Monday - May 6, 2024
Federal Tipoffs Involving Texas Newsletter for Sunday February 04, 2024 ( 84 items )  

68th Airlift Squadron airlift helicopters to retire, usher in next generation
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The 68th Airlift Squadron aircrew had the honor of loading two HH-60G Pave Hawks from the 920th Rescue Wing, onto a C-5M Super Galaxy at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, on Jan. 19.  The two HH-60G Pave Hawks were airlifted to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, to be retired as the 920t  more

AETC command chief visits Team XL
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Chad Bickley, command chief for Air Education and Training Command, was welcomed by Team XL during an immersion visit on Jan. 22, 2024. This was his first visit to the 47th Flying Training Wing since becoming the AETC command chief. Bickley's multiple tours through  more

Air Education and Training Command Chief Visits Team XL
LAUGHLIN AFB, Texas, Jan. 30 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Senior Airman Kailee Reynolds, 47th Flying Training Wing U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Chad Bickley, command chief for Air Education and Training Command, was welcomed by Team XL during an immersion visit Jan. 22, 2024. This was his first visit to the 47th Flying Training Wing since becoming the AETC command chief. Bickley's multiple tours throughout the day included the 47t  more

Armed robbery suspect indicted in Illinois after being apprehended by HSI Houston, US Marshals Service in Houston
WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. -- An armed robbery suspect who was apprehended in Houston by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston and the U.S. Marshals Service's Southern District of Texas field office was indicted Jan. 29 in the Southern District of Illinois for allegedly using a firearm to rob an East St. Louis convenience store. Vernelle E. Hines, 30, a re  more

Army provides financial resources to Soldiers
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 2 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: WASHINGTON - Training and guidance on financial concerns is delivered worldwide in the Army through the Financial Readiness Program, which is designed to educate Soldiers and their families in support of mission readiness. "Financial stress is a highly-individualized experience and can affect every area of your life. Even the best  more

Around the Air Force: Recruiter Health Care, Better EOD Robots, Ejection Seat Testing
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 2 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) - This week's look around the Air Force highlights an effort to provide better healthcare solutions for recruiters in remote locations, an upgrade to explosive ordnance disposal robots and testing of a new ejection seat configuration for the new T-7A trainer aircraft. (Hosted by Tech. Sgt. Brittain C  more

Black History Month: The history of one of the most decorated African American soldiers to serve in World War I
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, Lousiana - One of the most highly decorated African American soldiers to serve in World War I was stationed at Barksdale Field, Lousiana, in 1932. Aaron R. Fisher was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart by for his actions at Lesseux, France while serving as a second lieutenant wit  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Changing Compensation Costs in the Dallas Metropolitan Area - December 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 2 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Feb. 1, 2024, entitled "Changing Compensation Costs in the Dallas Metropolitan Area - December 2023": * * * Compensation costs for private industry workers increased 3.5 percent in the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-OK, Combined Statistical Area (CSA) for the year ended December 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Assist  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Changing Compensation Costs in the Houston Metropolitan Area - December 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 2 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Feb. 1, 2024, entitled "Changing Compensation Costs in the Houston Metropolitan Area - December 2023": * * * Compensation costs for private industry workers increased 5.2 percent in the Houston-The Woodlands, TX, Combined Statistical Area (CSA) for the year ended December 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Assi  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Union Members in Louisiana - 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 2 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Feb. 1, 2024, entitled "Union Members in Louisiana - 2023": * * * In 2023, union members accounted for 4.3 percent of wage and salary workers in Louisiana, compared with 4.2 percent in 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael Hirniak noted that the union membersh  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Union Members in Oklahoma - 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 2 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Feb. 1, 2024, entitled "Union Members in Oklahoma - 2023": * * * In 2023, union members accounted for 6.8 percent of wage and salary workers in Oklahoma, compared with 5.5 percent in 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael Hirniak noted that the union membership  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Union Members in Texas - 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 2 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Feb. 1, 2024, entitled "Union Members in Texas - 2023": * * * In 2023, union members accounted for 4.5 percent of wage and salary workers in Texas, compared with 4.1 percent in 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael Hirniak noted that the union membership rate   more

Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Receive 24 Kilos of Cocaine from a Mexican Drug Cartel Source
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Jan. 30 -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Division issued the following news release: BOSTON - A Boston man has pleaded guilty to attempting to receive 24 kilograms of cocaine intended for distribution. Eddy Javier Guerrero, 31, pleaded guilty on Jan. 19, 2024 to one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Apri  more

Brig. Gen. William Kale, Air Force Civil Engineer Center Commander, Visits Goodfellow AFB
GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas, Jan. 30 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Airman 1st Class Evelyn J. D'Errico, 17th Training Wing Public Affairs U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William Kale, Air Force Civil Engineer Center commander, Chief Master Sgt. Edward Fitzgerald, AFCEC senior enlisted leader and AFCEC leadership members visited Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, on Jan. 18. As the AFCEC commander, Kale leads a 2,200-person organization responsible f  more

CBP Officers Seize $366K Worth of Cocaine at Veterans International Bridge
BROWNSVILLE, Texas, Jan. 30 -- 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 Veterans International Bridge intercepted a load of alleged cocaine valued at approximately $366,183 hidden within a 2018 Nissan. "Our officers use multiple enforcement tools to conduct their inspections and their efforts led to this significant narcotics interception,"   more

CBP Officers Seize Over $3.6 Million in Hard Narcotics at Laredo Port of Entry
LAREDO, Texas, Jan. 31 -- 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 Juarez-Lincoln Bridge and Colombia-Solidarity Bridge seized hard narcotics over the weekend that totaled over $3,600,000 in street value. "CBP officers did a phenomenal job in interdicting these illicit narcotics at our port of entry, "said Port Director Alberto Flores, Lare  more

CCAF Task Force formed to address student concerns
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 30 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Alabama - Air University has initiated a task force to address issues Community College of the Air Force students are having with transcripts, graduations and communications following its move to the AU Student Information System. The CCAF Task Force began looking at these and other issues Jan. 8, 2024, and  more

Chief learning officer brings different perspective to AETC position
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 30 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - When Dr. Wendy Walsh received a LinkedIn message in 2021, asking her to apply for the chief learning officer position at Air Education and Training Command, she thought the message was sent to her by mistake. In response, she recommended a few people that she had worked with during her 30-  more

Chief Learning Officer Brings Different Perspective to Air Education & Training Command Position
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, Jan. 31 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Ava Leone, AETC Public Affairs When Dr. Wendy Walsh received a LinkedIn message in 2021, asking her to apply for the chief learning officer position at Air Education and Training Command, she thought the message was sent to her by mistake. In response, she recommended a few people that she had worked with during her 30-year government service career. These wer  more

Chief Modeling and Simulation Officer, Air Force Air Education & Training Command Will Host 2024 Modeling & Simulation Summit
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, Feb. 2 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: The third annual 2024 Department of the Air Force (DAF) Modeling & Simulation (M&S) Summit will take place in San Antonio, TX on May 7-9, 2024. The annual summit will be hosted by Mr. Richard Tempalski, the DAF Chief Modeling and Simulation Officer (CMSO), and Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson, Commander, Air Education and Training Command (AETC). "The DAF M&S Enterprise  more

CMSAF prioritizes quality of life at House hearing
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: WASHINGON - The highest-ranking enlisted leaders across the Department of Defense told Congress Jan. 31 that ensuring sufficient pay, health care, housing, education and other "quality of life" factors for active-duty personnel is essential to preserving readiness, maintaining the Total Force, and attracting the talent necessary to   more

CMSO and AETC will host 2024 Modeling and Simulation Summit
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 2 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - The third annual 2024 Department of the Air Force (DAF) Modeling & Simulation (M&S) Summit will take place in San Antonio, Texas, on May 7-9, 2024. The annual summit will be hosted by Richard Tempalski, the DAF Chief Modeling and Simulation Officer (CMSO), and Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson, Com  more

Customs and Border Protection: El Paso Sector Agents Rescue Multiple Injured Individuals
EL PASO, Texas, Feb. 1 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on Jan. 31, 2024: U.S. Border Patrol Agents from the El Paso Sector kept busy in their humanitarian efforts as they rescued five individuals over the course of the last two weeks. On Jan. 20, at approximately 2:00 p.m., agents assigned to the Alamogordo Station received a call from Ysleta Station to assist in locating an injured hunter who had suffered an all-ter  more

Customs and Border Protection: Operation Stonegarden Collaboration Yields Seizure of Cocaine on South Padre Island
BROWNSVILLE, Texas, Feb. 2 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on Feb. 1, 2024: Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents, in coordination with Cameron County Parks Rangers working Operation Stone Garden, encountered abandoned narcotics on the beach of South Padre Island. On the morning hours of January 30th, Fort Brown Border Patrol agents were contacted by Cameron County Parks Rangers patrolling Beach Access 3 on   more

DEA-Houston: Trap House Drug Dealer Sent to Prison
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Feb. 2 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: A 32-year-old Corpus Christi woman has been sentenced for trafficking narcotics, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Melissa Rendon pleaded guilty Aug. 4, 2023. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Rendon to serve 120 months in federal prison to   more

Department of Labor Investigation Recovers More Than $460k in Wages, Damages for 104 Houston Supermarket Employees
HOUSTON, Texas, Feb. 2 -- The U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division issued the following news release: The U.S. Department of Labor recovered $460,857 in back wages and damages after federal investigators found a Houston supermarket failed to pay 104 workers overtime wages. An investigation by the department's Wage and Hour Division found that Y. S. Lee Company Inc. - operating as Guanajuato Supermarket - paid its employees straight time rates instead of time-and-one-half their regul  more

DOD harnesses science, technology to counter adversaries
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 31 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: ALEXANDRIA, Virginia - China is attempting to offer an alternative to the international world order, increasing its capacity to reshape international borders and rapidly developing capabilities in artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, shipbuilding and space capabilities, said Heidi Shyu, undersecretary of defense for research and engineering.   more

DOD official discusses challenges, solutions to recruiting all-volunteer force
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 30 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: ALEXANDRIA, Virginia - Over the last 15 years, the recruiting rate of the all-volunteer force has been declining, said Stephanie Miller, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military personnel policy. Those with an interest in serving and qualification rates are hovering near all-time lows, she said Jan. 29 at the Institute   more

DOD reduces on-base child care fees for military families
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 31 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: WASHINGTON - The Defense Department is focused on making quality child care options affordable for military families as officials continue to prioritize initiatives to take care of those who serve. Earlier this month the department implemented its new fee schedule for on base child care designed to reduce fees for lower income mi  more

Effects of storm water runoff is one element trigger for San Antonio's annual Basura Bash at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 1 -- 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 Basura Bash is a one-day, all-volunteer event to clean the San Antonio Watershed. Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston will be hosting the event beginning at 8 a.m. Feb. 17 at the Salado Creek Park. The effects of storm water runoff are one reason the Basura Bash creek clean-  more

El Paso Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Feb. 1 -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Division issued the following news release: EL PASO, Texas - An El Paso man was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso to 130 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, Gary Everett Rinker, 56, sold approximately 200 pills containing 19.8 grams of fentanyl to a buyer at an El Paso hotel. The criminal complaint filed July 12, 2023   more

EPA Works to Address Dioxin Contamination in Benton, Louisiana
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 3 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues work to address elevated levels of dioxin found in soil at an apartment complex in Benton, Louisiana. The contamination was found during EPA's investigation of Benton Creosote Works, a former wood-treating facility across the street from the apartment complex. EPA expects to begin removing contaminated soil within 30-45 days. It will take six   more

ERO Harlingen arrests 6 noncitizens during nationwide law enforcement effort
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: HARLINGEN, Texas -- Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Harlingen apprehended six unlawfully present noncitizens with pending charges or convictions for murder, homicide or assault against children during a nationwide law enforcement effort from January 16-28. "We are extremely pleased with the results of this operation. The arrests are a testament to ERO  more

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas Awards More Than $900K in Heirs' Property Grants Through Members
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 2 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news release on Jan. 31, 2024: * * * Funds to Help Organizations Prevent or Remediate Property Title Issues * * * The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) has awarded $905,200 in Heirs' Property Program grants to assist 21 organizations with preventing or remediating heirs' property issues. Heirs' property refers to property inherited without a   more

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas: Bank Announces Recipients of $905,200 in Heirs' Property Program Grants
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 1 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following member bulletin (No. 2024-03) on Jan. 30, 2024: * * * In 2023, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (Bank) awarded $905,200 in inaugural Heirs' Property Program grants through 15 participating member financial institutions. The Heirs' Property Program was created in 2023 after feedback from members about the challenges faced by lower-socio-economic househol  more

FirstNet bringing additional communication capabilities to JBSA
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 31 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 allocated $7 billion and 20 megahertz of broadband spectrum to establish a communication network for first responders across the country and to create the First Responders Network Authority, known as FirstNet. Joint Base San Antonio is now utilizing that authority to build an expanded communicat  more

Fla. U.S. Attorney: Final Member of Cargo Theft Ring Convicted of Stealing 19,000 Pounds of Perry Ellis Perfume Worth Over $230,000
MIAMI, Florida, Feb. 1 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Markenzy Lapointe, issued the following news release: On Jan. 19, a jury found Eligio Bacallao, 69, of Miami, guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit cargo theft and one count of cargo theft. The evidence at trial revealed that Bacallao and his co-conspirators stole over $230,000 of Perry Ellis perfume, weighing in at over 19,000 pounds, from the inside of a steel-sealed, GPS-monitored tractor trailer in Apr  more

Headed to the doctor? Bring proof of your TRICARE coverage
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 2 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: FALLS CHURCH, Virginia - Are you preparing for a trip to the doctor's office or the pharmacy? If so, make sure you have your proof of TRICARE coverage. For most people with TRICARE, you'll need to show your Uniformed Services ID card to your provider as proof of TRICARE eligibility. If you're an active duty service member, you'll n  more

Installation resiliency Is high priority, defense officials say
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: WASHINGTON - Infrastructure on many installations has climate, energy and resiliency issues that could impact the continuity of operations and quality of life for service members and their families if not addressed, said Rachel P. Ross, deputy chief sustainability officer and acting principal deputy assistant secretary of defen  more

Justice Dept.: Agricultural Equipment Manufacturer to Pay Civil Penalties & Stop Marketing Imported Parts as Made in USA
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Jan. 29, 2024: The Justice Department, together with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), announced that Kubota North America Corp. (Kubota) has agreed to a settlement that requires it to pay a civil penalty and cease making misleading claims about the origins of its products. In a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, the government alleges that Kubota violated th  more

Laredo CBP Officers Apprehend Man Wanted on Felony Warrant for Child Sex Abuse Offenses
LAREDO, Texas, Feb. 3 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on Feb. 2, 2024: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Laredo Port of Entry last night successfully apprehended a bus passenger wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for a sex-related offense involving a child. "Our frontline CBP officers continue to maintain their vigilance and apprehended a man wanted on a felony warrant for sex-related offense involv  more

Laredo Sector Border Patrol Announces the Youth of the Month Honorees for January
LAREDO, Texas, Jan. 31 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: Laredo Sector Border Patrol kicks off the new year with the announcement of honorees for the Youth of the Month Program. The honorees for the month of January were announced during a ceremony at Nixon High School. On Jan. 30, Laredo Sector Border Patrol and community program partners honored the 11 seniors selected from Laredo area high schools with the distingu  more

Laughlin AFB: Air Education & Training Command Chief Visits Team XL
LAUGHLIN AFB, Texas, Jan. 30 -- 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 U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Chad Bickley, command chief for Air Education and Training Command, was welcomed by Team XL during an immersion visit Jan. 22, 2024. This was his first visit to the 47th Flying Training Wing since becoming the AETC command chief. Bickley's multiple tours throughout the day  more

Laughlin AFB: Mentoring the Next Generation of Airmen
LAUGHLIN AFB, Texas, Feb. 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Laughlin Air Force Base (47th Flying Training Wing) issued the following news: By Staff Sgt. Nicholas Larsen, 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs Team XL spent the past 31 days recognizing National Mentoring Month through deliberate development and focusing on how mentoring can help maximize personal and team performance. The Department of the Air Force theme for National Mentoring Month 2024 is "Are You Ready?" "Are You Ready?" is a cal  more

Laughlin AFB: Preparing Airmen to Vote From Around the World
LAUGHLIN AFB, Texas, Jan. 31 -- The U.S. Air Force Laughlin Air Force Base (47th Flying Training Wing) issued the following news: By Staff Sgt. Nicholas Larsen, 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs U.S. Air Force Airmen assembled to learn about their roles as Voting Assistance Officers (VAO) in the Anderson Hall auditorium, Jan. 23, 2024. With the 2024 voting season approaching, there are plenty of resources available to assist Airmen and their voting needs. "Everybody has a right and a   more

Maxwell Air Force Base welcomes first active duty flying training unit since 1945
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Alabama - The 908th Airlift Wing has an active-duty associate mission partner on Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama for the first time. Detachment 3 of the 58th Operations Group had an official activation ceremony on Jan. 31, 2024. Det. 3, and the 58th OG both belong to the 58th Special Operations Wing, based a  more

McConnell AFB: Retired B-1B Arrives in Wichita to Create a Digital Twin
MCCONNELL AFB, Kansas, Jan. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force McConnell Air Force Base (22nd Air Refueling Wing) issued the following news: A B-1B Lancer set a new record for under-the-radar approaches, by taking to the highway to travel from Texas to Wichita Jan. 25-28. The B-1 was transported from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, on an 18-wheeler to Wichita State University's (WSU) National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) as part of a research partnership. The bomber was trimmed down for transpor  more

MILITARY STAR Card-Members Earn Double Points on Fuel-Up Fridays in February
DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 30 -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service issued the following news release: MILITARY STAR(R) cardmembers can enjoy something extra sweet every Friday in February: double points on all Express purchases. Each Friday during the month, Express shoppers who use their MILITARY STAR card at any Army & Air Force Exchange Service Express will receive four points per $1 spent instead of the usual two points. Cardmembers earn unlimited rewards points on purchases and receive a   more

Mission Monday: Community Program Management
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: It's Mission Monday. Meet Abigail Pollard, Air Force Community Center subject matter expert and community programs specialist with the Air Force Services Center. She provides training, programming support, financial reviews and guidance across the Department of the Air Force. She also provides community programs to Air and Space Forces communities.   more

NCO: The Backbone of the U.S. Air Force
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Chief Master Sgt. Chad Bickley, Command Chief of Air Education and Training Command highlights the need to accelerate force development to maintain our competitive advantage starting with our deliberate prioritization and investment in building our war-fighting noncommissioned officer corps. *** Original text here: http://www.jbsa.mil/News/News/Arti  more

NRC Issues Event Notification for Frost Geo Sciences, Helotes, Texas
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- 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, Feb. 1 -- 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 Upda  more

NRC to Hold Public Meeting Feb. 15 in Port Lavaca, Texas to Discuss Licensing Process for X-Energy/Dow Advanced Reactor Project
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following news release on Feb. 1, 2024: Staff from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will hold a meeting in Port Lavaca, Texas, on Feb. 15 to discuss the agency's process for licensing nuclear power plants. The NRC is preparing for X-energy and The Dow Chemical Company to apply for a construction permit for a proposed multi-unit advanced reactor facility at Dow's Seadrift site in Calhoun County. The meeting aims to improve the  more

NRC to Hold Regulatory Conference With Empire Wireline on Feb. 20 to Discuss Proposed Violation
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2024: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will hold a regulatory conference on Feb. 20 with officials from Empire Wireline, of Manvel, Texas, to discuss the safety significance of a proposed violation. The company is licensed to use radioactive materials in well-logging activities to identify mineral, oil, or gas deposits in Louisiana and Texas, except for areas of exclusive federal jurisdictio  more

Official says DOD aims to promote service in its recruiting message
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: ALEXANDRIA, Virginia - The Defense Department's all-volunteer force, made up of uniformed members and civilians, is the finest fighting force in the world, said Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Ashish S. Vazirani during the America's All-Volunteer Force: The Next 50 Years conference, hosted at the Institu  more

Pilot Training Innovation: First Successful Remote Simulator Training
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, Feb. 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Benjamin Faske, 19th Air Force Public Affairs The first successful remote simulator instruction in Air Force pilot training connected 2nd Lt. Wesley Mills, 47th Student Squadron student pilot at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas with Robert Wayne, 12th Training Squadron simulator instructor here Jan. 22, 2024. Wayne, while sitting at a computer at JBSA-Randolph, d  more

Pilot training innovation: First successful remote simulator training
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - The first successful remote simulator instruction in Air Force pilot training connected 2nd Lt. Wesley Mills, a 47th Student Squadron student pilot at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, with Robert Wayne, 12th Training Squadron simulator instructor at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Jan. 22, 20  more

Political season DOs and DON'Ts for DOD employees
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 2 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - As the presidential race heats up, active duty service members and federal employees are reminded that they have specific guidelines to follow during the political season. Military personnel enjoy the same rights to participate in elections as any other citizen. Those rights are protected by the U.S  more

Senior enlisted leaders convene at the Army Medicine Sergeants Major Summit
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 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 - Sergeants major from across the Army Medicine enterprise convened at a four-day summit hosted by the U. S. Army Medical Center of Excellence at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston from Jan. 16-19. More than 170 chief medical noncommissioned officers, also known by their military  more

Sheppard AFB: RAPIDx Team Awards Contract With $90M Ceiling
SHEPPARD AFB, Texas, Jan. 30 -- The U.S. Air Force's 82nd Training Wing issued the following news: By Julie Svoboda, 82d Training Wing The 82d Contracting Squadron RAPIDx team negotiated an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract with immersive training solutions provider HTX Labs that makes extended reality training development available to the entire Air Force and Space Force. The IDIQ contract, which was awarded September 2023, has a three-year period of performance and a $90 mill  more

Sparky The Fire Dog helps children through PCS hardship
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 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 - A permanent change of station can be difficult for any family. In the whirlwind of moving boxes, overseas flights, damaged household goods and living out of suitcases there are a lot of opportunities to be overwhelmed. For one family new to Joint Base San Antonio, a visit to the loca  more

Stalking awareness: Know the signs, how to respond
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: QUANTICO, Virginia - January is designated as National Stalking Awareness Month, an annual call to action to recognize and respond to the serious crime of stalking. The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division would like to raise awareness and educate others about the dangers of stalking, the various types of stalking  more

Taking care of service members key to recruiting next generation
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 31 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: WASHINGTON - The Defense Department's focus on taking care of those in uniform is a critical component for motivating the next generation to serve, a senior Pentagon official said. Shawn G. Skelly, performing the duties of the deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said ensuring those in uniform know the  more

Tenn. U.S. Attorney: Federal Drug Trafficking Complaint Follows Seizure of Thirty-Two Kilograms of Cocaine
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Jan. 31 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee issued the following news release: A joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Williamson County Sheriff's Office has resulted in the arrest of three individuals for possessing with intent to distribute approximately 32 kilograms of cocaine in Spring Hill, Tennessee, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. The complaint charges Karla Lissette Hernandez, 41,  more

Texas man pleads guilty to attempted murder of a federal officer following HSI El Paso investigation
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- An El Paso, Texas, man pleaded guilty to attempted murder of an officer of the United States, aggravated assault of an officer of the United States with a deadly weapon, discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and conspiracy to transport undocumented noncitizens. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso investig  more

Texas man pleads guilty to sex trafficking charges in Louisiana
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: NEW ORLEANS -- Following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans, a Texas man pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion in the Eastern District of Louisiana Jan. 30. According to court documents, Gregory Massey, 30, and his girlfriend and co-defendant Patricia Hart, forced two adult victi  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Convicted Drug Trafficker Sentenced for Illegally Re-Entering Country After Seven Prior Removals
LAREDO, Texas, Feb. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 43-year-old Mexican man has been sentenced following another conviction for illegally re-entering the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Gabino Escamilla pleaded guilty Nov. 8, 2023. U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez has now ordered Escamilla to serve 40 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Escamilla is again expected to face remov  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Del Rio Drug Traffickers Sentenced for Year-Long Conspiracy
DEL RIO, Texas, Jan. 31 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: Two defendants convicted of drug trafficking were sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to a combined 25 years in prison for participating in a year-long conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, a coconspirator identified Roberto Tovar, 47, as one of several individuals to whom she provided methamphetamine for the purpose of distributi  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: El Paso Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison
EL PASO, Texas, Feb. 1 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: An El Paso man was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso to 130 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, Gary Everett Rinker, 56, sold approximately 200 pills containing 19.8 grams of fentanyl to a buyer at an El Paso hotel. The criminal complaint filed July 12, 2023 alleged that over a separate three-day perio  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: False Claims Act Complaint Filed Against Former President and Co-Owner of Mobile Cardiac PET Scan Provider
HOUSTON, Texas, Feb. 3 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: The United States has filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against Rick Nassenstein, a resident of Florida and formerly the president, chief financial officer and co-owner of Illinois-based Cardiac Imaging Inc. (CII), a provider of mobile cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) scans. The complaint alleges Nassenstein knowingly played a central role in a sc  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Four Indicted in University Athletic Billing Scheme and COVID-19 Billing Scheme
PLANO, Texas, Feb. 1 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas issued the following news release on Jan. 31, 2024: Four individuals, including two physicians, have been indicted in the Eastern District of Texas charged with federal violations involving a university athletic billing scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today. Mouzon Bass, III, also known as Muzzy Bass, 58, of Highland Park; Lance West Wilson, 54, of Allen; and Robert Brent Scott, 59, of La   more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Four Plead Guilty to Healthcare Offenses, Including Doctor and Lab Owners
DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 31 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas issued the following news release: Four defendants in separate, but related, cases pleaded guilty for their roles in a scheme to pay and receive kickbacks in relation to toxicology tests, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Mark Rubin, 58, Renee Field, 44, Kelly Nelson, 52, and Carlos Hornedo, 61, were all charged via felony informations in December 2023. Mr. Rub  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Mexican National Sentenced for Trafficking Cocaine Into U.S. From Mexico
PECOS, Texas, Feb. 1 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: A Mexican national was sentenced in a federal court in Pecos to 41 months in prison for cocaine trafficking. According to court documents, Ana Cristina Alarcon Rios, 24, of Chihuahua, was stopped for speeding along Highway 90 in Alpine by a Brewster County Sheriff's Deputy. A canine search of her vehicle revealed 10 bundles containing 11.1 kilograms of cocaine destined f  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Smith County Man Sentenced for Federal Firearms and Drug Trafficking Violations
TYLER, Texas, Feb. 1 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas issued the following news release on Jan. 31, 2024: A Tyler man has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms and drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today. Juan Espinoza, Jr., 27, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a crime of family violence and possession with intent to distribute marijuan  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Stash House Operator Sentenced for Human Smuggling Charges in Del Rio
DEL RIO, Texas, Jan. 31 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: A California woman was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 76 months in prison for her role as a stash house operator and facilitator for a human smuggling organization (HSO). According to court documents Veronica Pech, 57, of Ridgecrest, California, operated several stash houses in Del Rio and facilitated the harboring and transport of undocumented noncitizens  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Trap House Drug Dealer Sent to Prison
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Feb. 1 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 32-year-old Corpus Christi woman has been sentenced for trafficking narcotics, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Melissa Rendon pleaded guilty Aug. 4, 2023. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Rendon to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard e  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: U.S. Government Disrupts Botnet People's Republic of China Used to Conceal Hacking of Critical Infrastructure
HOUSTON, Texas, Feb. 1 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release on Jan. 31, 2024: A December 2023 court-authorized operation has disrupted a botnet of hundreds of U.S.-based small office/home office (SOHO) routers hijacked by People's Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored hackers. The hackers, known to the private sector as "Volt Typhoon," used privately-owned SOHO routers infected with the "KV Botnet" malware to conceal the PRC   more

The TRFB Blitz: TRFB Represents for Team Navy
WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 -- The Naval Sea Systems Command issued the following news: Silverdale, Wash. - The regional Navy flag football team suffered a heartbreaking loss to Army in their 23rd annual flag football game, losing 35-28 in a thrilling, triple overtime tilt at Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Cowan Stadium Dec. 8. The sole representative on the field for Trident Refit Facility, Bangor, was Machinist's Mate (Auxiliary) 1st Class Scott Drake, the team's wide receiver. Drak  more

Trap House Drug Dealer Sent to Prison
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Feb. 1 -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Division issued the following news release: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 32-year-old Corpus Christi woman has been sentenced for trafficking narcotics, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Melissa Rendon pleaded guilty Aug. 4, 2023. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Rendon to serv  more

U.S. B-1B Lancers Train Alongside Republic of Singapore Air Force
PAYA LEBAR AIR BASE, Singapore, Feb. 2 -- The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command issued the following news: By Senior Airman Ryan Hayman, Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs 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. 18-24, as part of the United States Air Force's regular training and engagements with key partners in the region. "Events like these are really important for us to get out an  more

U.S. can respond decisively to cyber threat posed by China
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: WASHINGTON - The cyber challenge posed by China is unlike any challenge ever faced by the U.S. and its allies, said the commander of United States Cyber Command. Speaking on Jan. 31 before the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone told lawmakers that cyber actors in China have used malwa  more

Unlocking Futures: Air Force Junior ROTC's J-100 Scholarship Program
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Alabama - Headquarters Air Force Junior ROTC announced the winners of its J-100 "Character-in-Leadership" Scholarship Program, providing recipients four years of 100% paid tuition at any university with an Air Force ROTC detachment. This is the fourth year of the program, which continues to make attending col  more

US B-1B Lancers train alongside Republic of Singapore Air Force
CAMP SMITH, Hawaii, Feb. 1 -- 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. 18-24, as part of the United States Air Force's regular training and engagements with key partners in the region. "Events like these are really important for us to get out and interact   more

WAPS testing going digital in February 2024
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 30 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: ARLINGTON, Virginia - Beginning with the CY24 E6 promotion cycle in February, the Weighted Airman Promotion System test will be administered electronically, supporting a long-awaited modernization need in the Air Force's personnel development efforts. The eWAPS platform is a collaborative effort between the Air Force, the Personne  more