Saturday - September 7, 2024
Federal Tipoffs Involving Texas Newsletter for Sunday May 12, 2024 ( 66 items )  

350th Spectrum Warfare Wing Reactivates Two Historic Electronic Warfare Squadrons
EGLIN AFB, Florida, May 9 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following news: By Capt. Benjamin Aronson, 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing Public Affairs To meet the Air Force's growing demand for spectrum effects, the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing recently reactivated two historic squadrons, the 563rd Electronic Warfare Squadron, in San Antonio, Texas, and the 388th Electronic Warfare Squadron, at Eglin Air Force Base. The 563rd EWS' history dates to World War II, and the unit most recently served as   more

37th Training Wing celebrates 2024 first quarter awards
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 6 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The 37th Training Wing first quarter awards ceremony was held at the Defense Language Institute English Learning Center auditorium at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on May 3. Congratulations to the Warhawks who won in their respective categories: Junior Enlisted Category: Senior Airman Yevgeniy Sosnovskiy, 37th Training Group Noncommissioned Of  more

433rd Airlift Wing commander takes final flight in support of U.S. Central Command
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 9 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Col. William Gutermuth, 433rd Airlift Wing commander; Lt. Col. Christopher Jones, 356th Airlift Squadron commander; and members from the 68th AS from Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, completed a C-5M Super Galaxy cargo transportation mission that ultimately included stops in Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia and Naval Station Rota, Spain, all in su  more

AFCEC partners with USAFE, French forces to enhance NATO engineering capabilities
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 8 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Air Force Civil Engineer Center's expeditionary modernization team joined U.S. Air Forces in Europe and the French armed forces in Exercise Razorback, an interoperability airfield damage repair training, at Vouziers Airfield and Grostenquin Airfield, France, from March 20 to April 3. The multiphase operational airbase recovery exercise emphasized a  more

AFIMSC focuses I-WEPTAC topics on Great Power Competition solutions
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 9 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The first of two 2024 Installation and Mission Support Weapons and Tactics Conferences concluded May 8 at the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center in San Antonio, when three teams presented solutions to advance agile combat support operations in an era of Great Power Competition. The I-WEPTAC 2024.1 Mission Area Working Groups briefed idea  more

AFIMSC tools deliver data-driven solutions across Department of the Air Force
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 7 -- 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's Innovation and Improvement Division is transforming the way Airmen do business by integrating cutting-edge data-prep and data-visualization tools across the Department of the Air Force. The AFIMSC team is providing the resources decision-makers need with platforms like the PRISM project that provi  more

AFSFC strengthens bonds with RAF counterparts
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 10 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Air Force Security Forces Center is continuing to build on its partnerships with the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force by testing a liaison officer agreement at the center. Currently, Flight Lt. Alexander O'Rourke is spending 30 days at the AFSFC headquarters and 30 days at the Desert Defender ground Combat Readiness Training Center at Fort Bliss,  more

Air Force audiologists transform life journeys into expertise
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 10 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: For U.S. Air Force Capts. Emily Lee and Jacqueline Anderson, life experiences highlighting the significance of being able to hear -- one of the five senses many people may take for granted -- led them to their current roles as audiologists at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. While perhaps difficult to imagine  more

Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center Focuses Installation & Mission Support Weapons & Tactics Conference Topics on Great Power Competition Solutions
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 10 -- The U.S. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center issued the following news: By Craig Rodarte, AFIMSC Public Affairs The first of two 2024 Installation and Mission Support Weapons and Tactics Conferences concluded May 8 at the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center when three teams presented solutions to advance agile combat support operations in an era of Great Power Competition. The I-WEPTAC 2024.1 Mission Area Working G  more

Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center Focuses Installation & Mission Support Weapons and Tactics Conference Topics on Great Power Competition Solutions
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 9 -- The U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center issued the following news: By Craig Rodarte, AFIMSC Public Affairs The first of two 2024 Installation and Mission Support Weapons and Tactics Conferences concluded May 8 at the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center when three teams presented solutions to advance agile combat support operations in an era of Great Power Competition. The I-WEPTAC 2024.1 Mission Area Working Groups, or MAWGs, bri  more

Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center Tools Deliver Data-Driven Solutions Across Department of the Air Force
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 8 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following news: By Malcolm McClendon, AFIMSC Public Affairs The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center's Innovation and Improvement Division is transforming the way Airmen do business by integrating cutting-edge data-preparation and data-visualization tools across the Department of the Air Force. The AFIMSC team is providing the resources decision makers need with platforms like the PRISM project that pr  more

Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center Tools Deliver Data-Driven Solutions Across Department of the Air Force
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 9 -- The U.S. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center issued the following news: By Malcolm McClendon, AFIMSC Public Affairs The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center's Innovation and Improvement Division is transforming the way Airmen do business by integrating cutting-edge data-prep and data-visualization tools across the Department of the Air Force. The AFIMSC team is providing the resources decision-makers need with platfor  more

Air Force Personnel Center: Airmen, Guardians Urged to Update Virtual Record of Emergency Data, Service-Members' Online Enrollment System
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, May 7 -- The U.S. Air Force Personnel Center issued the following news: Airmen and Guardians should routinely review and update their virtual Record of Emergency Data (vRED) and Service-members' Online Enrollment System (SOES). vRED is a central repository for emergency contact information should an Airman or Guardian become severely ill, injured, wounded or deceased. Servicemembers are required to review and update vRED information annually, before depl  more

Air Force Security Forces Center Strengthens Bonds With Royal Air Force Counterparts
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center issued the following news: By Debbie Aragon, AFIMSC Public Affairs The Air Force Security Forces Center is continuing to build on its partnerships with the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force by testing a liaison officer agreement at the center. Currently, Flight Lt. Alexander O'Rourke is spending 30 days at the AFSFC headquarters and 30 days at the Desert Defender ground Combat Readines  more

Airmen, Guardians urged to update vRED, SOES
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 6 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Airmen and Guardians should routinely review and update their virtual Record of Emergency Data (vRED) and Servicemembers' Online Enrollment System (SOES). The vRED is a central repository for emergency contact information should an Airman or Guardian become severely ill, injured, wounded or deceased. Servicemembers are required to review and update vRE  more

APHIS Establishes and Expands Quarantined Areas for Citrus Canker in Texas
WASHINGTON, May 9 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued the following program update on May 8, 2024: * * * To: State, Tribal, and Territory Agricultural Regulatory Officials Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) are establishing four new quarantined areas for citrus canker in Hidalgo County, Texas, and expanding one existing quarantined area for citrus canker  more

Army & Air Force Exchange Service Careers Strengthen Military Communities
DALLAS, Texas, May 9 -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service issued the following news release: By Marcia Rhodes During Military Appreciation Month, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is reminding Veterans, military spouses and dependents of the meaningful career opportunities the organization provides for those who served as well as family members of those who serve. "Hiring Veterans and military spouses is a Quality-of-Life force multiplier, bringing financial security to our Nation'  more

Army Corps of Engineers Closes Wallisville Lake Project, JJ Mayes Wildlife Trace As Waters Rise
WALLISVILLE, Texas, May 7 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Galveston District issued the following news release: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, closed the Wallisville Lake Project and JJ Mayes Wildlife Trace, 40 miles east of Houston, due to rising water on the Trinity River, until further notice. Additionally, the State of Texas has closed the frontage roads next to I-10 near Wallisville. The State also encourages Texans who sustained damage caused by severe storms a  more

Army Nurse Finds Calling in Emergency Medicine
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The U.S. Army News Service issued the following news: By Christopher Hurd Less than two weeks ago, Capt. Michael Johnson, an Army nurse, was on his way to work at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas when an auto accident happened in front of him on the highway. A jeep traveling at high speed slid and crashed into the back of a bus. Johnson's instincts took over as he pulled over, grabbed his medical bag, and went to help. The jeep's air bags were deploye  more

Army nurse finds calling in emergency medicine
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 9 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Less than two weeks ago, Capt. Michael Johnson, an Army nurse, was on his way to work at the Brooke Army Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, when an auto accident happened in front of him on the highway. A jeep traveling at high speed slid and crashed into the back of a bus. Johnson's instincts took over as he pulled over,  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Business Employment Dynamics in Louisiana - Third Quarter 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, May 8 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on May 7, 2024, entitled "Business Employment Dynamics in Louisiana - Third Quarter 2023": * * * From June 2023 to September 2023, gross job gains from opening and expanding private-sector establishments in Louisiana were 97,306, while gross job losses from closing and contracting private-sector establishments were 96,084, the U.S. Burea  more

Brown: Joint Force must maintain current edge, prepare for emerging threats
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 8 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Defense Department's success in an evolving security landscape is defined by the joint force's ability to address current threats while at the same time preparing for the future, said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., on March 7. Speaking at the Ash Carter Exchange on Innovation and National Security in Brown   more

Building community: Asian American, Pacific Islanders group provides support, mentorship
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 6 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Several years ago, Maj. Kate Alegado, a first-generation Filipino American, was searching for a group that understood her and could advocate for her during her Army career. After initially having little success, she found exactly what she was looking for when she came across the Asian and Pacific Islander Army Officers Facebook group two years ago. "I  more

California County Superintendents Honored With FBI Director's Community Leadership Award
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The FBI issued the following news release on May 9, 2024: * * * Partnership with FBI Delivered Symposiums to Enhance Campus Safety, Security on K-12 Campuses * * * The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Sacramento Field Office honored California County Superintendents, recipient of the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for partnering with the FBI to offer school safety symposiums in 2023. The school safety symposiums were borne from the aftermath of th  more

CBP agriculture specialists working at area ports ensure Mother's Day flowers are disease and pest free
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: EL PASO, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists working at El Paso area ports of entry are busy this week making sure that personal and commercial importations of Mother's Day flowers are free from insects, pests and diseases that could harm the agricultural and floral industries of the United States. Mother's Day is observed in Mexico on F  more

CBP officers arrest woman attempting to smuggle five people at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge
WASHINGTON, May 6 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: LAREDO, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge this weekend uncovered an alleged smuggling attempt including one baby with a U.S. birth certificate that did not belong to him and four other individuals hidden in a vehicle. "Our CBP officers utilized their inspection experience, training and uncovered   more

CSAF: It's not about the metal
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 10 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: United States Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin delivered powerful concluding words during the National Security Forum on May 9. "The greatest strength is not in the metal, it's in the people." *** Original text here: https://www.jbsa.mil/News/News/Article/3772313/csaf-its-not-about-the-metal/  more

DAF leaders discuss future of all-volunteer force
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 10 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Department of the Air Force senior leaders emphasized the importance of the all-volunteer force and its role in helping the military to meet national defense needs during RAND Corporation's America's All-Volunteer Force symposium in Arlington, Virginia, on May 3. Alex Wagner, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, and K  more

Days of Remembrance: 'Behind Every Name a Story: The Courageous.'
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 6 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Department of Defense theme for the 2024 Days of Remembrance observance from May 5-12 is "Behind Every Name a Story: The Courageous." The U.S. Congress established Days of Remembrance as the nation's annual commemoration of the Holocaust. This year's poster honors a courageous rescuer, Adolfo Kaminsky. An Argentine-born member of the French Resist  more

DCEO Biswal Highlights DFC Financing for Infrastructure, Critical Minerals at Milken Institute Global Conference, U.S.-Africa Business Summit
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The U.S. International Development Finance Corp. issued the following news release on May 9, 2024: The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation's (DFC) Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) Nisha Biswal engaged with business and government leaders from May 6-8 at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, California, and the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas. In California, DCEO Biswal spoke on a panel about DFC's work in driving economic   more

DFC, Sierra Leone Promote Access to Reliable Energy With Up to $412 Million in Additional Financing and Political Risk Insurance
DALLAS, Texas, May 9 -- The U.S. International Development Finance Corp. issued the following news release on May 8, 2024: The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation's (DFC) Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) Nisha Biswal and Chief Minister of Sierra Leone David Moinina Sengeh today announced up to $412 million in financing and political risk insurance in support of the country's plans to address rolling blackouts and expand its power system through renewable energy solutions in   more

EPA Emergency Response Team Prepares for Hurricane Season
DALLAS, Texas, May 10 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release: Emergency response teams at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are preparing for the Gulf Coast hurricane season, which begins June 1. Staff members known as on-scene coordinators (OSCs) are trained in disaster response and work with state, local and Tribal partners to prepare for potential storms. This includes providing guidelines for industrial facilities for preventing, minimizing and  more

Export-Import Bank of the U.S. Chair Lewis Celebrates Three Historic Transactions in Angola at U.S.-Africa Business Summit
WASHINGTON, May 9 -- The Export-Import Bank of the United States Office of Inspector General issued the following news release: Dallas, Texas - Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis today finalized three historic transactions for projects in Angola alongside President of Angola Joao Lourenco, Minister of Finance Vera Daves, and U.S. government representatives during the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas. The three transactions all advance th  more

Export-Import Bank of the U.S. Chair Lewis Celebrates Three Historic Transactions in Angola at U.S.-Africa Business Summit
DALLAS, Texas, May 10 -- The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. issued the following news release: Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis today finalized three historic transactions for projects in Angola alongside President of Angola Joao Lourenco, Minister of Finance Vera Daves, and U.S. government representatives during the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas. The three transactions all advance the Biden-Harris Administration's Partnership for G  more

Fact Sheet: USDA, HHS Announce New Actions to Reduce Impact and Spread of H5N1
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release: On March 25, 2024, immediately following the first detection of H5N1 in dairy cattle in the Texas panhandle region, USDA and HHS began their work to understand the origin of the emergence and its potential impact in bovines and humans. USDA experts also took swift action to trace animal movements, began sampling to assess the disease prevalence in herds, and initiated a variety of testing a  more

Former BAMC patients share stories during Nurses Week event
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 8 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Brooke Army Medical Center kicked off Nurses and Techs Week with an opening ceremony May 6 in the Carolyn D. Putnam Auditorium. This year, the national theme for Nurses Week is "Empowering Nurses: Strengthening Healthcare Systems," but BAMC's local mantra is "The Power of Caring." To highlight the "Power of Caring," several former patients were invite  more

Goodfellow AFB Hosts Local Youth for Annual Operation K.I.D.S.
GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas, May 10 -- The U.S. Air Force Goodfellow Air Force Base (17th Training Wing) issued the following news: By 2nd Lt. Harris Hillstead, 17th Training Wing Public Affairs The 17th Training Wing hosted Operation K.I.D.S. (Kids Investigating Deployment Services), an annual immersive experience aimed at providing local youth with a glimpse into the life of a military deployment, April 27. Over 120 children attended Operation K.I.D.S., an all-day experience where families, speci  more

Honoring the practice of nursing is focus of National Nurses Week
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 7 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Nurses make a difference -- every day, anytime, anywhere, always -- is the message from the Defense Health Agency as National Nurses Week is celebrated, May 6-12, 2024. Around the Military Health System, nurses provide essential, person-centered care that keeps our military communities healthy. Military and civilian nurses make a difference through th  more

Honoring Trailblazers: U.S. Army South celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Month
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 10 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: U.S. Army South proudly salutes Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders who have shattered cultural barriers, paving the way for future generations to thrive and succeed. This year, U.S. Army South's observance resonates with the 2024 theme: "Advancing Leaders Through Innovation." Innovation isn't just about groundbreaking technologie  more

Joint training exercise enhances military-civilian cooperation in emergency response during Guardian Response 2024
FORT BRAGG, North Carolina, May 7 -- The U.S. Army Reserve Command issued the following news: JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - On March 2, 2024, U.S. Army Soldiers from the 690th Medical Company Ground Ambulance based out of Fort Liberty, North Carolina, and 343rd Medical Company Ground Ambulance from Richmond, Virginia, alongside the 2-501 General Support Aviation Battalion from El Paso, Texas, recently conducted realistic mass-casualty training at Columbus Regional   more

Laredo Sector Border Patrol kicks off its centennial celebration
WASHINGTON, May 6 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: LAREDO, Texas - The U.S. Border Patrol commemorated its 100-year history with a media availability at Laredo Sector Border Patrol Headquarters. This year marks the U.S. Border Patrol's Centennial celebration, of Honor First, the accomplishments of the men and women representing and supporting our organization in the past, present, and future. Laredo Sector Border Pat  more

Laughlin AFB Hosts First Remote and Isolated CONUS Installation Conference
LAUGHLIN AFB, Texas, May 9 -- The U.S. Air Force Laughlin Air Force Base (47th Flying Training Wing) issued the following news: By Capt. Christine Del Aguila, 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs The 47th Flying training Wing hosted the first Remote and Isolated CONUS Installation Summit 30 April - 1 May 2024, gathering over 30 leaders from across remote and isolated bases in the United States. The goal of this historical first gathering aimed to create a strategic charter to present to   more

Mass. U.S. Attorney: Rhode Island Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Wide-Ranging Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy That Spanned Across the Country
BOSTON, Massachusetts, May 9 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts issued the following news release: A Rhode Island man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to his role in a fentanyl trafficking organization involved in the manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl pills that spanned across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Texas and North and South Carolina. Erik Ventura, 35, pleaded guilty to a superseding indictment charging him with con  more

Modeling and Simulation Summit: Following through with training transformation
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 10 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The third annual 2024 Department of the Air Force Modeling & Simulation Summit was held at the Grand Hyatt River Walk in San Antonio, Texas, from May 7-9, 2024. The summit was hosted by Richard Tempalski, Department of the Air Force chief modeling and simulation officer, and Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, commander of Air Education and Training Command. Th  more

Modeling and Simulation Summit: Following Through With Training Transformation
RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, May 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Marilyn C. Holliday, Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs The third annual 2024 Department of the Air Force Modeling & Simulation Summit was held at the Grand Hyatt River Walk in San Antonio, Texas, May 7-9, 2024. The summit was hosted by Richard Tempalski, Department of the Air Force chief modeling and simulation officer, and Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, commander of Ai  more

National Park Service Selects New Superintendent of Big Bend National Park
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The National Park Service Big Bend National Park issued the following news release: BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Texas - The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Anjna O'Connor as superintendent of Big Bend National Park. O'Connor will begin her new assignment on May 19. "Anjna has a record of success that demonstrates her superior ability to build coalitions with local, state, and federal partners," said Deputy Regional Director Lance Hatten. "In Texas she has well establ  more

Nearly 90 students from six partner nations, U.S. among IAAFA graduates
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 8 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Approximately 90 students from six partner nations and the U.S. Air Force are the latest members to earn their wings, a highly-coveted honor symbolizing their graduation from the Inter-American Air Forces Academy at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The service members graduated April 24, earning certificates from 11 courses in professional military ed  more

New Mexico Military Institute Cadet Embarks on Army Path to Legal Success
FORT KNOX, Kentucky, May 8 -- The U.S. Army Cadet Command issued the following news: By Lauren Reho A soon-to-be graduate of the New Mexico Military Institute is taking the success she found at school and springboarding into her next adventure - commissioning as an officer in the Army. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, NMMI cadet Mackenzie Kirsch is set to graduate, May 4, as her class valedictorian. Having focused her education on criminal justice, Kirsch said she next plans to pursue her   more

New Portal Streamlines Field Ordering Officer Capabilities
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, May 10 -- The U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command issued the following news: By Daniel P. Elkins A comprehensive overhaul of the field ordering officer program used in procuring micro-purchases of supplies and limited services recently transformed an outdated process heavily reliant on manual inputs into a more modern and integrated web-based framework offering greater efficiencies. The Army's field ordering officer, or FOO, p  more

NTSB to Meet on Near-Collision of Two Airliners in Texas
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The National Transportation Safety Board issued the following news release: The National Transportation Safety Board will hold an in-person board meeting in Washington on its investigation into the near-collision of two airliners in Texas last year. On Feb. 4, 2023, there was a loss of separation and risk of an inflight collision when a Southwest Airlines B-737 was departing and a FedEx B-767 was on final approach to land at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. There w  more

PHOTO GALLERY: Army Reserve Aviation Command's Immediate Response Authority in Texas
FORT BRAGG, North Carolina, May 6 -- The U.S. Army Reserve Command issued the following news: Aircrews of 1-158th Assault Helicopter Battalion recently flew aerial observation missions of the Lake Conroe Dam and San Jacinto River Basin when excessive rain caused flash floods in Montgomery County, Texas. The Montgomery County Fire Marshal's office contacted the ASF Conroe Facility Supervisor on May 2 to request the aerial support triggering the Army Reserve Aviation Command's Immediate Response  more

PRESS RELEASE: 'Mission: Breakfast' Feeds Thousands at JBSA-Lackland
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 7 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs 502ABW.PA.official@us.af.mil May 7, 2024 Release # 240507-01 The "Mission: Breakfast" event at JBSA-Lackland May 7treated approximately 6,000 active duty, Reserve, Guard, retired and Veteran service members and their families to a complimentary breakfast along with live music and giveaways. The JBSA-Lackland Comm  more

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release: DENTON, Texas - Revised Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. The updated maps were produced in coordin  more

Retiring? Get answers to your TRICARE questions at May 23 webinar
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 10 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Are you or your sponsor approaching retirement from active duty or the National Guard or Reserve? Learn how to keep or change your TRICARE health plan with TRICARE's next webinar. On Thursday, May 23, from 4 to 5 p.m. ET, TRICARE is hosting a webinar to explain the TRICARE plans available to you in retirement. "TRICARE Options in Retirement" will guid  more

Senior leaders discuss future of special warfare at annual convention
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 9 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: U.S. and allied country senior leaders discussed the roles that technology, relationships and additional topics play in developing special warfare teams for the future during a panel discussion Wednesday at the Special Operations Forces 2024 convention in Tampa, Florida. The first half of the hourlong panel focused primarily on how special operatio  more

Seven ORNL inventions licensed to Texas-based lithium recovery firm
OAK RIDGE, Tennessee, May 7 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory issued the following news release: A collection of seven technologies for lithium recovery developed by scientists from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been licensed to Element3, a Texas-based company focused on extracting lithium from wastewater produced by oil and gas production. The technologies were developed through the Critical Materials Innovation Hub, a DOE Energy   more

Sheppard AFB: Mission Generation Demonstration Showcases Mission-Ready Skills
SHEPPARD AFB, Texas, May 9 -- The U.S. Air Force's 82nd Training Wing issued the following news: By Julie Svoboda, 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs The 363rd Training Squadron hosted a Mission Generation Demonstration April 16, 2024, here. Instructors from the ammunition schoolhouse collaborated with instructors from other schoolhouses to showcase how crew chiefs, petroleum, oil and lubricants, ammunition and weapons work together to get an aircraft mission ready. Sitting on bleachers under   more

Space Force Guardians Partake in Spur Ride
FORT BLISS, Texas, May 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Holloman Air Force Base (49th Air Wing) issued the following news: By Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski, 49th Wing Public Affairs On the early morning of April 29, three U.S. Space Force Guardians set off to participate in the U.S. Army Cavalry's Spur Ride tradition, hosted by the 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment at Fort Bliss, Texas. This tradition dates back to when the cavalry was founded in 1861. When cavalry soldiers arrived at their new   more

State Dept.: 10th Annual U.S.-Republic of Korea Energy Security Dialogue
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following news release: The United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) held the 10th U.S.-ROK Energy Security Dialogue (ESD) at the Baker Institute at Rice University on April 29-May 1, 2024, in Houston Texas. U.S. Department of State Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt met with the ROK Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs Kim Hee-sang to deepen cooperation to strengthen our collective energy security, ac  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Dealer Heads to Prison for Possessing Over 5,000 Grams of Pure Meth
HOUSTON, Texas, May 7 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 25-year-old Houston resident has been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jesus Alfredo Palacios pleaded guilty Jan. 30. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen has now ordered Palacios to serve 150 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. The in  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Mexican National Found Guilty of Drug and Firearm Charges
EL PASO, Texas, May 9 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: A federal jury convicted a Mexican national of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; one count of straw purchasing firearms; one count of trafficking in firearms; and one count of conspiracy to smuggle bulk cash. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Rene Hernandez-Cordero, 52, of Ciudad Juarez was involved  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Traveling Carnival Business Owner Charged for Crimes Against Migrant Workers
HOUSTON, Texas, May 8 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A Mexican national residing in the United States has made an appearance in federal court on allegations of fraud in foreign labor contracting, false statements and mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. The indictment alleges Angel Reyes Isidro aka Angel Reyes or Lucas Isidro Reyes, 41, operated and managed J&G Concessions LLC in Houston. In 2019, Reye  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Woman Sentenced to 9 Years in Dark Web Murder-for-Hire Plot
DALLAS, Texas, May 9 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas issued the following news release: A Bedford woman who attempted to hire a hitman to kill her boyfriend's lover was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Michelle Murphy, 58, was charged via criminal complaint in September 2023 and pleaded guilty in December 2023 to one count of murder-for-hire. She was sentenced Thurs  more

TRADEWINDS 24 begins with opening ceremony
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, May 9 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The flags of 26 nations were ceremoniously unfurled at Paragon Army Base, marking the official commencement of TRADEWINDS 24 in Barbados on May 4, 2024. As they fluttered in the breeze, they created a vibrant presentation of diversity and unity. From the rich hues representing the Caribbean nations to the bold stripes of the United States and the varie  more

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas: Solar Energy Company Agrees to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Related to Paycheck Protection Program Loan
AUSTIN, Texas, May 9 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: Freedom Solar LLC, a solar energy company that installs photovoltaic solar arrays for residential and commercial customers, has agreed to pay $425,710 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act in connection with a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act authorized forgivable PPP loans for s  more

USDA, HHS Announce New Actions to Reduce Impact and Spread of H5N1
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the following news release: On March 25, 2024, immediately following the first detection of H5N1 in dairy cattle in the Texas panhandle region, USDA and HHS began their work to understand the origin of the emergence and its potential impact in bovines and humans. USDA experts also took swift action to trace animal movements, began sampling to assess the disease prevalence in herds, and initiated a variety of testing activities to c  more