Monday - May 6, 2024
Federal Tipoffs Involving Texas Newsletter for Sunday March 31, 2024 ( 84 items )  

Agricultural Research Service: USDA Completes Laboratory Modernization to Advance Pecan Breeding, Research
SOMERVILLE, Texas, March 28 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service issued the following news release on March 27, 2024: The Pecan Breeding and Genetics Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) recently completed a 2.5 million dollars laboratory modernization to accelerate pecan breeding through innovations in genetics and plant disease research. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on March 26 to commemorate the comple  more

Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center Uses Data to Improve, Streamline on-Base Mail Systems
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center issued the following news: By London Prince, AFIMSC Public Affairs The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center is harnessing the power of data to improve Department of the Air Force installation mail services. The center is using Automated Military Postal System, or AMPS, data to expand Intelligent Lockers to more bases, incorporate parcel lockers and streamline mail cente  more

Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center uses data to improve, streamline on-base mail systems
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center is harnessing the power of data to improve Department of the Air Force installation mail services. The center is using Automated Military Postal System, or AMPS, data to expand Intelligent Lockers to more bases, incorporate parcel lockers and streamline mail centers with online mailing subscript  more

Air Force Thunderbirds, Wings of Blue among many performers at The Great Texas Airshow
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Great Texas Airshow is just days away on April 6 and 7 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph and promises to be a thrilling show, showcasing a wide variety of aerial performers and static aircraft displays. For a list of aerial performers, static displays and more information about The Great Texas Airshow, visit https://www.jbsa.mil/Information/JBS  more

Airmen, Guardians can influence how leaders share information through latest WAGGI survey
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 25 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Department of the Air Force will release the latest iteration of the "Where Airmen and Guardians Get Information" (WAGGI) survey to thousands of Airmen and Guardians in the coming week. The survey, paired with focus groups later this year, gives Airmen, Guardians, and Department civilians a chance to tell senior leaders what kinds of informatio  more

All-Female Altitude Chamber Instructor Flight Soars to 25,000 Feet
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, March 30 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Sean Worrell, 12th Flying Training Wing In honor of Women's History Month, the 12th Operations Support Squadron conducted an all-female altitude chamber instructor flight, which ascended to 25,000 feet. This mission, undertaken by a team of female instructors emphasized the growing role and recognition of women within the armed forces. The altitude chamber, a  more

Army Medicine Joins Effort to Combat Recruiting Shortfalls
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, March 28 -- The U.S. Army Medicine issued the following news: By Joseph Kumzak The Department of Defense has faced several challenges that have led to lower recruiting numbers, and prevented the Army, Air Force and Navy from reaching FY 2023 recruiting goals. One of those challenges was the implementation of the DoDs new medical records platform in 2022, MHS Genesis. Prior to MHS Genesis, applicants could omit or forget to include medical history that would prevent them fr  more

Around the Air Force: Caring for families, lifestyle medicine, workspace anywhere
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: In this week's look around the Air Force, senior enlisted advisors from the Air Force and Space Force testify to Congress on the importance of quality-of-life initiatives, medical experts discuss the well-being of service members and the role of lifestyle medicine on Great Power Competition, and an IT solution to enable government applications and we  more

Ask Away JBSA: 2024 Great Texas Airshow
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Get ready for the 2024 Great Texas Airshow with Ask Away JBSA, where we tell you everything you need to know, before you go! We cover a wide variety of topics, including: What you can expect to see at the show, what you should and shouldn't bring, and how you can get onto the base. Get excited for the 2024 Great Texas Airshow, coming to Joint Base S  more

CBP Moves Cement Barriers to Facilitate Traffic Flow Around Resurfacing Project at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge
LAREDO, Texas, March 28 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: To help better facilitate northbound traffic flow at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge during a resurfacing project in the northbound lanes on the Mexico side, CBP has relocated cement barriers to adjust the traffic flow pattern. "We have moved our cement lane divider barriers over a bit to help facilitate the traffic flow northbound at Juarez Lincoln Bridge while this res  more

CBP Officers at the Hidalgo Port of Entry Apprehend One Man Wanted on Warrant for Sex Crime Against Children, Another With an Arrest in a 2010 Homicide Case
HIDALGO, Texas, March 27 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on March 26, 2024: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge recently apprehended two individuals wanted for serious crimes; one wanted on an outstanding warrant for a sex crimes against children in San Antonio, the other with a prior arrest for a 2010 homicide in the Dominican Republic. "CBP officers screen all trave  more

CBP Officers Seize $448K Worth of Fentanyl at Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge
BROWNSVILLE, Texas, March 27 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on March 26, 2024: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers assigned to Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge intercepted a load of alleged fentanyl valued at approximately $448,050 hidden within a 2015 Chevrolet. "Our officers' diligence and use of multiple law enforcement tools led to this significant seizure of the  more

CBP Officers Seize 83 Weapons, 680 Rounds of Ammunition, and Weapon Accessories at Del Rio Port of Entry
DEL RIO, Texas, March 30 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers conducting outbound operations seized weapons, ammunition, and an assortment of weapon accessories hidden in storage bins and luggage. "This weapons seizure illustrates the significant work our officers do to protect our communities on both sides of the border," said Port Direc  more

CBP Officers Seize Over $703K in Cocaine at Laredo Port of Entry
LAREDO, Texas, March 27 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on March 26, 2024: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers assigned to the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge seized cocaine that totaled over $703,000 in street value. "CBP officers are trained to maintain their vigilance and detect suspicious activity," said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. "This cocaine bust demonstrates   more

CBP Uncovers Almost 500 Pounds of Mango Within Vehicle; Agriculture Specialists Issue $1,000 Civil Penalty at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge
LAREDO, Texas, March 29 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on March 28, 2024: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered almost 500 pounds of mango among other prohibited agriculture products in a single enforcement action at the Juarez-Lincoln bridge. "This significant amount of prohibited agricultural items seized illustrates the important work of our frontline CBP agriculture specialists in preventing har  more

Chemical Importer to Pay $300,000 in Civil Penalties for Alleged Violations of the Controlled Substances Act
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 25 -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Division issued the following news release: WACO, Texas - Shrieve Chemical Company, LLC, a Drug Enforcement Administration-registered importer and distributor of listed chemicals, has agreed to pay $300,000 in civil penalties to resolve allegations that it violated provisions of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. SSSS 801 et seq. In December 2022, DEA diversion investigators co  more

Commanding Officer, NAMRU San Antonio welcomes America's newest citizens
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Capt. Jennifer Buechel, commanding officer, Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio, served as the keynote speaker for the U.S. Citizenship Naturalization Oath Ceremony held at the Military and Family Readiness Center. Fifteen service members from the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force became U.S. citizens from the countries of China, Kenya, Jam  more

DEA-Houston: Former Guinea-Bissau President's Son Sent to U.S. Prison for International Drug Trafficking
HOUSTON, Texas, March 29 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: The leader of a transnational drug trafficking organization has been imprisoned for his involvement in an international heroin trafficking conspiracy, announced Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Malam Bacai Sanha Jr., 52, pleaded guilty Sept. 6, 2023, to conspir  more

DEA-Houston: Repeat Drug Trafficker Gets Significant Sentence
MCALLEN, Texas, March 29 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: A 63-year-old Pharr resident has been sentenced following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute 11 kilograms of cocaine, announced Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Gilberto Eloy Ramirez pleaded guilty Oct. 1, 2020. U.S. District Chief Judge Ra  more

DEA-Houston: Two Sent to Prison After Drug Trafficking in Local Parking Lot
MCALLEN, Texas, March 29 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: Two Mission men have been ordered to federal prison following their convictions in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy, announced Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Eddie Perez, 29, and Juan Alberto Mendez Jr., 29, pleaded guilty April 24, 2023, to conspiracy to pos  more

DEA-Houston: UPS Employee Heads to Prison for Concealing Cocaine in Packages
MCALLEN, Texas, March 29 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: A 50-year-old Edinburg man has been sentenced following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, announced Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge, Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Orlando Candelario Almanza pleaded guilty Oct. 23, 2023. U.S. Distr  more

DEA-Houston: Young Trafficker Imprisoned for Transporting Thousands of Fentanyl Pills
MCALLEN, Texas, March 29 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: A 21-year-old Pharr resident has been sentenced following his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Alex Dominque Carrillo pleaded guilty Dec. 20, 2023. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Ti  more

Deadline Approaching in Texas for SBA Working Capital Loans Due to Drought
SACRAMENTO, California, March 30 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on March 29, 2024: Francisco Sanchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today reminded small nonfarm businesses in 74 Texas counties of the April 29, 2024, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues c  more

Dyess AFB: 317th Airlift Wing Enhances Joint Operations With Storm Flag
DYESS AFB, Texas, March 30 -- The U.S. Air Force Dyess Air Force Base (7th Bomb Wing) issued the following news: By Airman 1st Class Alondra Cristobal Hernandez, 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs The 317th Airlift Wing participated in Exercise Storm Flag 24-05, a 14-day joint-credited exercise, focusing on cargo and personnel delivery at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, Alexandria International Airfield and Fort Johnson, Louisiana, from March 3-16, 2024. The exercise was strategically crafted t  more

Eagle Pass CBP Officers Seize Over S1.1M in Methamphetamine in One Enforcement Action
EAGLE PASS, Texas, March 28 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on March 27, 2024: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at Eagle Pass Port of Entry seize over $1.1M in methamphetamine in one enforcement action. "CBP officers did an exceptional job in interdicting these illicit narcotics at our port of entry," said Port Director Pete Beattie, Eagle Pass Port of Entry. "These seizures wil  more

EPA Announces a $4,000,000 Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant to the City of Austin
DALLAS, Texas, March 27 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing that the City of Austin will receive a Solid Waste Infrastructure Grant (SWIFR) of $4,000,000 to construct and maintain a new reuse warehouse. The warehouse will be an onsite space for redistributing used furniture and building materials and hosting programming. As part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, this grant will improve r  more

ERO St. Paul removes foreign fugitive wanted in Mexico for narcotics possession
WASHINGTON, March 29 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: SAINT PAUL, Minn. - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) St. Paul field office removed an unlawfully present foreign fugitive wanted in Mexico for narcotics possession, March 28. Victor Manuel Jimenez Ruiz, 33-year-old citizen of Mexico, was escorted by ERO officers from St. Paul, Minnesota, to the Brownsv  more

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, Wells Fargo Bank Award $850K for Rio Manor Apartments Renovation
DEL RIO, Texas, March 29 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news release on March 28, 2024: * * * Funds will add 12 Units and Multiple Upgrades * * * Prospera Housing Community Services (Prospera) was awarded an $850,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) through its member Wells Fargo, to help fund the renovation of Rio Manor Apartments, a 60-unit multifam  more

FMCSA Declares Texas-Licensed Driver an Imminent Hazard to Public Safety
WASHINGTON, March 30 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued the following news release on March 29, 2024: The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has declared Texas-licensed commercial driver Jerry Hernandez to be an imminent hazard to public safety and ordered him to immediately cease operating any commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate or intrastate commerce. Hernandez was served t  more

Galveston District to Seek Rights of Entry From Orange County Property Owners
GALVESTON, Texas, March 30 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Galveston District issued the following news release: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District (SWG) real estate specialists will be going door to door seeking rights of entry (ROEs) from Orange County property owners on April 3 and 12, 2024. This month's ROE visits are necessary to compete the efforts initiated in July and August of 2023. SWG has been seeking the ROEs to conduct cultural resource investigations and  more

Goodfellow AFB: 2024 17th Training Wing Senior Master Sergeant Selectees
GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas, March 30 -- The U.S. Air Force Goodfellow Air Force Base (17th Training Wing) issued the following news: By Airman James Salellas, 17th Training Wing Public Affairs The 17th Training Wing celebrated those who were selected for the rank of senior master sergeant in the 2024 E-8 selection cycle, March 25. This year, there were only 1,734 individuals selected out of 15,151 eligible. As a senior master sergeant, the selectees will utilize their learned leadership and manage  more

Gulf of Mexico Alliance Receives EPA Funding for Water Quality Improvement in Louisiana
DALLAS, Texas, March 27 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release: * * * $1.4 million in funding will help area farmers reduce runoff * * * The Gulf of Mexico Alliance recently received a grant for more than $1.4 million from the Gulf of Mexico Division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that will be used to improve water quality in northeast Louisiana. As part of the project, farmers will learn how to adopt innovative farming practices, that ca  more

How to Watch Upcoming Total Solar Eclipse With NASA From Anywhere
WASHINGTON, March 30 -- NASA issued the following news release on March 29, 2024: On Monday, April 8, most of North America will have the chance to see the Moon pass in front of the Sun during a solar eclipse. NASA is inviting the public to participate with in-person events, opportunities to do NASA science, and multiple ways to watch online (https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/live/). Millions of people along the path of totality - which stretches from Texas to Main  more

HSI Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force investigation results in the sentencing of a convicted sex offender for uploading child pornography to Google accounts
WASHINGTON, March 29 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: MCALLEN, Texas - A South Texas man was sentenced for uploading child pornography following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force. Oscar Ramirez Jr, 38, from McAllen, was sentenced March 27 to 180 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including that   more

Innovative Bird Capture Technique Enhances Pilot Safety at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, March 26 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Sean Worrell, 12th Flying Training Wing In an initiative aimed at enhancing pilot safety, the 12th Flying Training Wing has implemented a method to mitigate bird strikes. Utilizing a massive 25x25 foot net, personnel at 12th FTW Safety office in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are capturing birds that pose a threat to aircraft oper  more

Inspiring futures, igniting dreams: ARSOUTH Soldiers create lasting impressions at career day
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: As the morning sun began to paint the sky with hues of amber and gold, U.S. Army South Soldiers stirred to life as they prepared for a shake up from their daily duties. In the calm before the storm, their preparation for this unique mission unfolded. Fueled by purpose and motivation, they inspected their gear, packed bags, and loaded their vehicles.   more

JBSA graduates first cohort of Saudi electronic warfare officers
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 28 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: In a milestone for military partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia, the first class of Royal Saudi Air Force officers completed an intensive electronic warfare training course March 5, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. "We are very proud of you and on behalf of His Royal Highness for the Saudi Air Force Commander, I congratulate you," sai  more

Justice Dept.: 5 Arrested in South Texas for Allegedly Trafficking Military Grade Firearms to Mexican Drug Cartel
WASHINGTON, March 26 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release: Five individuals were arrested in Laredo, Hebbronville, and Falls City, Texas, last week for allegedly trafficking military grade firearms to a drug cartel in Mexico. According to court documents, Gerardo Rafael Perez Jr., also known as Jerry, 23, of Laredo, allegedly coordinated the acquisition of more than 100 firearms throughout Texas to be smuggled across the international border and delivered to a dr  more

Laredo Sector Border Patrol Announces the Youth of the Month Honorees for March
LAREDO, Texas, March 27 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on March 26, 2024: Laredo Sector Border Patrol announces the honorees for the Youth of the Month Program. The honorees for the month of March were announced during a ceremony at Staggs Academy High School. On March 26, Laredo Sector Border Patrol and community program partners honored the 11 seniors selected from Laredo area high schools with the distinguished L  more

LM Leaders Address Environmental Council of States Spring Meeting in Texas
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- The Department of Energy's Office of Legacy Management issued the following news on March 26, 2024: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Legacy Management (LM) Director Carmelo Melendez and LM Director of Site Operations Jay Glascock addressed the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) spring meeting in Austin, Texas, Tuesday. Melendez said the meeting provided an invaluable forum for leaders of cleanup organizations to come together to share best practices and  more

Modeling & Simulation Summit in San Antonio, registration open
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 25 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Calling all modeling and simulation professionals to join in exploring the latest modeling and simulation initiatives and techniques at the 2024 Department of the Air Force M&S Summit May 7-9 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk. Richard Tempalski, DAF chief modeling and simulation officer, along with Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, commander of Air E  more

NAMRU San Antonio spotlights Navy Dentist during Women's History Month
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 28 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Approximately 50 percent of Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio's military and support personnel is comprised of women. Therefore, it is fitting that the 2024 theme of Women's History Month be "Women Who Have Made Great Achievements." One of the highly professional women within Navy Medicine is Cmdr. Rachel Werner, Dental Corps, NAMRU Sa  more

Natural Resources Conservation Service in Texas Announces Funding Opportunities Through Texas Partners for Conservation Program
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service issued the following news on March 26, 2024: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas today announced opportunities for partners to receive funding through agreements as part of the Texas Partners for Conservation Program. Applications must be submitted via grants.gov by May 22, 2024. "The Texas Partners for Conservation Program encourages   more

Operation Blue Suit: Honoring Excellence in Air Force Recruiting
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, March 28 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Joe Gangemi, HQ Air Force Recruiting Service The Air Force Recruiting Service celebrated the exceptional achievements of its top recruiters during Operation Blue Suit here March 19. This annual event recognizes the dedication and outstanding performance of recruiters who excel in their mission to best find, attract, recruit, and retain the Airmen and Guardian  more

Operation Blue Suit: Honoring excellence in Air Force Recruiting
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Air Force Recruiting Service recently celebrated the exceptional achievements of its top recruiters at Operation Blue Suit, held at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. This annual event recognizes the dedication and outstanding performance of recruiters who excel in their mission to best find, attract, recruit, and retain the Airmen and Guardians our   more

PRESS RELEASE: Officials identify deceased service member found at JBSA-Lackland
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Release# 240327-01 Joint Base San Antonio officials identified a deceased service member found on March 25 in a JBSA-Lackland dorm as 20-year-old Airman Raylina Fontes, assigned to 59th Dental Training Squadron. Fontes was found unresponsive in her dorm room. "Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Raylina's family and friends during this  more

Promising experiment signals future integration of advanced tech into Army units
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 25 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Army is moving toward a future where soldier formations will be more efficient and lethal thanks to the integration of advanced technology both on the ground and in the air, according to the service's chief of staff. Army Gen. Randy George discussed some of the advancements on March 22 when talking with the Defense One digital media platform  more

Repeat Drug Trafficker Gets Significant Sentence
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 27 -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Division issued the following news release: McALLEN, Texas -A 63-year-old Pharr resident has been sentenced following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute 11 kilograms of cocaine, announced Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Gilberto Eloy Ramirez pleaded guilty Oct. 1, 2  more

San Angelo Chamber of Commerce Hosts Col. Corbett for Goodfellow Update Luncheon
SAN ANGELO, Texas, March 28 -- 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 The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of Goodfellow luncheon at the McNease Convention Center, San Angelo, Texas, on March 19. U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Corbett, 17th Training Wing deputy commander spoke at the monthly San Angelo Chamber of Commerce luncheon to provide an update abou  more

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Louisiana Small Businesses
SACRAMENTO, California, March 29 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release on March 28, 2024: Small nonfarm businesses in 64 Louisiana parishes and neighboring counties in Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco Sanchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Bu  more

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to New Mexico Small Businesses
SACRAMENTO, California, March 29 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release on March 28, 2024: Small nonfarm businesses in 33 New Mexico counties and neighboring counties in Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco Sanchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at  more

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to New Mexico Small Businesses
SACRAMENTO, California, March 29 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on March 28, 2024: Small nonfarm businesses in 33 New Mexico counties and neighboring counties in Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco Sanchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administrati  more

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Oklahoma Small Businesses
SACRAMENTO, California, March 29 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release on March 28, 2024: Small nonfarm businesses in 36 Oklahoma counties and neighboring counties in Kansas and Texas are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco Sanchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administr  more

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Oklahoma Small Businesses
SACRAMENTO, California, March 29 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on March 28, 2024: Small nonfarm businesses in 36 Oklahoma counties and neighboring counties in Kansas and Texas are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco Sanchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. These loans offset econom  more

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Texas Small Businesses
SACRAMENTO, California, March 29 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release on March 28, 2024: Small nonfarm businesses in 165 Texas counties, neighboring parishes in Louisiana and neighboring counties in New Mexico and Oklahoma are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco Sanchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Re  more

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Texas Small Businesses
SACRAMENTO, California, March 29 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on March 28, 2024: Small nonfarm businesses in 165 Texas counties, neighboring parishes in Louisiana and neighboring counties in New Mexico and Oklahoma are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco Sanchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business A  more

Service member found dead on JBSA-Lackland
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 25 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Joint Base San Antonio officials found a service member dead on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on March 25. The service member's name is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification. The incident is under investigation. *** Original text here: http://www.jbsa.mil/News/News/Article/3717569/service-member-found-dead-on-jbsa-lackland/  more

Settlement of Estate
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Commander regrets to announce the death of Airman Raylina Fontes, assigned to the 59th Dental Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, who passed away March 25, 2024. To settle the estate of the deceased, Capt. Alyssajoy Oviatt, assigned to the 59th Dental Training Squadron , has been appointed as Summary Courts Officer, or SCO.   more

SMA prioritizes quality of life with improved housing, child care, health programs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 25 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: As the Army moves into the second half of fiscal year 2024, the service continues its effort to improve the quality of life for Soldiers and their families with numerous projects and initiatives. These initiatives are to provide Soldiers with the support they need to deter, fight and win against capable adversaries around the globe, said Sgt. Maj. o  more

Surface Transportation Board Issues Notice of Intent to Prepare Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed New Rail Line in Eagle Pass, Texas
WASHINGTON, March 30 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation's Surface Transportation Board issued the following news release on March 29, 2024: The Surface Transportation Board's Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in connection with Green Eagle Railroad, LLC's proposed construction and operation of an approximately 1.3-mile rail line in Maverick County, Texas. The proposed rail line would be part of t  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: California Man Convicted in Cryptocurrency Money Laundering Conspiracy and for Importing Controlled Substances
TYLER, Texas, March 27 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas issued the following news release: A San Francisco, California man has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. John Khuu, 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, and importation of MDMA before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love on March 26, 2024.   more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Chemical Importer to Pay $300,000 in Civil Penalties for Alleged Violations of Controlled Substances Act
WACO, Texas, March 26 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: Shrieve Chemical Company, LLC, a Drug Enforcement Administration-registered importer and distributor of listed chemicals, has agreed to pay $300,000 in civil penalties to resolve allegations that it violated provisions of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Sec.Sec. 801 et seq. In December 2022, DEA diversion investigators conducted an on-site inspection of a Shrie  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Five Arrested in South Texas for Allegedly Trafficking Military Grade Firearms to Mexican Drug Cartel
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, March 26 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release on March 25, 2024: Five individuals were arrested in Laredo, Hebbronville and Falls City Wednesday for allegedly trafficking military grade firearms to a drug cartel in Mexico. According to court documents, Gerardo Rafael Perez Jr. aka "Jerry," 23, of Laredo, allegedly coordinated the acquisition of more than 100 firearms throughout Texas to be smuggled across the  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Five Ordered to Prison for Drug Trafficking Following Search
MCALLEN, Texas, March 28 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: Several men have been sentenced for their roles in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Martin Vela-Alanis, 60, and Arlando Garcia-Garcia, 41, Martin Adrusbel Vela, 36, and Oscar Obed Manzanares, 23, all of Edinburg; and Mexican citizen Jose Santiago Luna-Duran, 46, each pleaded guilty Oct. 5, 2o23, for their respective roles  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Former Fugitive Sentenced for Transporting Over 65 Into United States
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, March 29 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 30-year-old Mission resident has been sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to transport non U.S. citizens via commercial tractor-trailers, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Daniel Cantu Jr. pleaded guilty Aug. 23, 2022. He was originally set to be sentenced in late 2023, but failed to appear. He remained a fugitive until February. U.S. District  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Former Guinea-Bissau President's Son Sent to U.S. Prison for International Drug Trafficking
HOUSTON, Texas, March 27 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: The leader of a transnational drug trafficking organization has been imprisoned for his involvement in an international heroin trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Malam Bacai Sanha Jr., 52, pleaded guilty Sept. 6, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance for the purpose of unlawful importation. U.S. District Judge Kei  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Hiding Meth in Shoes Lands Smuggler in Prison
MCALLEN, Texas, March 27 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 30-year-old Edinburg resident has been sentenced following his conviction of importing meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Oscar Salazar pleaded guilty Aug. 4, 2022. U.S. District Chief Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Salazar to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the c  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Human Smuggling Family Admits to Over $2M Money Laundering Conspiracy
MCALLEN, Texas, March 29 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: Four Mission residents have entered guilty pleas for their roles in a conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and a related conspiracy to transport aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Luis Enrique Moctezuma-Acosta, 36, Elizabeth Acosta, 52, and Keysi Fuentes-Gavarrete, 27, admitted to laundering over $2 million in monetary  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Mathis Dealer Sent to Prison After Attempting to Dispose of Two Duffel Bags Full of Narcotics and Cash
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, March 29 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 45-year-old man has been sentenced for possession with intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Roberto Rivas aka Scarface pleaded guilty Jan. 3, 2023. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Rivas to serve 180 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing,   more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Mexican Resident Convicted of Trying to Smuggle Ammunition and Firearms Back to Mexico
MCALLEN, Texas, March 28 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 67-year-old resident of Guadalajara, Mexico, has pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle multiple firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in vehicle roof rack, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. On Jan. 11, Jose De Jesus Pena Dieguez attempted to enter Mexico through the Progreso Port of Entry in a Nissan Xterra. Upon inspection, authorities noticed  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Repeat Drug Trafficker Gets Significant Sentence
MCALLEN, Texas, March 27 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 63-year-old Pharr resident has been sentenced following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute 11 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Gilberto Eloy Ramirez pleaded guilty Oct. 1, 2020. U.S. District Chief Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Ramirez to serve a 262-month sentence to be immediately followed by five years o  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Tax Preparer Sentenced to 3 Years in $6.7 Million Tax Fraud
DALLAS, Texas, March 30 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas issued the following news release on March 28, 2024: A Waxahachie tax preparer was sentenced Thursday to three years in prison and ordered to pay more than $6.7 million in restitution to the IRS, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Bachary Rushid McGruder, the 45-year-old owner of M&M Enterprises and Consulting, TX, was indicted in November 2021 and pleaded guil  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Two Sent to Prison After Drug Trafficking in Local Parking Lot
MCALLEN, Texas, March 28 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: Two Mission men have been ordered to federal prison following their convictions in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Eddie Perez, 29, and Juan Alberto Mendez Jr., 29, pleaded guilty April 24, 2023, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 20 kilograms of cocaine. U.S. District Chief Judge Randy Crane has now imp  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: UPS Employee Heads to Prison for Concealing Cocaine in Packages
MCALLEN, Texas, March 28 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 50-year-old Edinburg man has been sentenced following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Orlando Candelario Almanza pleaded guilty Oct. 23, 2023. U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez has now ordered Almanza to serve a total of 75 months in federal prison to be imm  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Young Trafficker Imprisoned for Transporting Thousands of Fentanyl Pills
MCALLEN, Texas, March 27 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 21-year-old Pharr resident has been sentenced following his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Alex Dominque Carrillo pleaded guilty Dec. 20, 2023. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Carrillo to serve 96 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by four year  more

The HIPAA Privacy Rule and military health care: What parents of minors need to know
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 25 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Are you the parent or legal sponsor of a minor child? If so, there are things you should know about what access you have to your child's healthcare records and choices. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Final Rule protects minors' privacy concerning their health care choices and treatment. To protect your child's healt  more

Transforming DOD: PC-C4 prepares for the future battlefield
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 25 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: On the beaches, oceans, air and deserts of the U.S. West Coast, more than 4,000 members of the joint force, civilians, contractors, and militaries from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, France and Japan experimented with more than 200 technologies in the Army's largest experiment in the dirt, Project Convergence Capstone 4. Two pha  more

Two Sent to Prison After Drug Trafficking in Local Parking Lot
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 27 -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Division issued the following news release: McALLEN, Texas - Two Mission men have been ordered to federal prison following their convictions in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy, announced Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Eddie Perez, 29, and Juan Alberto Mendez Jr., 29, pleaded guilty Apr  more

U.S. Army Surgeon General Recognizes Singular Female Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Honor: Dr. Mary E. Walker's Enduring Legacy
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, March 29 -- The U.S. Army Medicine issued the following news: By Ryan Scott In an era where the integration of technology and healthcare herald's new frontiers in battlefield medicine, Lt. Gen. Mary K. Izaguirre, the U.S. Army Surgeon General, participated in Project Convergence - Capstone 4 (PC-C4) at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif. This engagement not only marks a pivotal advancement in Army warfare and medical technology but also serves as a bridge con  more

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Public Urged to Help Protect Sea Turtles as Nesting Season Arrives in Texas
WASHINGTON, March 30 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued the following news release: With nesting season beginning in late March, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service urges Texas beach visitors to stay vigilant, drive slowly and avoid disturbing nest sites to help protect imperiled sea turtles, including the endangered Kemp's ridley and the threatened loggerhead and green sea turtles. "Sea turtles face numerous threats during nesting season," said Mary  more

UPS Employee Heads to Prison for Concealing Cocaine in Packages
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 27 -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Division issued the following news release: McALLEN, Texas - A 50-year-old Edinburg man has been sentenced following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, announced Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge, Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Orlando Candelario Almanza pleaded  more

Vietnam Veterans Receive Long Overdue Honor, Gratitude at PX and BX Ceremonies
DALLAS, Texas, March 30 -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service issued the following news release: By Zach Wright On March 29, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, PXs and BXs around the world hosted special ceremonies to salute the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans. The ceremonies celebrated all Veterans who served on active duty in the Armed Forces any time from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location. These Veterans received free commemorative lapel pins bear  more

Women's History Month: All-female altitude chamber instructor flight soars to 25,000 feet
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, March 29 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: In honor of Women's History Month, the 12th Operations Support Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph conducted an all-female altitude chamber instructor flight, which ascended to 25,000 feet. This mission, undertaken by a team of female instructors emphasized the growing role and recognition of women within the armed forces. The altitude chamb  more

Young Trafficker Imprisoned for Transporting Thousands of Fentanyl Pills
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 27 -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Division issued the following news release: McALLEN, Texas - A 21-year-old Pharr resident has been sentenced following his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Alex Dominque Carrillo pleaded guilty Dec. 20, 2023  more