air Force Command Chief Visits Goodfellow AFB
GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas, Dec. 15 -- The U.S. Air Force Goodfellow Air Force Base (17th Training Wing) issued the following news: By Airman 1st Class Evelyn D'Errico, 17th Training Wing Public Affairs U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kristina Montgomery, 2nd Air Force command chief, visited Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 7-8 for the first time since taking her current position. Montgomery took her position as the 2nd Air Force command chief in August, advising the commander on all operat  more

AFWERX accepting applications for spring 2024 fellowship
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 14 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio - AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory is accepting applications for its upcoming spring Traditional Fellowship Program through Jan. 5. "I would definitely recommend an AFWERX fellowship to anybody who wants a   more

Air Education & Training Command: Mission Ready Airmen Case Studies - Mobile Technical Training
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, Dec. 15 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Joseph Gangemi, Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs 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. Amid World War II, after receiving advice regar  more

Air Force ROTC Detachment, Texas Tech Honor Fallen Red Raider F-16 Pilot
MAXWELL AFB, Alabama, Dec. 12 -- The U.S. Air Force's 42nd Air Base Wing issued the following news: By Cadet Kendall Jones and Cadet Jilliana Mullen, AFROTC Detachment 820 Seventeen years ago, Maj. Troy "Trojan" Gilbert was an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot who gave his life protecting special operations forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is a 1993 graduate of Texas Tech University, and his actions did not go unnoticed at his alma mater. During its centennial celebration on Nov. 17, 2023,   more

Ark. U.S. Attorney: Pharmacy Burglary Conspirators Arraigned Tuesday in Federal Court
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, Jonathan D. Ross, issued the following news release: Eighteen individuals from Texas who are accused of stealing more than $1.5 million worth of narcotics from numerous pharmacies in Arkansas were arrested in Houston on November 28, 2023, following an indictment returned in the Eastern District of Arkansas. Seven defendants appeared on charges Tuesday before United States Magistrate Judge Patricia S. Harri  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Consumer Price Index, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Area - November 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 12 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Dec. 12, 2023, entitled "Consumer Price Index, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area - November 2023": * * * Area prices rose 0.9 percent in October and November, up 5.2 percent over the year * * * Prices in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area, as measured by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), increased 0.9 perc  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Employer Costs for Employee Compensation for the Regions - September 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 16 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Dec. 15, 2023, entitled "Employer Costs for Employee Compensation for the Regions - September 2023": * * * Private industry employer costs for employee compensation among the four regions of the country ranged from $36.65 per hour in the South to $48.29 in the Northeast in September 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported  more

BLS: Employment and Average Wages Increased in All of the 10 Largest Counties From June 2022 to June 2023
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics issued the following document from Economics Daily: * * * Employment and average weekly wages increased in all of the 10 largest U.S. counties from June 2022 to June 2023. Among the areas with the largest over-the-year percentage increases in employment were Harris County, Texas, at 3.6 percent, Miami-Dade County, Florida (3.5 percent), and Maricopa County, Arizona (2.6 percent). In June 2023, national em  more

Cannon AFB Civic Leaders Take on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Laughlin, and Maxwell AFB
LAUGHLIN AFB, Texas, Dec. 15 -- The U.S. Air Force Laughlin Air Force Base (47th Flying Training Wing) issued the following news: Cannon Air Force Base civic leaders, along with 27th Special Operations Wing leadership, toured three Air Force bases during a cross-country civic leader tour, Nov. 28 - Dec. 1, 2023. Civic leader tours help educate key community members on what Airmen experience throughout their Air Force careers and help them understand the needs and challenges of Airmen and their  more

CBP Announces Measures to Facilitate Upcoming Christmas, New Year's Holiday Traffic at the Laredo Port of Entry
LAREDO, Texas, Dec. 12 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: With only a few weeks to go until the end of the year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Field Operations at the Laredo Port of Entry strongly encourages travelers to plan ahead, apply for I-94 travel permits online as CBP prepares to implement measures to facilitate Christmas, New Year's holiday traffic. "As shopping and cross-border travel starts   more

CBP Field Operations Promotes Commercial Bus EAPIS
HIDALGO, Texas, Dec. 13 -- 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 at the Hidalgo International Bridge is reminding and encouraging bus companies to file their international trips in CBP's Electronic Advanced Passenger Information System, which will promote fast, secure border crossing, and front of the line privileges. "We want to remind bus line management that C  more

CBP Officers Apprehended a Fugitive Wanted for Sexual Assault of a Child at Hidalgo International Bridge
HIDALGO, Texas, Dec. 15 -- 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 at the Hidalgo International Bridge apprehended a U.S. citizen wanted for sexual assault of a child. "Our vigilant CBP officers screen all travelers entering the United States and are committed to bringing people to face their charges, especially those wanted for heinous crimes against chil  more

CBP Officers Seize 145 Pounds of Cocaine and Methamphetamine at the Ysleta Port of Entry
EL PASO, Texas, Dec. 12 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Ysleta port of entry intercepted a combined 145 pounds of cocaine and methamphetamine in two separate failed smuggling attempts. The combined estimated street value is approximately $664,000. "Our CBP officers remain dedicated to disrupting the flow of illicit narcotics while also facilitating legitimat  more

CBP Officers Seize Cocaine at the Ysleta Port of Entry
EL PASO, Texas, Dec. 16 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the port of Ysleta intercepted 36 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of $495,000. "Holiday traffic is building but CBP officers remain focused on their important narcotics enforcement mission," said CBP Ysleta Port Director Arnie Gomez. "We will keep traffic moving while also preventing the in  more

CBP Officers Seize Methamphetamine at the Bridge of the Americas Border Crossing
EL PASO, Texas, Dec. 15 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Bridge of the Americas Border Crossing, intercepted 58.05 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $174,000. "Homeland security is CBP's priority mission with the thorough inspection process employed by CBP officers often leading to drug interdiction cases," said CBP El Paso Port Dire  more

Chief Master Sgt. David A. Flosi named 20th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: ARLINGTON, Virginia - Chief Master Sgt. David A. Flosi was selected Dec. 11 to be the 20th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, adding a deeply experienced and proven Airman to the top echelon of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin's emerging leadership team. In announcing the selection, Allvin noted Flosi's experience,   more

Chiefs discuss military recruiting challenges at committee hearing
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: WASHINGTON - The military's recruiting chiefs said they are making progress in meeting recruiting goals for fiscal 2024 even in the face of what one called "one of the toughest recruiting landscapes I've seen in over 33 years of service." Army Maj. Gen. Johnny K. Davis, commanding general of the Army Recruiting Command made the c  more

Court Sentences Mobile Man to 292 Months Imprisonment in Multi-Defendant Interstate Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Dec. 14 -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Division issued the following news release: MOBILE, AL - On November 29, 2023, United States District Court Judge, Callie V. S. Grande sentenced David Erik Crumpton to 292 months imprisonment for his role in a multi-defendant interstate drug trafficking conspiracy. Documents filed with the Court established that Christopher Perales, from the state of Texas, would regularly supply Crum  more

Customs and Border Protection: El Paso Sector Warns Migrants Not to Be Led by Misinformation
EL PASO, Texas, Dec. 16 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector is warning migrants not to listen to misinformation being circulated by transnational criminal organizations about entering the United States illegally between the ports of entry. In recent weeks, the misinformation led migrants to believe that the international BSI 36 marker is a proper point of entry into United States. Rumor  more

DEA-Houston: Money Launderer for Cartel Sent to Prison
HOUSTON, Texas, Dec. 14 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: A 40-year-old Mexican citizen has been sentenced for international drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy, operating on behalf of the Gulf Cartel in Mexico, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Ezequiel Alanis Espitia pleaded guilty M  more

DEA-New Orleans Division: Court Sentences Mobile Man to 292 Months Imprisonment in Multi-Defendant Interstate Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy
MOBILE, Alabama, Dec. 15 -- The U.S. Justice Department's Drug Enforcement Administration's New Orleans Division issued the following news release: On November 29, 2023, United States District Court Judge, Callie V. S. Grande sentenced David Erik Crumpton to 292 months imprisonment for his role in a multi-defendant interstate drug trafficking conspiracy. Documents filed with the Court established that Christopher Perales, from the state of Texas, would regularly supply Crumpton in Mobile, Alab  more

DEA-New Orleans Division: Pharmacy Burglary Conspirators Arraigned Tuesday in Federal Court
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Dec. 14 -- The U.S. Justice Department's Drug Enforcement Administration's New Orleans Division issued the following news release: Eighteen individuals from Texas who are accused of stealing more than $1.5 million worth of narcotics from numerous pharmacies in Arkansas were arrested in Houston on November 28, 2023, following an indictment returned in the Eastern District of Arkansas. Seven defendants appeared on charges Tuesday before United States Magistrate Judge Patric  more

Deceased JBSA-Fort Sam Houston service member identified
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 12 -- 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 - U.S. Army Pvt. Nathan Trahan, a combat medic trainee with the 232nd Medical Battalion, 32nd Medical Brigade, was found dead at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Dec. 4. Trahan, 18 years old and from Murrieta, California, was found unresponsive in his barracks room. "On behal  more

Defense Health Network, Medical Readiness Command, West Leverage Resources to Improve Patient Care
FORT JOHNSON, Louisiana, Dec. 14 -- The U.S. Army Medicine issued the following news: By Jean Graves William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Fort Bliss, Texas answered the call for assistance by providing two respiratory specialists, Staff Sgt. Adolfo Uribe, and Sgt. Christopher Allen to support patient care at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, Fort Johnson, Louisiana. Uribe, outpatient pulmonary services noncommissioned officer in charge for WBAMC, said he volunteered to help in the spirit   more

Department of Labor Finds Two Houston Contractors Willfully Ignored Federal Safety Requirements, Leading to Fatal Roof Collapse at High School
HOUSTON, Texas, Dec. 15 -- The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued the following news release: * * * ICI Construction, Emanuel Enterprises assessed $315K in total proposed penalties * * * A federal investigation into the fatal roof collapse at Friendswood High School in June 2023 in which four workers suffered injuries -- including one who later died -- found two Houston-area contractors exposed employees to safety hazards by ignoring federal require  more

DOD addresses recruiting shortfall challenges
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 14 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: WASHINGTON - The Defense Department's acting undersecretary for personnel and readiness and senior manpower officials today testified about shortfalls in Army, Navy and Air Force recruiting in the fiscal year that ended in September at a hearing of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee. Ashish Vazirani said tha  more

Eagle Pass CBP Officers Seize Hard Narcotics Worth Over $1.3M
EAGLE PASS, Texas, Dec. 12 -- 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 at Eagle Pass Port of Entry seized hard narcotics that totaled over $1,300,000 in street value in a single enforcement action. "Officers in the passenger environment interdicted and seized more than a million dollars in alleged methamphetamine," said Port Director Pete Beattie, Eagle Pas  more

Enterprise Land Mobile Radio Lifecycle Management & Sustainment Services Contract Mod Delivers Reliability, Security to Sister Service
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 14 -- The U.S. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center issued the following news: By Debbie Aragon, AFIMSC Public Affairs The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center is extending secure, reliable communications to U.S. Army in Europe leaders and first responders. Following the success of an Enterprise Land Mobile Radio Lifecycle Management & Sustainment Services contract earlier this year, USAREUR was added recently to the cap  more

ERO Harlingen removes Salvadoran wanted in home country for human smuggling and illicit association
WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: HARLINGEN, Texas -- ERO Harlingen removed Juan Carlos Pena Escobar, 46, a citizen of El Salvador with a final order of removal, to El Salvador via a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Air Operations charter aircraft. Pena is wanted by El Salvadoran law enforcement authorities for human smuggling and illicit association. On Dec. 8, ERO officers with the  more

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas Awards $28.4 Million for Affordable Housing
DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 8 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news release: * * * The Funding Will Create or Rehabilitate More Than 2,600 Housing Units * * * The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) is pleased to announce that it has awarded $28.4 million in Affordable Housing Program (AHP) subsidies to 43 projects in its five-state District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. The sub  more

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas: Excess Stock Repurchase on Dec. 27, 2023
DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 12 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following member bulletin (No. 2023-34) on Dec. 11, 2023: * * * On December 27, 2023, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (Bank) will repurchase the portion of members' excess stock identified as surplus stock as of that date. For this repurchase, surplus stock is defined as the amount of capital stock held by a member that exceeds 125 percent of its minimum investm  more

Fighting the flu during the holiday season
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 12 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Look out, Joint Base San Antonio ... cold and flu season is here again. According to the World Health Organization, there are around a billion cases of seasonal influenza annually. Symptoms typically present 1-4 days after infection and usually last about a week. According to the American Lung Asso  more

JBSA continues Fiesta tradition, announces new 2024 Military Ambassadors
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Military Ambassadors have been around for decades, playing a distinctive community outreach roll as the military's front-line ambassadors during Fiesta in San Antonio. "The Military Ambassador Program is one that acknowledges service-members who represent the best in all of us: patriotism, diversity, community engagement, teamwork and inspiration  more

JBSA Explosive Ordnance Disposal holds inaugural Joint Field Training Exercise
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-CAMP BULLIS, Texas - Joint Base San Antonio's 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron and 433rd CES held the inaugural 2023 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Texas Regional Field Training Exercise late last month at JBSA-Camp Bullis with members from Dyess Air Force Base's 7th CES and Barksdale AFB's 2nd CES. "We were talki  more

JBSA First Sergeant Diamond Sharp Awards
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Diamond Sharp Award is sponsored by the Joint Base San Antonio First Sergeants Council and recognizes outstanding Airmen who continually exceed the standard to meet the Air Force mission. RANK/NAME: Tech. Sgt. Robert Barrientos UNIT: 390th Cyber Operations Squadron DUTY TITLE: Exploitation Analyst Tech. Sgt. Robert Barrientos was first on the   more

JBSA hosts 2023 InfraGard National Disaster Resilience Council summit
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Joint Base San Antonio hosted the 2023 InfraGard National Disaster Resilience Council summit in downtown San Antonio Dec. 5-6. The National Disaster Resilience Council is a cross-sector council of InfraGard National Members Alliance, an FBI-affiliated independent nonprofit with 37,000 members, dedicated to pro  more

JBSA lists revised holiday gate hours
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Security Forces have released revised entry control point holiday hours at Joint Base San Antonio locations for Dec. 22, 2023, through Jan. 1, 2024. JBSA-FORT SAM HOUSTON Normal hours for federal holidays/family days: JBSA-Camp Bullis, Harry Wurzbach East, BAMC I-35, BAMC I-35 Visitor Control. Center, Walters Gate, Winans Gate, Quadrangle Pedestrian  more

Justice Dept.: Clinic Office Manager Sentenced for $1.2M Pill Mill Scheme
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release: A medical clinic office manager was sentenced today to seven years in prison for operating a pill mill clinic that unlawfully distributed over 600,000 opioid pills in exchange for cash. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Andres Martinez Jr., 30, of Laredo, Texas, was the office manager of Jomori Health and Wellness (Jomori), a purported Houston pain management clinic. Martinez op  more

Justice Dept.: Man Charged for $60M Health Care Fraud and Kickback Scheme
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Dec. 14, 2023: A federal grand jury in Miami returned an indictment yesterday charging a Texas man for his alleged role in a $60 million health care fraud, wire fraud, and kickback scheme involving the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME), genetic tests, and foot bath medications. According to court documents, Robert Leon Smith II  more

La. U.S. Attorney: Texas Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Duane A. Evans, issued the following news release: U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that ELIAS SALAS, age 19, from Edinburgh, Texas, was sentenced on December 12, 2023 by U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to 108 months incarceration after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 2  more

LMR contract mod delivers reliability, security to sister service
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas - The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center is extending secure, reliable communications to U.S. Army in Europe leaders and first responders. Following the success of an Enterprise Land Mobile Radio Lifecycle Management & Sustainment Services contract earlier this year, USAREUR w  more

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park: Texas White House Complex to Close for Rehabilitation
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- The National Park Service Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park issued the following news release on Dec. 14, 2023: Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is excited to announce that the construction phase of the Texas White House Rehabilitation Project, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) and Repair and Rehabilitation funds, will begin January 2, 2024. Visitors can continue to walk the grounds of the Texas White House Complex daily until park closin  more

Make sure only rain goes down the storm drain
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 12 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Allowing harmful contamination to enter Joint Base San Antonio's storm drainage system can affect your enjoyment of creeks and waterways flowing through our installations. By increasing awareness of what enters the storm drain system, it's possible to actively protect Texas creeks and waterways from   more

METC Pharmacy Training Lab named in honor of late program director
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 13 -- 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 Pharmacy Technician program at the Medical Education and Training Campus at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston officially named its outpatient pharmacy training laboratory as the Catoe Laboratory during a ceremony Dec. 8, in honor of Air Force Col. John Catoe, METC's second   more

Mission Ready Airmen Case Studies: Mobile Technical Training
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 14 -- 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. Amid World War II, after receiving advice  more

Nations meet to address space security
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: BERLIN - The Defense Department participated in a meeting of the Combined Space Operations Initiative Principals Board, known as CSpO, in Berlin. The annual event, held last week, brought together DOD political and military space leadership from the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and als  more

Navigating the storm: Servicemembers get equipped with stress management techniques
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: In the demanding world of military service, stress is an ever-present companion. Recognizing the crucial need for effective stress management, EVENPULSE, a company specializing in stress reduction techniques, visited servicemembers assigned to the 341st Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Servicemembers received a holistic approach   more

Navy Medicine campaign plan supports expeditionary medicine, prepares for future fight
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 14 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: FALLS CHURCH, Virginia - The U.S. Navy Surgeon General has released Navy Medicine's first-ever campaign plan. The five-year plan directs actions across the enterprise to ensure Navy Medicine has trained, equipped, certified, maintained, and sustained medical forces and units capable of supporting the Joint and Naval forces. "This  more

NETL Enters Pipeline Sensor Collaboration With Colonial Pipeline Company
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Dec. 14 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory issued the following news: NETL and Alpharetta, Georgia-based Colonial Pipeline Company (the largest pipeline system for refined oil products in the U.S, ranging from Texas to New York) have signed a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA). As a result, field demonstrations of optical fiber sensor systems developed at NETL on Colonial's fuel pipeline will continue -- in the   more

NLRB Issues Decision on Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin, National Nurses Organizing Committee - Texas/National Nurses United
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- The National Labor Relations Board issued the following decision (Case No. 16-RC-329698) by Region 16 Director Timothy L. Watson: * * * ASCENSION SETON D/B/A ASCENSION SETON MEDICAL CENTER AUSTIN, Employer and NATIONAL NURSES ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (NNOC) - TEXAS/NATIONAL NURSES UNITED (NNU), Petitioner DECISION AND DIRECTION OF ELECTION On November 9, 2023, National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC) - Texas/National Nurses United (NNU) (Petitioner) filed a representati  more

NRC Issues Event Notification for Rone Engineering Services, Dallas, Texas
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (No. 56883) involving Rone Engineering Services LTD, Dallas, Texas: * * * Rep Org: Texas Dept of State Health Services Licensee: Rone Engineering Services LTD Region: 4 City: Dallas State: TX License #: L02356 Agreement: Y NRC Notified By: Art Tucker HQ OPS Officer: Karen Cotton-Gross Notification Date: 12/08/2023 Notification Time: 21:35 [ET] Event Date: 12/08/2023 Event Time: 00:00 [C  more

NRC Issues Event Notification for University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (No. 56880) involving the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston: * * * Rep Org: Texas Dept of State Health Services Licensee: U of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Ctr Region: 4 City: Houston State: TX License #: L00466 Agreement: Y NRC Notified By: Randall Redd HQ OPS Officer: Ernest West Notification Date: 12/07/2023 Notification Time: 14:36 [ET] Event Date: 12/07/2023 Event   more

NRC Issues Event Notification for University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (No. 56880) involving University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston: * * * Rep Org: Texas Dept of State Health Services Licensee: U of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Ctr Region: 4 City: Houston State: TX License #: L00466 Agreement: Y NRC Notified By: Randall Redd HQ OPS Officer: Ernest West Notification Date: 12/07/2023 Notification Time: 14:36 [ET] Event Date: 12/07/2023 Event Time  more

Pharmacy Burglary Conspirators Arraigned Tuesday in Federal Court
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Division issued the following news release: LITTLE ROCK-- Eighteen individuals from Texas who are accused of stealing more than $1.5 million worth of narcotics from numerous pharmacies in Arkansas were arrested in Houston on November 28, 2023, following an indictment returned in the Eastern District of Arkansas. Seven defendants appeared on charges Tuesday before United States Magistra  more

Port of El Paso CBP Officers Seize Fentanyl and Methamphetamine
EL PASO, Texas, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Paso Del Norte and Bridge of the Americas border crossings intercepted a combined 73 pounds of fentanyl and methamphetamine on four separate failed smuggling attempts. "CBP officers remain focused on the narcotic interdiction mission," said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. "Vigilance and the uti  more

President Biden Issues Statement on Continued Denials of Abortion Care
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- President Biden issued the following statement on Dec. 12, 2023, on continued denials of abortion care: * * * No woman should be forced to go to court or flee her home state just to receive the health care she needs. But that is exactly what happened in Texas thanks to Republican elected officials, and it is simply outrageous. This should never happen in America, period. Legal and medical chaos, as we are witnessing in states like Texas, Kentucky and Arizona, is a direc  more

Settlement of Estate
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 14 -- 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 Commander regrets to announce the death of Army Pvt. 2 Nathan Trahan, assigned to the 232nd Medical Battalion, 32nd Medical Brigade, at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, who passed away on Dec. 4, 2023. To settle the estate of the deceased, Army Capt. Jared Joern, also a  more

Sleep hygiene: Aim high, sleep deep
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 12 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Mississippi - There are many facets to optimizing human performance, and Second Air Force is tackling how well Airmen sleep. Sleep issues are highly prevalent among active duty service members and the numbered air force, responsible for training 93% of the Air Force, recognizes their responsibility to preve  more

Texas man sentenced to 40 years for producing, possessing child sexual abuse material
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: GALVESTON, Texas -- A Texas man has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for producing and possessing child sexual abuse material following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston's Galveston Office and the Pearland Police Department. Sean Michael Kriss, a 40-year-old resident of Brazoria, was sentenced in the U.S. District   more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Clinic Office Manager Sentenced for $1.2M Pill Mill Scheme
HOUSTON, Texas, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Alamdar S. Hamdani, issued the following news release: A medical clinic office manager has been sentenced for operating a pill mill clinic that unlawfully distributed over 600,000 opioid pills, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. A federal jury convicted Andres Martinez, Jr., 30, and Dr. Oscar Lightner, 74, both of Laredo, April 11 for unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances and conspi  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Former Texas Trooper Imprisoned for to Lying to FBI
MCALLEN, Texas, Dec. 15 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Alamdar S. Hamdani, issued the following news release: A 36-year-old Pharr resident has been sentenced for lying to federal authorities during a drug investigation, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Pablo Talavera Jr., former Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper, pleaded guilty Aug. 28. U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez has now ordered Talavera to serve 18 months in federal prison to be imm  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Fort Worth Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison
DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 12 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton, issued the following news release on Dec. 11, 2023: Leader of drug trafficking organization was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Alonzo Smith, 29, was charged in May 2023 via criminal complaint. He pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to possess of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and was sentenced T  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Importer Agrees to Pay $798,334 to Resolve Allegations of Underpayment of Customs Duties
SHERMAN, Texas, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, Damien M. Diggs, issued the following news release: U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs of the Eastern District of Texas announced today that Homestar North America, LLC has agreed to pay $798,334 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to pay customs duties owed for furniture imports from China. Customs laws require importers to pay duties determined by the actual value of the goods impor  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: National Roofing Company Settles PPP Fraud Allegations for $9 Million
FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 12 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton, issued the following news release: Texas-based commercial roofing contractor Empire Roofing, Inc. and its nationwide network of roofing and disposal companies agreed to pay $9 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by falsely certifying that eight of their affiliates were eligible to receive loans through the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Paycheck Pr  more

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia: Texas Man Sentenced to 54 Months for Felony Assault on Officers During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia issued the following news release: A Texas man was sentenced today for assaulting police officers during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election. Thomas John Ballard, 36, of Fort Worth, Tx., was sentenced to 54 months in prison  more

US, Allies highlight Russian-state cyber actor "Star Blizzard" spear-phishing campaigns
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Fort George G. Meade, Maryland - U.S. Cyber Command's Cyber National Mission Force, alongside interagency and foreign partners, issued a joint Cybersecurity Advisory highlighting advanced spear-phishing campaigns and tactics and techniques from the Russia-based malicious cyber actor Star Blizzard (formerly known as SEABORGIUM; also  more

USAF Band of the West, Kris Allen perform free Holiday in Blue concert
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 14 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The U.S. Air Force Band of the West performed its free annual "Holiday in Blue" concert on Dec. 12 and 13, 2023, at the Majestic Theatre in downtown San Antonio, with special guest Kris Allen, winner of the eighth season of American Idol. The event's host, U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Russell D. Driggers, Joint B  more

World War II veteran visits Band of the West
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Retired U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bob Lewis and Denise Haley, one of Lewis's former students, visited the Band of the West "Holiday in Blue" concert rehearsal at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Dec. 4, 2023. Lewis, a World War II veteran, was among the first troops into occupied Japan after the surrender of the Empire of Japan, on Sept. 2, 19  more