Monday - May 6, 2024
Federal Tipoffs Involving Texas Newsletter for Sunday March 03, 2024 ( 87 items )  

Active duty spouse survey helps DOD shape family policy, programs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The biennial Survey of Active Duty Spouses is now available for the nearly 600,000 Defense Department active duty spouses to complete. The survey has new, expanded sections on remote work and financial well-being. It's the only official DOD-wide survey for active-duty spouses. Input collected through this survey will provide the department wit  more

AFIMSC members earn 2023 Air Force Civil Engineer awards
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas - Two Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center team members won individual 2023 Air Force Civil Engineer awards for their outstanding performance this past year. Senior Master Sgt. Michael Nalley Jr., AFIMSC's Fire and Emergency Services program manager, earned his second fire offic  more

Agricultural Marketing Service: USDA Settles Packers & Stockyards Case With Cabritos Garza
WASHINGTON, Feb. 29 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service issued the following news release on Feb. 28, 2024: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) entered into a stipulation agreement with Cabritos Garza Corporation (Cabritos) of Humble, Texas, on Feb. 7, 2024, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. Under the terms of the stipulation agreement, Cabritos waived its rights to a hearing and paid a civil penalty of $7,500. An investiga  more

Agricultural Marketing Service: USDA Settles Packers & Stockyards Case With Warren E. Hudspeth
WASHINGTON, Feb. 29 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service issued the following news release on Feb. 28, 2024: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) entered into a stipulation agreement with Warren E. Hudspeth (Hudspeth) of Pilot Point, Texas, on Feb. 14, 2024, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. Under the terms of the stipulation agreement, Hudspeth waived his rights to a hearing and paid a civil penalty of $660. An investigation  more

Air Education & Training Command: Ground-Breaking Risk Management Initiative Seeks to Reduce Aircraft Maintenance Mishaps
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, March 2 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Safety Directorate, Air Education and Training Command Since September 2018, aircraft maintenance-related mishaps cost Air Education and Training Command more than $50 million. These mishaps happened during high-risk maintenance tasks, to include engine operational checks and aircraft towing. Fiscal Year 2023 saw an alarming spike in these preventable mishaps,   more

Air Education & Training Command: Operation LONE STAR
GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas, March 2 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Staff Sgt. Nathan Call, 17th Training Wing Public Affairs The 315th Training Squadron at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, is adapting its intelligence training to the rapidly evolving national defense landscape by shifting focus from counter-terrorism in the Middle East to the Great Power Competition in the Indo-Pacific region. As a result, the 315th TRS launched a new multif  more

Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center Members Earn 2023 Air Force Civil Engineer Awards
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center issued the following news: By Sarah McNair, AFIMSC Public Affairs Two Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center team members won individual 2023 Air Force Civil Engineer awards for their outstanding performance this past year. Senior Master Sgt. Michael Nalley Jr., AFIMSC's Fire and Emergency Services program manager, earned his second fire officer of the year honors as the Ch  more

Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center Members Earn 2023 Air Force Civil Engineer Awards
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 2 -- The U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center issued the following news: By Sarah McNair, AFIMSC Public Affairs Two Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center team members won individual 2023 Air Force Civil Engineer awards for their outstanding performance this past year. Senior Master Sgt. Michael Nalley Jr., AFIMSC's Fire and Emergency Services program manager, earned his second fire officer of the year honors as the Chief Master Sgt. Ho  more

Air Force Logistics Enterprise Council Holds Winter Meeting at Sheppard AFB
SHEPPARD AFB, Texas, Feb. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force's 82nd Training Wing issued the following news: By George Woodward, 82nd TRW Public Affairs The 82nd Training Wing hosted the Air Force A4 Enterprise Council for its 2024 winter meeting Feb. 26-27, after a virtual session was held Feb. 23. With the meeting focused on "Developing the Airmen We Need," Sheppard was a natural choice to host - the 82nd provides the lion's share of officer and enlisted technical training for the logistics enterpris  more

Alamo Wing participates in Laredo Airshow
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: LAREDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas - The 433rd Airlift Wing's C-5M Super Galaxy from Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas took flight as one of the highlights at Washington's Birthday Celebration Association Stars and Stripes Air Show Spectacular impressing more than 10,000 visitors, on Feb. 25 at the Laredo International Airpor  more

Alamo Wing Participates in Laredo Airshow
LAREDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas, March 2 -- The U.S. Air Force Reserve Command issued the following news: By Tech. Sgt. Jacob Lewis, 433rd Airlift Wing The 433rd Airlift Wing's C-5M Super Galaxy from Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas took flight as one of the highlights at Washington's Birthday Celebration Association Stars and Stripes Air Show Spectacular impressing more than 10,000 visitors, on Feb. 25 at the Laredo International Airport, Texas. Alongside the C-5M Super Galaxy fli  more

Army & Air Force Exchange Service's Starbucks at Fort Liberty to Be Recognized as 1st Military Family Store on an Installation
DALLAS, Texas, March 1 -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service issued the following news release: By Marisa Conner The Army & Air Force Exchange Service-operated Fort Liberty North Post Starbucks is brewing a special reason to celebrate--it will be officially recognized Feb. 28 as a Military Family Store, the first of its kind on a military installation. Starbucks Military Family Stores serve as a central gathering spot for service members, Veterans, their families and surrounding communit  more

Army Honors World War I Buffalo Soldiers With New Headstones
WASHINGTON, Feb. 29 -- The U.S. Army News Service issued the following news on Feb. 28, 2024: By Shannon Collins The Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration dedicated new headstones for 17 World War I Black Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, during a memorial ceremony Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. Retired Lt. Col. Tanya Bradsher, VA deputy secretary and a fourth-generation veteran, said that tw  more

Army Medics Adapt, Evolve as Service Needs Change
FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, Feb. 27 -- The U.S. Army News Service issued the following news: By Joe Lacdan On an Iraqi military base in sweltering heat, Jacob Whitlock faced his first bout with life and death. During a training exercise, a Soldier on the firing range began stumbling in his boots between rounds. With his face flushed red, he then vomited uncontrollably in the dry desert air. Whitlock, an Army combat medic on his first deployment, acted instinctively, checking the Soldier's vital  more

Army medics adapt, evolve as service needs change
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - On an Iraqi military base in sweltering heat, Jacob Whitlock faced his first bout with life and death. During a training exercise, a Soldier on the firing range began stumbling in his boots between rounds. With his face flushed red, he then vomited uncontrollably in the dry desert a  more

Assistance available to help transitioning service members, families
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Defense Department's Military-Civilian Transition Office is responsible for designing, overseeing and evaluating DOD transition and reintegration programs, which are available to all eligible military members, including the National Guard and Reserve, and their families. Taking care of people is a top priority for DOD, said Secretary of Defense   more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Alternative Measures of Labor Underutilization in Arkansas - 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 27 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Feb. 26, 2024, entitled "Alternative Measures of Labor Underutilization in Arkansas - 2023": * * * In 2023, the broadest measure of labor underutilization, designated U-6 (which includes the unemployed, workers employed part-time for economic reasons, and those marginally attached to the labor force was 6.2 percent in Arkansas, whic  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Alternative Measures of Labor Underutilization in Louisiana - 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 27 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Feb. 26, 2024, entitled "Alternative Measures of Labor Underutilization in Louisiana - 2023": * * * In 2023, the broadest measure of labor underutilization, designated U-6 (which includes the unemployed, workers employed part-time for economic reasons, and those marginally attached to the labor force was 6.8 percent in Louisiana, wh  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Alternative Measures of Labor Underutilization in New Mexico - 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 27 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Feb. 26, 2024, entitled "Alternative Measures of Labor Underutilization in New Mexico - 2023": * * * In 2023, the broadest measure of labor underutilization, designated U-6 (which includes the unemployed, workers employed part-time for economic reasons, and those marginally attached to the labor force was 7.2 percent in New Mexico,   more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Alternative Measures of Labor Underutilization in Oklahoma - 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 26 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Feb. 26, 2024, entitled "Alternative Measures of Labor Underutilization in Oklahoma - 2023": * * * In 2023, the broadest measure of labor underutilization, designated U-6 (which includes the unemployed, workers employed part-time for economic reasons, and those marginally attached to the labor force was 6.6 percent in Oklahoma, whic  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Alternative Measures of Labor Underutilization in Texas - 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 26 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Feb. 26, 2024, entitled "Alternative Measures of Labor Underutilization in Texas - 2023": * * * In 2023, the broadest measure of labor underutilization, designated U-6 (which includes the unemployed, workers employed part-time for economic reasons, and those marginally attached to the labor force was 7.4 percent in Texas, significan  more

CBP Officers Seize $1 Million in Cocaine at Roma Port of Entry
ROMA, Texas, Feb. 28 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2024: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at Roma Port of Entry this weekend seized $1 million in cocaine in a single enforcement action. "Our frontline officers continue to deploy an effective combination of inspection experience and technology and that led to this significant cocaine interception," said Port Directo  more

CBP Officers Seize Over $76K in Unreported Currency at Colombia-Solidarity Bridge
LAREDO, Texas, Feb. 27 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Laredo Port of Entry this weekend seized over $76,000 in unreported currency hidden within a bus during an outbound examination. "This was an excellent outbound currency seizure by our frontline officers," said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. "Unreported currency is often found to be proceeds fro  more

CBP Officers Stop Multiple Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Marijuana Smuggling Attempts
EL PASO, Texas, Feb. 27 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on Feb. 26, 2024: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Paso Del Norte border crossing disrupted three fentanyl, one cocaine, and one marijuana smuggling attempts within five days. "CBP officers remain ever vigilant in their enforcement efforts to prevent illicit drugs from entering our country," said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. "CBP Of  more

CBP to Briefly Suspend Paso Del Norte SENTRI Service March 2
EL PASO, Texas, Feb. 28 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2024: U.S. Customs and Border Protection will temporarily suspend SENTRI/DCL processing at the Paso Del Norte international crossing from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m. March 2. The short disruption is necessary to provide a safe return route for runners competing in the annual International 10K race which is being held that morning and concludes at the top of   more

Commemorating the first military flight at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas - March 2 marks a monumental day in the legacy of aviation. On that day, 114 years ago, a young Army lieutenant named Benjamin Foulois made history when he piloted the Army's first aircraft, Signal Corps Aircraft No. 1, over Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. The original Signal Corps Aircraft N  more

Community Connection events focus on spring events throughout JBSA
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Got questions about what's going on around JBSA this spring? The 502nd Air Base Wing is looking to spread the word on Joint Base San Antonio's three upcoming Community Connection Events, which will be focused on sharing information about the major events during the Spring timeframe. These events wi  more

Customs and Border Protection: Agents Discover 16 Migrants Inside a Stash House at Laredo Sector
LAREDO, Texas, Feb. 27 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on Feb. 26, 2024: Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents discovered migrants inside a stash house operation in Laredo, Texas. On Feb 23, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Border Patrol agents in conjunction with Texas DPS received information that a residence near Mines Road was possibly being used to harbor undocumented non-citizens. Agents arrived at the residence, and e  more

DAF finance professionals collaborate to prepare for Great Power Competition
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: More than 300 Airmen and Guardians from the Department of the Air Force's Financial Management field gathered in San Antonio Feb. 6-9 to confront challenges to the profession at a time of transformation.  The sixth annual Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Financial Services Officer Worldwide Conference gave participants an opportunit  more

DAF publishes revised dress, personal appearance instruction
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) - The Department of the Air Force republished its dress and personal appearance instruction to simplify, clarify and amplify many changes for Airmen and Guardians serving world-wide. The revised DAFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Department of the Air Force Personnel, incorporates policy changes f  more

Department of the Air Force Finance Professionals Collaborate to Prepare for Great Power Competition
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center issued the following news: By Joe Bela, AFIMSC Public Affairs More than 300 Airmen and Guardians from the Department of the Air Force's Financial Management field gathered in San Antonio Feb. 6-9 to confront challenges to the profession at a time of transformation. The sixth annual Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Financial Services Officer Worldwide Conference gave p  more

DHS Secretary Mayorkas Issues Remarks at Operational Briefing in Brownsville, Texas
WASHINGTON, March 1 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued the following remarks on Feb. 29, 2024, by Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas after receiving an operational briefing in Brownsville, Texas, alongside President Biden: * * * At the outset, I want to echo the President's words about the tragic fires in Texas and Oklahoma. We in the Department of Homeland Security, especially our agency FEMA, are intensely focused on providing the support, resources, and assistance the impacted   more

Eagle Pass CBP Officers Seize $847K in Methamphetamine in Three Separate Enforcement Actions the Same Day
EAGLE PASS, Texas, Feb. 29 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on Feb. 28, 2024: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at Eagle Pass Port of Entry continue to interdict significant quantities of methamphetamine, seizing three loads with a combined street value of more than $847,000 on the same day. "Our CBP officers scored a triple play; taking down three loads of methamphetamine with a   more

Eating disorders: Military youth are not immune
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 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 - According to recent articles in the International Journal of Eating Disorders, children of U.S. military members may be at increased risk for eating disorders. Data indicated that military children and adolescents experience significantly more eating disorder symptoms compared to th  more

Energy Sciences Network: New Consortium MetrANOVA to Create a Measurement and Analysis Toolbox for Research and Education Networks Worldwide
BERKELEY, California, Feb. 28 (TNSres) -- The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Energy Sciences Network issued the following news: * * * Founding members ESnet, GEANT, Indiana University, Internet2, and Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) seek additional participants * * * Five of the world's leading research and education (R&E) networking organizations have joined forces to form MetrANOVA, a consortium for Advancing Network Observation, Visualization, and Analysis. Together, foundi  more

EPA: Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Cleanup Project in Texas as Part of President Biden's Investing in America Agenda
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 29 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a site in Happy, Texas, will receive several million dollars from the third and final wave of more than $1 billion for cleanup projects across the country as part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda. The new funding will go toward the North East 2nd Street National Priorities List site to install a system to remove contamination f  more

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas Commits $79.4 Million to Affordable Housing Program - $50 Million More Than 2023 Commitment
DALLAS, Texas, March 1 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news release on Feb. 29, 2024: * * * Funds Are Used for Housing to Revitalize Communities * * * This year, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) is offering $79.4 million in grants through its Affordable Housing Program (AHP) General Fund - more than $50 million than was allocated in 2023. AHP General Fund grants are intended to assist FHLB  more

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas: Available Now - New Pilot Program That Supports Single-Family Housing Lending Activity
DALLAS, Texas, March 1 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following member bulletin on Feb. 28, 2024: The Community Development Special Finance Program (CDSFP) is now available to Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (Bank) members. The Bank created this pilot program to increase member support for single-family home lending activity. Through the pilot program, the Bank will provide a more favorable haircut to members that pledg  more

Goodfellow AFB: Operation LONE STAR
GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas, Feb. 28 -- The U.S. Air Force Goodfellow Air Force Base (17th Training Wing) issued the following news: By Staff Sgt. Nathan Call, 17th Training Wing Public Affairs The 315th Training Squadron at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, is adapting its intelligence training to the rapidly evolving national defense landscape by shifting focus from counter-terrorism in the Middle East to the Great Power Competition in the Indo-Pacific region. As a result, the 315th TRS launched   more

Grafenwoehr Panda Express Records Biggest Opening in Army & Air Force Exchange Service History
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 28 -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service issued the following news release: By Marisa Conner Service members and families eager for a taste of home made the opening of the Grafenwoehr Panda Express the biggest in Army & Air Force Exchange Service history. Customers began lining up nearly two hours before the restaurant opened on Feb. 20, and lines continued out the door throughout the day. There were several dignitaries in attendance to celebrate the opening, includ  more

GUIDE Program prepares DOD to defend against unknown
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Maryland - Significant biological events can take different shapes and sizes, from disease to intentional poisons and anywhere in between. COVID-19 taught the world firsthand that we likely will not know what the next threat is, but that any biological event can cause great harm to society and the world.   more

JADE FORGE: Enhancing the Lethality of Intelligence Airmen, Joint Partners
GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas, Feb. 28 -- The U.S. Air Force Goodfellow Air Force Base (17th Training Wing) issued the following news: By Sean Schroeder, 17th Training Wing Public Affairs At an isolated compound at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Airmen and joint service intel students participate in an innovative training environment called JADE FORGE. It sounds like a video game title, exotic weapon, or military operation. JADE FORGE stands for Joint All-Domain Expeditionary Forward Operations Readine  more

JADE FORGE: Enhancing the Lethality of Intelligence Airmen, Joint Partners
GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas, March 2 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Sean Schroeder, 17th Training Wing Public Affairs At an isolated compound at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Airmen and joint service intel students participate in an innovative training environment called JADE FORGE. It sounds like a video game title, exotic weapon, or military operation. JADE FORGE stands for Joint All-Domain Expeditionary Forward Operations Readiness Generation  more

JBSA officials identify deceased service member
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Joint Base San Antonio officials identified a soldier who was found dead on JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Feb. 21 as 46-year-old U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Baker. Baker, who joined the Army in 2009, was a human intelligence specialist assigned to the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade and  more

JFHQ-DODIN to officially launch its new Cyber Operational Readiness Assessment Program March 1st
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 28 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Maryland - Following a successful nine-month pilot, Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network (JFHQ-DODIN) will officially launch its Cyber Operational Readiness Assessment program March 1. Over the past four years, JFHQ-DODIN has made significant changes to the Department of Defense   more

Laughlin AFB: Expanding the Operational Horizons of Airmen
LAUGHLIN AFB, Texas, Feb. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Laughlin Air Force Base (47th Flying Training Wing) issued the following news: By Airman 1st Class Keira Rossman, 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs Airmen from the 47th Comptroller Squadron, 47th Medical Group and 47th Security Forces squadron recently participated in an "Ops Immersion" tour of flying operations to gain insight to the mission of the 47th Flying Training Wing. Lt. Sarah Cap, 47th CPTS flight commander, orchestrated the   more

Learn about TRICARE pharmacy benefits at March 14 webinar
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: FALLS CHURCH, Virginia - Are you making the most of your prescription drug coverage? Have you heard about changes to the process for getting specialty drugs? Join us for a webinar, "Using Your TRICARE Pharmacy Benefits," on Thursday, March 14, from 1 to 2 p.m. ET. To attend, join via Microsoft Teams Live a few minutes before start   more

MICC Commanding General to Lead Army Contracting Command
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, March 1 -- The U.S. Army Contracting Command issued the following news on Feb. 29, 2024: By Daniel P. Elkins The Army chief of staff announced today the selection of the commanding general for the Mission and Installation Contracting Command as the next leader of the Army Contracting Command. Maj. Gen. Doug Lowrey will assume command of ACC at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, during a June 14 ceremony from Brig. Gen. Christine Beeler, who has led the   more

MICC Commanding General to Lead Army Contracting Command
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, March 2 -- The U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command issued the following news on March 1, 2024: By Daniel P. Elkins The Army chief of staff announced today the selection of the commanding general for the Mission and Installation Contracting Command as the next leader of the Army Contracting Command. Maj. Gen. Doug Lowrey will assume command of ACC at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, during a June 14 ceremony from Brig. Gen. Christine  more

Military leaders say maintaining U.S. strategic edge requires continued investment
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: WASHINGTON - Senior military officials told lawmakers Feb. 29 that the United States remains ready to deter strategic and space-based threats, but continued investment is critical amid increasing competition. Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton, U.S. Strategic Command commander, and Space Force Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, U.S. Spac  more

Military Working Dog foster event provides perfect match on Valentine's Day
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: On a deployment to Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012, U.S. Army Maj. Keith Williams was assigned as the Battalion Operations Officer for 2-8 Infantry Battalion of the 2nd Brigade. This is where Williams first gained an appreciation for the indispensable role of the Military Working Dog. Working alongside uniformed service members, these dogs diligently en  more

Military Working Dog Scheduling Cell keeps senior leaders safe
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: When the military is tasked with protecting national leaders and foreign dignitaries, it's not just boots on the ground ... it's dog paws too.  The Air Force Security Forces Center performs the central role in providing military working dog support to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Department of State, U.S. Secret Service and White House Mi  more

Mission Monday: Acquisition Solutions
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 26 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: It's Mission Monday. Meet Martin Rodriguez, a contract specialist with the Air Force Installation Contracting Center's 772nd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron in San Antonio.  He delivers for the Department of the Air Force by finding and developing innovative acquisition solicitations. "I evaluate proposals to develop negotiation objectives, negotiate   more

NRC Issues Event Notification for ECS Southwest, Carrollton, Texas
WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (No. 56982) involving ECS Southwest LLP, Carrollton, Texas: * * * Rep Org: Texas Dept of State Health Services Licensee: ECS Southwest LLP Region: 4 City: Carrollton State: TX License #: L-05384 Agreement: Y NRC Notified By: Art Tucker HQ OPS Officer: Brian P. Smith Notification Date: 02/20/2024 Notification Time: 16:10 [ET] Event Date: 02/20/2024 Event Time: 00:00 [CST] Last Update Da  more

NRC Issues Event Notification for ECS Southwest, Carrollton, Texas
WASHINGTON, Feb. 29 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (No. 56982) involving ECS Southwest LLP, Carrollton, Texas: * * * Rep Org: Texas Dept of State Health Services Licensee: ECS Southwest LLP Region: 4 City: Carrollton State: TX License #: L-05384 Agreement: Y NRC Notified By: Art Tucker HQ OPS Officer: Brian P. Smith Notification Date: 02/20/2024 Notification Time: 16:10 [ET] Event Date: 02/20/2024 Event Time: 00:00 [CST] Last Update Da  more

NRC Issues Event Notification for University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (No. 56973) involving University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston: * * * Rep Org: Texas Dept of State Health Services Licensee: Uni of TX MD Anderson Cancer Center Region: 4 City: Houston State: TX License #: L00466 Agreement: Y NRC Notified By: Arthur Tucker HQ OPS Officer: Sam Colvard Notification Date: 02/16/2024 Notification Time: 18:10 [ET] Event Date: 02/16/2024 Event T  more

PHOTOS | Otolaryngology Technologist students train at Medical Education and Training Campus
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - The Medical Education and Training Campus Otolaryngology Technologist program at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, provides simulated and live training in all aspects of otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), and/or audiology services, to include invasive and non-invas  more

President Biden Issues Remarks After Operation Briefing in Brownsville, Texas
BROWNSVILLE, Texas, March 2 -- President Biden issued the following remarks on March 1, 2024, after an operation briefing: * * * THE PRESIDENT: Again, thank you. And as my mother would say, please excuse my back. I apologize. (Laughter.) Hello, folks. Good afternoon. Before we start, I'd like to say a few words about the devastating wildfires that are scorching the Texas Panhandle and northwest Oklahoma. You know, yesterday, one of the biggest fire events in Texas history, with more than 1 m  more

Readout of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement meeting with US Representative Tony Gonzales
WASHINGTON, March 1 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: WASHINGTON - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Patrick J. Lechleitner met with U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas' 23rd Congressional District yesterday. Engagement with elected officials is imperative to the business of government. Dialogue provides the opportunity for sh  more

Retired police sergeant sentenced to 10 years for distributing child pornography following HSI Galveston, local partner investigation
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: GALVESTON, Texas -- A retired Paterson, New Jersey, police sergeant has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston's Galveston office, the Pearland and Galveston police, and the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.   more

Securing the information environment: Sixteenth Air Force joins forces with Poland Cyber Command
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 26 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Interoperability is the ability of organizations and systems to work together effectively and efficiently to reach a common objective. For the Sixteenth Air Force and the Poland Cyber Command, the common objective is to hunt, expose, disrupt and defeat malicious cyber actors and other malign threats in the Information Environment. "The key to compet  more

Settlement of Estate
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 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 Commander regrets to announce the death of Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Baker, assigned to the 312th Military Intelligence Battalion at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, who passed away Feb. 21, 2024. To settle the estate of the deceased, Army Capt. Jack Bui, assigned t  more

State Dept.: Assistant Secretary Toloui Travel to California, Arizona, Texas
WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following news release: Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Ramin Toloui will travel to California, Arizona, and Texas March 4-8. His meetings and events will focus on critical supply chains, maritime shipping issues, creative industries and intellectual property protection, semiconductor manufacturing and supply chain resilience, and the latest in artificial intelligence developments. In San Francisco   more

State liaisons advocate for military families throughout U.S.
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: State-level policy decisions can have a truly meaningful impact on service members and their families, especially those with school-age children. With frequent moves and deployments that accompany a parent's military career, military children often face unique challenges throughout their academic careers that their civilian peers may not encounter.   more

Stronger Together, Airmen & Guardsmen practice patient evac
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 28 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas - Reserve Citizen Airmen of the 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron got an opportunity to showcase their skills and capabilities during a joint medical training event with more than two dozen members of the Texas State Guard on Feb. 24. The training allowed the Guardsmen of the 1st Battali  more

Stronger Together, Airmen & Guardsmen Practice Patient Evac
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Reserve Command issued the following news: By Julian Hernandez, 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs Reserve Citizen Airmen of the 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron got an opportunity to showcase their skills and capabilities during a joint medical training event with more than two dozen members of the Texas State Guard on Feb. 24. Chief Master Sgt. Michael Bolin, 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, guides a group of Te  more

T-7 Red Hawk endures extreme temps during climate tests
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 26 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Florida - A T-7A Red Hawk, the Air Force's new trainer aircraft, completed a month-long trial of extreme weather inside the McKinley Climatic Lab on Feb. 23, 2024. The Boeing test aircraft endured real temperatures ranging from 110 degrees to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit as well as heavy humidity conditions.   more

Team Sheppard Demonstrates STEAM Power at Fair
SHEPPARD AFB, Texas, Feb. 28 -- The U.S. Air Force's 82nd Training Wing issued the following news: By Julie Svoboda, 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs Airmen from the 82nd Training Wing and the 80th Flying Training Wing participated in a STEAM fair at Overton Ray Elementary School in Burkburnett, Texas, February 22, 2024. They spoke to around 120 children about how studying science, technology, engineering, aerospace and mathematics can lead to an exciting Air Force career in fields like aviat  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Celina Physician Indicted for Illegally Distributing Controlled Substances
SHERMAN, Texas, March 1 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas issued the following news release on Feb. 29, 2024: A Celina physician and eight others have been indicted for federal drug distribution violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today. Kevin Shelton, 53, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in February 2024, charging him with possession with conspiracy to possess with intent to manufac  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Former Peace Officer Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Related Crime
HOUSTON, Texas, Feb. 28 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 49-year-old resident of Houston has been convicted of attempted possession with intent to distribute heroin and money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani. A federal jury deliberated for eight hours before convicting Mohammed "Alex" Ahmed Kassem following a four-day trial. Kassem is a former investigator with the Waller County District Attorney's (  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Fourth Defendant in Fatal Tractor Trailer Smuggling Case Pleads Guilty
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Feb. 29 -- 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 one count related to his involvement in the organization responsible for 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, Luis Alberto Rivera-Leal aka Cowboy, 38, was a member of the human smuggling org  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Iowa Man Sentenced for Firearm Smuggling
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, March 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: Victor Alfonso Magana-Ahumada, 37, from Denison, Iowa was sentenced in federal court in Pecos this week to 46 months in prison for attempting to illegally cause guns to be smuggled from the U.S. to Mexico. According to court documents, Customs and Border Protection Officers at the Presidio Port of Entry referred a Ford 450 travelling towards Mexico, to secondary i  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Last-Minute Plea Entered in Cocaine Conspiracy
BROWNSVILLE, Texas, March 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 45-year-old Brownsville resident has admitted to his role in the distribution of dozens of kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Raul Dominguez-Vega, 45, was set to begin trial March 4. He has now entered a plea of guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to do so. Dominguez-Vega was part of an on-going   more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Mexican National Sentenced to Over 11 Years in Prison for Trafficking Meth
ALPINE, Texas, Feb. 29 -- 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 135 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, U.S. Border Patrol agents inspected a vehicle driven by Jorge Alberto Garcia-Gamez, 45, at a checkpoint near Marfa. During the inspection, agents discovered 76 vacuum-sealed bundles containing 37.85  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: San Antonio Man Sentenced to Over 13 Years in Prison for Supporting Terrorists
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Feb. 28 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: A San Antonio man was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 160 months in prison and lifetime supervised release for conspiring to murder overseas and provide material support to terrorists. According to court documents, Imad Eddin Wadi, 67, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Damascus, Syria, conspired to commit murder with terrorist groups and funnel fun  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Trucker Convicted for Trafficking Several Aliens Into South Texas
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Feb. 28 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A federal jury has returned a guilty verdict against a 51-year-old man for unlawfully transporting undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. The jury deliberated for approximately 45 minutes before finding Andrew Rafael Martinez-Peralta, Newark, New Jersey, guilty following a two-day trial. On July 5, 2023, Martinez-Peralta drove a trac  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Two Convicted in Multimillion Dollar Adult Daycare Fraud Scheme
MCALLEN, Texas, March 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A federal jury has returned guilty verdicts against a doctor and a clinic employee for receiving illegal kickbacks after ordering unnecessary lab tests and prescriptions, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before finding Dr. Osama Nahas, 69, McAllen, and Isabel Pruneda, 53, Edinburg, guilty of conspiracy to   more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Woman Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Meth, Fentanyl From Mexico
ALPINE, Texas, Feb. 29 -- 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 Pecos to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. According to court documents, Sandra Araceli Diaz Vazquez, 37, of Chihuahua, Mexico, was suspected of delivering narcotics within the U.S. On Dec. 5, 2023, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop along Interstate 20 near Colorado  more

Three Air Force Reserve instructor pilots surpass 3,000 flight hour milestone
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 1 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - Reaching an aviation milestone usually doesn't come easy for one pilot during their career, let alone three pilots around the same time. At Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, three Air Force Reserve instructor pilots assigned to the 39th Flying Training Squadron did just that by each ex  more

U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence combat medic specialists train at JBSA-Camp Bullis
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 26 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-CAMP BULLIS, Texas - U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence combat medic specialist took part in a combat medic field training exercise at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, on Jan. 25, 2024. The purpose of the course is to expand upon Army medic base-level skills on how to keep casualties of combat  more

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia: Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Law Enforcement During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
WASHINGTON, Feb. 29 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia issued the following news release: A Texas man pleaded guilty on Feb. 28, 2024, to assaulting law enforcement 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. Brian Scott Jackson, 48, of Katy, Texas, pleaded guilty in the Distri  more

U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina: North Charleston Man Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison for Cocaine Distribution
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, March 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina issued the following news release: Derrick Maurice Simpson, 33, of North Charleston, was sentenced to 28 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Evidence presented to the court showed that beginning in 2020, Simpson arranged shipments of kilograms of cocaine from Harlingen, Texas to various locations throughout the Charleston area. Agents and Task F  more

U.S. Navy Accepts Delivery of Future USS Kingsville (LCS 36)
WASHINGTON, March 1 -- The Naval Sea Systems Command issued the following news: MOBILE, Ala. -- The Navy accepted delivery of the future USS Kingsville (LCS 36) at Austal USA's shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, March 1. Kingsville is the 18th Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) constructed, and is the first ship ever named after Kingsville, Texas. The LCS class comprises fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that can operate in both near-shore and open-ocean waters  more

Warfighting culture, changing mindsets: Topics for command chief's brief to Airmen
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 26 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - Chief Master Sgt. Chad Bickley, command chief for Air Education and Training Command, since July 2023, has made it his mission to change mindsets and infuse the warfighting culture into Airmen with straightforward conversations. He's taking his experiences and background from his last 30 ye  more

White House Fact Sheet: Impact of Bipartisan Border Agreement Funding on Border Operations
WASHINGTON, March 1 (TNSres) -- The White House issued the following fact sheet on Feb. 29, 2024: * * * Impact of Bipartisan Border Agreement Funding on Border Operations Today, President Biden is traveling to Brownsville, Texas to meet with U.S. Border Patrol agents, law enforcement, frontline personnel, and local leaders to discuss the urgent need to pass the Senate bipartisan border security agreement. President Biden has repeatedly said he is willing to work in a bipartisan way to secure   more

White House Issues Transcript of Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Dalton, Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas En Route to Brownsville, Texas
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE, March 2 -- The White House issued the following transcript of a press gaggle on Feb. 29, 2024, by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas while en route to Brownsville, Texas: * * * MS. DALTON: Good afternoon. We're on our way to Brownsville, Texas, where President Biden will meet with Border Patrol agents, law enforcement officials, frontline personnel, and elected leaders, including Representative Gonzalez, who i  more

White House Issues Transcripts of News Briefing by Press Secretary Jean-Pierre on Feb. 28, 2024 (Part 1 of 2)
WASHINGTON, March 1 -- The White House issued the following transcript of a news briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Feb. 28, 2024: * * * MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Good afternoon, everyone. Q: Good afternoon. Q: Hello. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: (Laughter.) Hi. Hello. Thanks, Weijia. All right. A couple of things at the top before we get going. The President has been receiving updates on the wildfires that have already scorched over 500,000 acres across the Texas Panhandle. We are grateful fo  more