Monday - May 6, 2024
Federal Tipoffs Involving Texas Newsletter for Sunday January 21, 2024 ( 71 items )  

A.G. Garland Issues Remarks on Justice Dept. Report on Review of Response at Robb Elementary School Shooting
UVALDE, Texas, Jan. 19 -- Attorney General Merrick B. Garland issued the following remarks on Jan. 18, 2024, on the Justice Department's report on its critical incident review of the response to the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School: * * * Last night, I met with some of the survivors and the loved ones of the victims of the horrific mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. I came here to tell them that the United States Department of Justice has finished its Critical Incident Review. In  more

AETC commander conducts 'GO Inspire' visit at high school alma mater
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania - Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, returned to his high school alma mater, George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Jan. 16-17, 2024. The visit was part of the Air Force Recruiting Service's GO Inspire progr  more

AFIMSC supports Sentinel missile weapon system beddown
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 17 -- 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 executing a multi-year design and construction program to provide beddown for the Department of the Air Force nuclear deterrence mission. Under the program, AFIMSC recently spearheaded the award of a $120 million contract to deliver n  more

Air Force Hosts Industry Day for Eglin Non-Excess Property Development
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center issued the following news: The Air Force Civil Engineer Center and the 96th Test Wing will host an industry day February 7, 2024, to explore possible development of a mixed-use technology and research park at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central Time at the Research Engineering and Education Facility, 1350 North Poquito Road, in Shalimar, Florida. The Air   more

Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center Supports Sentinel Missile Weapon System Beddown
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Jan. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center issued the following news: The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center is executing a multi-year design and construction program to provide beddown for the Department of the Air Force nuclear deterrence mission. Under the program, AFIMSC recently spearheaded the award of a $120 million contract to deliver new test infrastructure at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. "Modernizin  more

Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center Supports Sentinel Missile Weapon System Beddown
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 18 -- The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command issued the following news: The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center is executing a multi-year design and construction program to provide beddown for the Department of the Air Force nuclear deterrence mission. Under the program, AFIMSC recently spearheaded the award of a $120 million contract to deliver new test infrastructure at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. "Modernizing infrast  more

Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Supports Sentinel Missile Weapon System Beddown
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center issued the following news: The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center is executing a multi-year design and construction program to provide beddown for the Department of the Air Force nuclear deterrence mission. Under the program, AFIMSC recently spearheaded the award of a $120 million contract to deliver new test infrastructure at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. "Modernizing infrast  more

Air Force mourns 5th CMSAF passing
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 18 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: ARLINGTON, Virginia - Robert D. Gaylor, the fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, passed away on Jan. 17, at the age of 93. Gaylor's career spanned nearly 31 years, leaving a legacy of service, leadership and dedication. "CMSAF Gaylor was a pillar of our Air Force," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass.   more

Armed Forces Sports releases 2024 calendar
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Armed Forces Sports begins the New Year with a new schedule of events and 2024 is packed with exciting competition around the globe. This year will see the return of the Armed Forces Bowling and Volleyball championships at Fort Meade, Maryland, and Fort Carson, Colorado, respectively. Also returning will be  more

Around the Air Force: Civilian development, enlisted force exhibit, New Year's jump
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Maryland - This week's Around the Air Force highlights civilian development opportunities, a new exhibit at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force honoring the enlisted force and a bilateral paratrooper exercise in the Indo-Pacific region. (Hosted by Staff Sgt. Milton Hamilton) *** Original text here: htt  more

Associate A.G. Vanita Gupta Issues Remarks on Justice Dept. Report on Review of Response at Robb Elementary School Shooting
UVALDE, Texas, Jan. 19 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following remarks on Jan. 18, 2024, by Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta on the agency's report on its critical incident review of the response to the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School: * * * It is hard to look at the truth -- that the law enforcement response on May 24 was an unimaginable failure and that a lack of action by adults failed to protect children and their teachers. But we cannot look away from what ha  more

Baby on Board! Laughlin Instructor Pilot Makes History With Groundbreaking Policy Change
LAUGHLIN AFB, Texas, Jan. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Laughlin Air Force Base (47th Flying Training Wing) issued the following news: By Senior Airman Kailee Reynolds, 47th Flying Training Wing Capt. Tabitha Letourneau, 86th Flying Training Squadron (FTS) instructor pilot (IP), made history Jan. 4, 2024, and became the first instructor pilot to fly with student pilots while pregnant at an Air Force pilot training base. "I was 27 weeks pregnant at the time of this flight," said Letourneau. "Being   more

Baby on Board! Laughlin Instructor Pilot Makes History With Groundbreaking Policy Change
LAUGHLIN AFB, Texas, Jan. 20 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Senior Airman Kailee Reynolds, 47th Flying Training Wing Capt. Tabitha Letourneau, 86th Flying Training Squadron (FTS) instructor pilot (IP), made history Jan. 4, 2024, and became the first instructor pilot to fly with student pilots while pregnant at an Air Force pilot training base. "I was 27 weeks pregnant at the time of this flight," said Letourneau. "Being an instructor pi  more

BAMC Medical Readiness Battalion welcomes new commander
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 19 -- 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 - Lt. Col. Marcos Martinez assumed command of Brooke Army Medical Center's Medical Readiness Battalion during a change of command ceremony at BAMC's Carolyn D. Putnam Auditorium at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Jan. 11. Lt. Col. Melissa Kodani relinquished command after lea  more

BLM schedules wild horse and burro event in Hallettsville, Texas
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management issued the following news release: NORMAN, Okla. -- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will hold a two-day wild horse and burro event Feb. 2 - 3 at the Wilbur Babor Memorial Complex in Hallettsville, Texas. The event begins Friday, Feb. 2, at 10 a.m., and will feature 120 animals for adoption. Adoptions take place Feb. 3, noon-6 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 3, 8 a.m.-noon. As part of the program's efforts to fi  more

Calif. U.S. Attorney: Mexican Mafia Associates Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Terms
SAN DIEGO, California, Jan. 17 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California issued the following news release: Marquella Marshall and Marsha Delacruz were sentenced in federal court today to 180 months and 48 months in prison, respectively, for their parts in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy that operated in San Diego jails. According to court records, Marshall, a Texas resident who previously lived in San Diego, is an Eastside San Diego street gang membe  more

Cash Depot Pays $55,000 to Settle EEOC Disability Discrimination Lawsuit
HOUSTON, Texas, Jan. 18 -- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued the following news release on Jan. 16, 2024: * * * ATM Service Provider Resolves Federal Lawsuit Charging That It Failed to Accommodate And Fired Employee Because of Disability * * * Cash Depot, LTD, a privately owned, independent ATM service provider headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, agreed to pay $55,000 and provide other to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opport  more

CBP Officers Seized a Sizable Amount of Tramadol at World Trade Bridge
LAREDO, Texas, Jan. 20 -- 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 World Trade Bridge seized a significant amount of tramadol within a commercial truck. "Frontline officers at the World Trade Bridge demonstrated exceptional effort in successfully disrupting this smuggling attempt," said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. "Th  more

COMMENTARY: Make a resolution to save a life this January by donating blood
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: FORT BELVOIR, Virginia - January is the start of a new year, which often includes making resolutions. Time to start eating healthier, exercising more, spending less and whatever else we tell ourselves we're going to do and then ultimately forget about by February. Another thing also associated with January is National Blood Donor   more

Community Oriented Policing Services Office Director Clements Issues Remarks on Justice Dept. Report on Review of Response at Robb Elementary School Shooting
UVALDE, Texas, Jan. 19 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following remarks on Jan. 18, 2024, by Director Hugh T. Clements Jr. of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services on the agency's report on its critical incident review of the response to the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School: * * * I know that nothing can take away the pain suffered by the families, the survivors, and the entire Uvalde community. But I do know that the team at the Office of Community Oriented P  more

Cyber National Mission Force marks a decade defending the nation
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Maryland - Ten years ago, on Jan. 17, 2014, the Cyber National Mission Force was activated as a subordinate unit to U.S. Cyber Command with a mission to plan, direct and synchronize cyberspace operations to deter, deny, and if necessary, defeat adversary cyber actors in order to defend the nation. Since its i  more

DAF streamlines awards process
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 18 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: ARLINGTON, Virginia - The Department of the Air Force is launching new software and policies to improve the decorations approval process on Jan. 18. myDecs Reimagined, a new application on the myFSS platform, will be a single-page experience and allows ad-hoc routing to any myFSS user. The new application also eliminates the need   more

Department of Labor Seeks Input From Texas Building Construction Industry for Wage Survey to Establish Prevailing Wage Rates
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division issued the following news release: The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division is asking the building construction industry of Texas to participate in a survey to help the agency establish prevailing wage rates, as required under the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/construction#:~:text=Davis%2DBacon%20Act%20and%20Related,similar%20projects%20in%20the%20area  more

DOD expands pilot program to renew USID cards online
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: WASHINGTON - As part of an expansion of a Defense Department pilot program that kicked off in February 2023, most Uniformed Services Identification, or USID, card holders can now renew their cards online and receive them in the mail, instead of having to schedule an appointment at an ID card office. Before this expansion, only sp  more

DOD releases first National Defense Industrial Strategy
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Defense Department released its first strategy on Jan. 12 for ensuring that the U.S. defense industrial base meets the demands of a challenging national security landscape well into the future. The 59-page National Defense Industrial Strategy lays out long-term priorities that will guide DOD actions and resource prioritization to create a mod  more

EEOC Sues Houston Independent School District for Pay Discrimination
HOUSTON, Texas, Jan. 11 -- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued the following news release: * * * Federal Agency Charges That School District Paid Female Employees Less Than Their Male Colleagues * * * The Houston Independent School District (HISD) violated federal law when it paid female senior Career & Technical Education (CTE) program specialists lower wages than male senior CTE program specialists for performing substantially equal work based on their sex, the U.S. Equal Em  more

FCC Wireline Competition Bureau Issues Public Notice: Copper Retirement Network Change Notification Filed By AT&T Texas
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued the following public notice (WC Docket No. 24-10) on Jan. 16, 2024: * * * 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 sit  more

FCC Wireline Competition Bureau Issues Public Notice: Short Term Network Change Notification Filed By Consolidated Communications of Texas
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued the following public notice (WC Docket No. 24-16) on Jan. 17, 2024: * * * Re: Short Term Network Change Notice Received Consolidated Communications of Texas (Consolidated Communications), an incumbent local exchange carrier (LEC), has filed short term public notice of network change(s) with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission), as permitted by section 51.329(a) of the Commiss  more

FEMA: Victoria County, Texas, Flood Maps Become Final
DENTON, Texas, Jan. 18 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release: New flood maps have been finalized and will become effective on July 17, 2024, for Victoria County, Texas. During the next six months, a FEMA compliance specialist will work with the community to update each floodplain ordinance and adopt these new flood maps. Residents are encouraged to examine the maps to determine if they are in a low-to-moderate or hi  more

Guardians of Freedom Air Show Returns in 100 Days
SHEPPARD AFB, Texas, Jan. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force's 82nd Training Wing issued the following news: By Julie Svoboda, 82d TRW In 100 days, the Guardians of Freedom Air Show, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, returns to Sheppard Air Force Base. The event is planned for April 27-28 2024 and is free and open to the public. Come experience the roar of jets, take photos with static displays and meet some of Sheppard's own heroes. In addition to the Thunderbirds, some of the planned air ac  more

How TRICARE covers ambulance services
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 18 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: FALLS CHURCH, Virgina - In some emergencies, an ambulance could be the difference between life and death. Fortunately, your TRICARE plan covers ambulance services in these situations. "TRICARE covers ambulance services when medically necessary, based on the condition of the beneficiary receiving the service," said Elan Green, chie  more

Inspector General initiates review of DOD procedures following Austin hospitalization
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: WASHINGTON - The Defense Department's inspector general sent a memorandum on Jan. 10 announcing a review examining the roles, processes, procedures, responsibilities and actions related to the secretary of defense's recent hospitalization. "[The review will] assess whether the DOD's policies and procedures are sufficient to en  more

Integrating Space Into Information Warfare
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 18 -- The U.S. Strategic Command issued the following news: By Capt. Dorothy Sherwood, 16th Air Force Public Affairs As the U.S. Air Force's competition force, 16th Air Force (Air Forces CYBER) cultivates air and space superiority by integrating space into all warfighting functions to enhance integrated deterrence. This integration unifies 16th Air Force's mission support with Space Operations Command to grow readiness. Developing tactics and techn  more

JBSA boosts resiliency through cooking
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Fort Sam Houston - Entering the new year, U.S. Army leaders pledged to renew their commitment to the financial well-being of Soldiers and their families through a variety of enhanced resources and educational programs. One of these involves quick and affordable meal preparation. The Vogel Resiliency Center a  more

JBSA First Sergeant Diamond Sharp Awards
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas - 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: Capt. (Chaplain) Marcus A. Brooks UNIT: 502nd Air Base Wing DUTY TITLE: Chaplain Capt. (Chapla  more

Justice Department Releases Report on Its Critical Incident Review of the Response to the Mass Shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Jan. 18, 2024: The Justice Department announced today the release of a report on its critical incident review of the law enforcement response to the tragic school shooting at Robb Elementary School. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the review shortly after the tragedy on May 24, 2022, in which 19 children and two teachers died at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The report provides a   more

La. U.S. Attorney: Texas Resident Sentenced for Cares Act Fraud
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, Jan. 20 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana issued the following news release: BRIA PETERS, age 28, a resident of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to 5 five years probation on January 17, 2024 by U.S. District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle after previously pleading guilty to making false statements related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. On March 27, 2020, Th  more

Mental Health Is Health: Depression and oral health
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: FALLS CHURCH, Va. - Depression is a serious health issue that can affect your emotional, physical, and social well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 20% of adults in the United States have been diagnosed with depression. One symptom of depression is loss of energy and motivation. This may me  more

Miss. U.S. Attorney: Federal Jury Convicts Texas Man of Cocaine Conspiracy
GULFPORT, Mississippi, Jan. 12 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi issued the following news release: On January 11, 2024, a federal jury convicted Jose Humberto Gandara, 52, of Edinburg, Texas for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute a substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Acting Special Agent in Charge Steve Hofer of the Drug Enforcement Administration. According to court documents and e  more

Mission Ready Airmen Case Studies: Data Wins Battles
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, Jan. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Joe 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. Sergeant James "Noah" Wiley, a crew chief assigned  more

Mission Ready Airmen Case Studies: Data wins battles
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 16 -- 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. Sergeant James "Noah" Wiley, a crew chief  more

Organizer of 4-year-old's kidnapping imprisoned following HSI Rio Grande Valley, local partner investigation
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: McALLEN, Texas -- A South Texas man was sent to prison following his conviction for conspiracy to commit hostage taking following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the Mission Police Department. Gilbert John Montez, 24, of Edinburg, was sentenced Jan. 16 to 200 months in federal prison followed by three   more

PRESS RELEASE: Aggressive, stray dogs bite two people at JBSA-Lackland
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 18 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JBSA officials are asking personnel to be on the lookout after stray dogs bit a civilian woman and JBSA firefighter on Jan. 18 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Both individuals were transported to Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center on base for medical treatment and have been released. The woman's affiliation to the base is unknown. The firef  more

Registration open for 2024 Learning Professionals' Consortium
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 18 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - The 2024 Learning Professionals' Consortium is open for registration with the event to take place virtually March 13-14. Hosted by members of the Air Force Learning Professionals Program, the Learning Professionals' Consortium is an opportunity to learn from the best practices and success   more

Settlement of Estate
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The Commander regrets to announce the death of Air Force Lt. Col. Jennifer Nevarez, assigned to the Air Force Personnel Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, who passed away Dec. 23, 2023. To settle the estate of the deceased, Maj. Bilal Rizvi, assigned to the Air Force Personnel Center, JBSA-Ra  more

Sixteenth Air Force: Integrating space into information warfare
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 18 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: As the U.S. Air Force's competition force, Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces CYBER) cultivates air and space superiority by integrating space into all warfighting functions to enhance integrated deterrence. This integration unifies the Sixteenth Air Force's mission support with Space Operations Command to grow readiness. Developing tactics and techniqu  more

Space Force Basic Military Training launches new tradition
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado - The U.S. Space Force has introduced a meaningful new tradition to its Basic Military Training graduation ceremonies at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. In a move that celebrates both the service members and their families, graduating Guardians will now present Delta-shaped U.S. Space Force Family lapel  more

Space policy official details approach to maintaining U.S. edge
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 18 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Defense Department is laser-focused on deterring aggression through critical investments and sound decisions that will shape U.S. and allied space capabilities for years to come, the Pentagon's top space policy official said. John F. Plumb, assistant secretary of defense for space policy, underscored the critical role DOD's space enterprise w  more

Space Policy Official Details Approach to Maintaining U.S. Edge
RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Jan. 20 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Joseph Clark, DOD News The Defense Department is laser-focused on deterring aggression through critical investments and sound decisions that will shape U.S. and allied space capabilities for years to come, the Pentagon's top space policy official said. John F. Plumb, assistant secretary of defense for space policy, underscored the critical role DOD's space enterprise will play i  more

Tanker Accounted for from WWII (Cloud, L.)
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency issued the following news release: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Leroy C. Cloud, 24, of Thrall, Texas, killed during World War II, was accounted for Aug 29, 2023. In July 1944, Cloud was assigned to Company A, 744th Tank Battalion, as a crew member of an M5A1 Stuart light tank. His unit was engaged in battle with German forces at Saint-Germain-d'Ell  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Another Defendant Pleads Guilty to Multiple Charges in Fatal Tractor Trailer Smuggling Case
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Jan. 20 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: A Mexican national pleaded guilty in a federal court in San Antonio to four counts related to his involvement in the smuggling of at least 66 migrants in June 2022, which resulted in the deaths of 47 adults and six children. According to court documents, Riley Covarrubias-Ponce aka Rrili aka Rilay, 31, was a member of the human smuggling organization responsible f  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Federal Judge Sentences Drug Traffickers to Combined 56 Years in Prison
MIDLAND, Texas, Jan. 17 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: A Midland man and woman were sentenced in a federal court in Midland to a combined 56 years in prison for methamphetamine trafficking and firearm charges. According to court documents, Nikky Nicole Lujan, 37, and Raul Gonzalez, 38, possessed and distributed more than 11 kilograms of methamphetamine in and around Midland. Gonzalez was also sentenced for possessing a fi  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Former Killeen Housing Authority Executive Director Arrested on Federal Embezzlement Charges
WACO, Texas, Jan. 20 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: An Austin woman was arrested this week on criminal charges related to her alleged embezzlement of federal funds for personal use while serving as the executive director of the Killeen Housing Authority (KHA). According to court documents, DeAdra Johnson, 52, allegedly stole thousands of dollars designated for KHA programs and used them for personal use. A federal indictm  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Hilcorp San Juan Resolves False Claims Act Claims for Oil and Natural Gas Royalty Underpayments to the United States
HOUSTON, Texas, Jan. 20 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: Hilcorp San Juan L.P., an oil and gas company with offices in Houston as well as Aztec, New Mexico, has agreed to resolve allegations it knowingly underpaid royalties owed on oil and natural gas produced from federal lands. The company has agreed to pay $34.6 million to resolve its False Claims Act and other liability for the conduct. "Oil and gas production is a cen  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Honduran Convicted Smuggler Imprisoned for Illegally Entering Country After Seven Removals
LAREDO, Texas, Jan. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 42-year-old Honduran man has been sentenced following another conviction for illegally re-entering the United States following an order of removal, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Abner Jovani Castellanos pleaded guilty Oct. 4, 2023. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now ordered him to serve 30 months in federal prison to be immediately fo  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Legal Permanent Resident Sentenced After Attempting to Smuggle Eight Kilograms of Cocaine
MCALLEN, Texas, Jan. 17 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 53-year-old Mexican man has been sentenced following his conviction of importing cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Juan Mendoza pleaded guilty April 11, 2023. U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez has now ordered Mendoza to serve 62 months in federal prison. He also faces loss of his legal status and possible removal proceedings. At the hearing, t  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Men Imprisoned for Dealing $500,000 of Cocaine
MCALLEN, Texas, Jan. 17 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: Three men have been ordered to federal prison for their roles in the distribution of over 40 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Legal permanent resident Luis Jaime Escamilla, 50, originally from Mexico and residing there, Joel Otoniel Medina, 35, Penitas, and Andres Montalvo Jr., 38, Mission, each pleaded guilty June 16, 2023, to posses  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Meth Trafficker Sentenced to Life in Prison
DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 20 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas issued the following news release on Jan. 19, 2024: An Amarillo drug trafficker was sentenced yesterday to life in prison for trafficking methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. In September 2023, after five days of trial, a federal jury convicted Mandis Charles Barrow, 45, of one count of conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Mexican Man Imprisoned for Possessing Almost 100 Kilograms of Cocaine
MCALLEN, Texas, Jan. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 44-year-old Mexican citizen has been ordered to prison for possession with intent to distribute 98 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Gabriel Alejandro Aguirre-Garcia pleaded guilty Aug. 18, 2023. U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez has now ordered Aguirre-Garcia to serve 108 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Aguirre-Garc  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Orange County Man Sentenced for Trafficking Methamphetamine
BEAUMONT, Texas, Jan. 17 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas issued the following news release: An Orange, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. Roy Allen John, Jr., 47, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 122 months in federal prison b  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Richmond Clinic Owners Agree to Settle Allegations Regarding Acupuncture Devices
HOUSTON, Texas, Jan. 17 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: The owners of a Richmond clinic have agreed to pay a total of up to $108,000 to settle allegations they submitted false claims, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Ijeoma Bethel, 43, Sugar Land, Yvonne Hernandez, 41, Houston, and Nick Bryant Villegas, 43, Pearland, are the owners of Texas Wellness Clinic PLLC in Richmond. Bethel and Villegas are nurse practit  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Tarrant County Man Indicted for Trafficking Fentanyl Through the Mail
PLANO, Texas, Jan. 19 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas issued the following news release on Jan. 18, 2024: A Fort Worth man has been indicted for federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today. Jimmie Jalen Humphries, 28, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in November 2023, charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Humphries made his initial   more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Three Convicted in Alien Smuggling Plot for Mexican Cartel
LAREDO, Texas, Jan. 19 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: Three individuals have pleaded guilty to their roles in a human smuggling conspiracy involving the Cartel del Noreste (CDN), announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Laredo residents Bernardo Aniceto Garza, 26, and Francisco Suarez, 19; and Mexican citizen Luis Daniel Segura Guzman, 25, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens. "The carte  more

Thomas C. Clark H.S. JROTC students visit JBSA-Lackland
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Thomas C. Clark High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps students visited the 433rd Airlift Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on Jan. 12. The students, who for some was their first-ever visit on an active military base, visited the military working dog kennels, Base Exchang  more

U.S. Army North hosts homeland defense conference, addresses current and future challenges
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 17 -- 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 - Leaders from across the Department of Defense, federal agencies and research communities gathered for a homeland defense symposium hosted by U.S. Army North from Dec. 12-14, 2023, in San Antonio to discuss the future of defense operations in the continental U.S. The symposium broug  more

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri: Independence Business Owner Sentenced for Multi-Million Dollar Conspiracy to Sell Stolen Catalytic Converters
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Jan. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri issued the following news release on Jan. 17, 2024: An Independence, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for leading a conspiracy to sell millions of dollars in stolen catalytic converters to companies in Missouri, Texas, and Louisiana. James Spick, 58, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to five years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Spick t  more

U.S. B-1B Lancers Conduct Air-to-Air Refueling Training With Republic of Singapore Air Force
PAYA LEBAR AIR BASE, Singapore, Jan. 20 -- The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command issued the following news: Two B-1B Lancers assigned to the 345th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, arrived at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, Jan. 18, as part of the United States Air Force's regular training and engagements with key partners in the region. The B-1B will conduct air-to-air refueling training with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s A330 Multi Role Tanker Tr  more

Unmanned Retail Markets Bring the Convenience of the Exchange to Troops
DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 19 -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service issued the following news release: By Marisa Conner The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is expanding the way it serves troops, no matter where on installation they are, with the opening of more unmanned retail markets. The markets are fully automated self-serve stores that offer better-for-you food options, such as salads, fresh fruit and vegetables, protein bars, hot and cold beverages and more. The convenience and flexibil  more

US B-1B Lancers conduct air-to-air refueling training with Republic of Singapore Air Force
CAMP SMITH, Hawaii, Jan. 19 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's Indo-Pacific Command issued the following news: PAYA LEBAR AIR BASE, Singapore - Two B-1B Lancers assigned to the 345th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, arrived at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, Jan. 18, as part of the United States Air Force's regular training and engagements with key partners in the region. The B-1B will conduct air-to-air refueling training with the Republic of  more

Va. U.S. Attorney: Texas Man Sentenced for Trafficking Cocaine in Central Virginia for Mexican Drug Trafficking Organization
RICHMOND, Virginia, Jan. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia issued the following news release on Jan. 17, 2024: A Brownsville, Texas man was sentenced yesterday to 150 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to possess and distribute nearly 40 kilograms of cocaine. According to court documents, in and around April 2023, Carlos Alfonso Gonzalez, 31, agreed with a Mexico-based source of supply to transport a load of cocaine from Houston, Texas,   more

WEATHER UPDATE: Message from 502 ABW and Installation Commander
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 14 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas - WEATHER UPDATE: The 502 ABW Command team, weather team, and civil engineers continue to monitor the incoming cold weather. We will quickly inform if there are any changes to services across JBSA via JBSA social media, our website (JBSA.mil), and the JBSA Connect App. However, at this time, and based   more