Saturday - September 7, 2024
Federal Tipoffs Involving Texas Newsletter for Sunday June 16, 2024 ( 78 items )  

19th Air Force command chief retires after 30-year career
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 10 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Families, friends, and coworkers said farewell and good luck to Chief Master Sgt. Justin Apticar, 19th Air Force command chief, during his retirement ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, on June 7, 2024. Brig. Gen. Ryan Messer, director of plans at Headquarters Air Force in presided over the ceremony. Apticar's career in the Air Forc  more

19th Air Force Command Chief Retires After 30-Year Career
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, June 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Benjamin Faske, 19th Air Force Public Affairs Families, friends, and coworkers said farewell and good luck to Chief Master Sgt. Justin Apticar, 19th Air Force command chief, during his retirement ceremony here June 7, 2024. Brig. Gen. Ryan Messer, director of plans at Headquarters Air Force in Washington, D.C., presided over the ceremony. Apticar's career in t  more

410th Contracting Support Brigade holds change of command
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 12 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: In one of the military's finest traditions, Soldiers, leaders, Families and friends of the 410th Contracting Support Brigade, welcomed back an exceptional leader and bid farewell to another during a change of command ceremony at the Fort Sam Houston Theater at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, on June 11. Col. Kenneth Bulthuis assumed c  more

433rd Airlift Wing commander takes farewell tour
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 12 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Col. William Gutermuth, 433rd Airlift Wing commander, completed his final military Unit Training Assembly drill weekend for the U.S. Air Force at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on June 1 and 2. He is set to formally retire from the United States Air Force on July 4, 2024. For his farewell he wanted to visit the groups, squadrons, flights, and look h  more

47th Operations Group Welcomes New Commander
RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, June 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Airman 1st Class Keira Rossman, 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs 47th Flying Training Wing (FTW) Airmen bid farewell to Col. James Blech, prior commander of the 47th Operations Group (OG), and welcomed Col. Joseph McCane, current commander of the 47th OG, during a change of command ceremony here, May 31, 2024. Col. Kevin Davidson, 47th FTW commander, presided over the ce  more

Air Force Releases Technical Sergeant Promotion Cycle Statistics
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, June 14 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following news: Air Force officials have selected 6,914 staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant out of 35,328 eligible for a selection rate of 19.57% in the 24E6 promotion cycle, which includes supplemental promotion opportunities. The average overall score for those selected was 390.6. Selectees' average time in grade was 4.92 years and time in service was 9.75 years. The promotion list is available   more

Air Force Releases Technical Sergeant Promotion Cycle Statistics
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, June 14 -- The U.S. Air Force Personnel Center issued the following news: Air Force officials have selected 6,914 staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant out of 35,328 eligible for a selection rate of 19.57 percent in the 24E6 promotion cycle, which includes supplemental promotion opportunities. The average overall score for those selected was 390.6. Selectees' average time in grade was 4.92 years and time in service was 9.75 years. The prom  more

Air Force Selects 6,914 in Technical Sergeant Promotion Cycle - List Posts June 13
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, June 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Personnel Center issued the following news: Air Force officials selected 6,914 staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant out of 35,328 eligible for a selection rate of 19.57 percent in the 24E6 promotion cycle, which includes supplemental promotion opportunities. Senior Raters will be granted access to the select lists via the Virtual Enlisted Promotion Release (EPROM) application on June 11. The technical sergean  more

Air Force selects 6,914 in technical sergeant promotion cycle; list posts June 13
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Air Force officials selected 6,914 staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant out of 35,328 eligible for a selection rate of 19.57 percent in the 24E6 promotion cycle, which includes supplemental promotion opportunities. Senior raters will be granted access to the select lists via the Virtual Enlisted Promotion Release (EPROM) application on  more

Aircraft Integrated Maintenance Operations Quality Team Creates History Through Surveillance
WACO, Texas, June 14 -- The Defense Contract Management Agency issued the following news: A Defense Contract Management Agency team of quality assurance professionals pride themselves in over 30 years of experience providing contract oversight on a variety of DOD assets. This Aircraft Integrated Maintenance Operations team leveraged their experience to provide 500 hours of surveillance over their first periodic depot maintenance, or PDM, on NASA's P-3 Orion aircraft. The effort resulted in the   more

Airman Leadership School Distance Learning 2.0 launches
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 13 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Air University's Airman Leadership School Distance Learning 2.0 is officially launching on June 17, 2024, as part of the Global College of Professional Military Education at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. ALS Distant Learning was put in place as a virtual alternative to the in-person ALS course, for those who did not have the ability to physically   more

Army Corps of Engineers to Host in-Person Public Open House Review of Addicks, Barker Master Plan Revision
GALVESTON, Texas, June 11 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Galveston District issued the following news release on June 10, 2024: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District (SWG) will host a public open house from 4 to 6 p.m., July 10, 2024, at the Trini Mendenhall Community Center (1414 Wirt Road, Houston, Texas 77055) to provide information and receive public input on the Addicks and Barker Master Plan and Environmental Assessment. The meeting will be an open house format  more

Army expands military spouse licensing, fellowship programs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Army recently expanded the reimbursement policy and fellowship program for military spouses to promote career continuity, financial stability, professional fulfillment, talent retention and support overall military readiness. The Army enhanced the reimbursement program for business costs and relicensing fees due to relocation for spouses and incr  more

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Arkansas, Massachusetts and Texas as Additional Recipients for FEMA's Swift Current Program for Flood Resilience Through Investing in America Agenda
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release: There Are Now 21 States and One Tribal Nation Selected to Receive Flood Mitigation Funding Today, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced that Arkansas and Massachusetts are each eligible for up to $20 million in funding to reduce flood risks and Texas is eligible for up to another $40 million. The funding is available through the fiscal year 2023 Swift   more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Consumer Price Index, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Area - May 2024'
DALLAS, Texas, June 13 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on June 12, 2024, entitled "Consumer Price Index, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Area - May 2024": * * * Area prices rose 1.0 percent in April and May, up 5.0 percent over the year * * * Prices in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area, as measured by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), advanced 1.0 percent for the t  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'County Employment and Wages in Arkansas - Fourth Quarter 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, June 15 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on June 14, 2024, entitled "County Employment and Wages in Arkansas - Fourth Quarter 2023": * * * Employment rose in the three largest counties in Arkansas from December 2022 to December 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. (Large counties are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000 or more in 2022.)   more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'County Employment and Wages in New Mexico - Fourth Quarter 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, June 15 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on June 14, 2024, entitled "County Employment and Wages in New Mexico - Fourth Quarter 2023": * * * Employment rose 1.1 percent in Bernalillo, New Mexico's only large county, from December 2022 to December 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. (Large counties are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Houston Area Employment - April 2024'
DALLAS, Texas, June 13 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on May 29, 2024, entitled "Houston Area Employment - April 2024": * * * Total nonfarm employment for the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX, metropolitan area increased by 80,700 over the year in April, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael Hirniak noted that the lo  more

CBP officers at Gateway International Bridge apprehend man wanted on sexual assault charges
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: BROWNSVILLE, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Gateway International Bridge, detained one male traveler with an active warrant for criminal sexual conduct in the 3rd degree through force or coercion and criminal nonconsensual sexual contact conduct in the 5th degree. "Sexual assault is a crime which severely mars its victims. Our CBP offic  more

CBP officers seize $1.6 million worth of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and Alprazolam at Los Indios International Bridge
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: BROWNSVILLE, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers assigned to the Los Indios International Bridge intercepted a load of mixed narcotics which included alleged cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and Alprazolam valued at approximately $1,610,767 hidden within a 2006 Ford. "Our officers' experience and keen enforcement efforts led t  more

CBP officers seize four weapons, seven magazines, 700 rounds at Eagle Pass Port of Entry in outbound enforcement action
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: EAGLE PASS, Texas--U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers assigned to Eagle Pass Port of Entry seized four weapons, seven magazines, 700 rounds of ammunition in a single outbound enforcement action. "This outbound enforcement action illustrates CBP's ongoing commitment to our priority border security mission and helping to keep our   more

CBP officers seize over $500K in cocaine at the Hidalgo International Bridge
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: HIDALGO, Texas--U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge intercepted $503,200 worth of alleged cocaine concealed within a vehicle. "Our CBP officers remain vigilant and used all of our available tools and resources to thwart this smuggling attempt," said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Phar  more

Col. Mizell Takes Arnold Engineering Development Complex Command
ARNOLD AFB, Tennessee, June 15 -- The U.S. Air Force Arnold Air Force Base issued the following news: By Bradley Hicks, AEDC Public Affairs If one were to throw a dart at a map of the world, there is a good chance it would land in close proximity to an Air Force assignment held by Col. Grant Mizell. Mizell's tours throughout his career have included stints in Texas, Arkansas, California, Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Washington, D.C. Add Tennessee to the list.   more

Department of the Air Force Announces 2024 Art Contest Winners
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 14 -- The U.S. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center issued the following news: By Debbie Aragon, AFIMSC Public Affairs The Air Force Services Center announced the winners of the 2024 Air Force Art Contest recently. This year's judges had the task of evaluating more than 1,500 entries in two adult and three youth categories to determine the best in the Department of the Air Force with impact, creativity and technical expertise. "We're   more

Department of the Air Force launches NIPRGPT
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 10 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: As part of its ongoing modernization efforts, the Department of the Air Force chief information officer, in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory, is accelerating initiatives to provide Guardians, Airmen, civilian employees, and contractors the ability to responsibly experiment with Generative AI, with adequate safeguards in place. DAF s  more

Developmental Special Experiences: MEPCOM, National Training Institute Workshop opportunities available
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 13 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Developmental Special Experiences provide Air and Space Professionals opportunities more than just education and training opportunities, they help the service build the Airmen needed for the future high-end fight. The DSEs, cataloged by Air Education and Training Command's Force Development Credentialing Division's DSE branch, are hands-on experience  more

Developmental Special Experiences: Military Entrance Processing Command, National Training Institute Workshop Opportunities Available
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, June 14 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: Developmental Special Experiences provide Air and Space Professionals opportunities more than just education and training opportunities, they help the service build the Airmen needed for the future high-end fight. The DSEs, cataloged by Air Education and Training Command's Force Development Credentialing Division's DSE branch, are hands-on experiences outside of f  more

DOD will offer reimbursements for breast milk shipping expenses Under New Policy
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Defense Department issued a new policy this month to cover costs associated with the shipment of breast milk during permanent change of station moves. Under the new policy, which was published in the Joint Travel Regulations, the department will reimburse up to $1,000 of expenses for service members who are breastfeeding children up to 12 mo  more

Exchange Shoppers Can Win $12,350 in Prizes in Army Birthday Sweepstakes
DALLAS, Texas, June 13 -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service issued the following news release: By Zach Wright The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is commemorating the Army's 249th birthday by giving away more than $12,000 in tactical gear prizes to shoppers. From June 14 to July 14, authorized shoppers 18 and older worldwide can enter at ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes for a chance at more than 115 prizes. No purchase is necessary to win. Prizes include: * Bose S1 Pro+ wireless PA s  more

FBI Highlights Growing Number of Reported Elder Fraud Cases Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
EL PASO, Texas, June 15 (TNSres) -- The FBI El Paso Field Office issued the following news release: In honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the FBI wants to remind friends, family, and loved ones of elderly Americans to know the signs of elder fraud. While elder abuse can be perpetuated in any number of ways, the FBI has seen a double digit increase in financial fraud involving older adults, prompting efforts from the bureau to bring public awareness to this type of crime. Acc  more

FBI Urgently Asks for Public's Assistance to Identify Fort Worth Bank Robber With Small Child in Tow
DALLAS, Texas, June 15 -- The FBI Dallas Field Office issued the following news release: The FBI's Dallas Division requests the public's assistance to identify the unknown bank robber responsible for a June 6, 2024, bank robbery in Fort Worth, Texas. The robbery occurred at approximately 2:10 p.m. at the First Convenience Bank branch located inside the Walmart on Anderson Boulevard in Fort Worth. The robbery suspect walked to the bank teller counter with a small child seated in a shopping cart  more

FCC Media Bureau Issues Letter on EMC Squared Communications
WASHINGTON, June 9 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Media Bureau issued the following letter (Docket No. DA 24-535) on June 7, 2024: * * * To: EMC Squared Communications, Inc. c/o Mary Sheree Vallier, P.O. Box 5828, Hitchcock, TX 77563, maugustus890@gmail.com Albert Adam David, 2632 Kenilworth Ave., Berwyn, IL 60402, albert.a.david@hotmail.com In re: EMC Squared Communications, Inc., New LPFM, La Marque, Texas Facility Id No. 786019 Application File No. 0000233125 Dear Applicant  more

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, Texas Capital Award $850K for Austin Affordable Housing
AUSTIN, TEXAS, June 15 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news release: An $850,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), through its member Texas Capital, will help fund a 60-unit multifamily affordable housing development designed for victims of abuse and homelessness in Austin, Texas. The AHP grant was awarded to SAFE, an Austin-based nonprofit that sup  more

Filcek Assumes Command of 82nd Training Wing
SHEPPARD AFB, Texas, June 15 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Julie Svoboda, 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs Col. Paul G. Filcek assumed command of the 82nd Training Wing from Brig. Gen. George "Dutch" T.M. Dietrich during a ceremony officiated by Maj. Gen. Michele C. Edmondson held on June 14, 2024. Filcek, who has been selected for promotion to Brigadier General, began his early Air Force career at Sheppard Air Force Base, where he att  more

Fitness tips from active duty Miss America
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Some days 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh wears her Air Force uniform, and other days she dons sash and crown as Miss America 2024. One day, Marsh will reach for combat boots, and the next she'll grab heels, but, most often, Marsh laces up a pair of well-worn sneakers. As an active duty officer, Marsh works out daily to maintain the Air Force's physical fitnes  more

From green fields to Army greens: Personal and professional development through service
FORT BRAGG, North Carolina, June 10 -- The U.S. Army Reserve Command issued the following news: FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. - With every individual joining the armed forces comes a unique story. People from all backgrounds bring a new perspective and skills to the military, making each individual's contribution invaluable to the overall strength and effectiveness of the armed forces. U.S. Army Sgt. Alec Perez from the 370th Transportation Company was born and raised in Texa  more

Goodfellow AFB: 17th Civil Engineering Squadron Welcomes Maj. Levi
GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas, June 15 -- The U.S. Air Force Goodfellow Air Force Base (17th Training Wing) issued the following news: By Airman First Class Evelyn J. D'Errico, 17th Training Wing Public Affairs The 17th Civil Engineering Squadron conducted a change of command ceremony at the Goodfellow Fire Department, June 13. The 17th CES welcomed incoming commander, Maj. Levi Beard, and thanked the outgoing commander, Lt. Col Joshua Carroll, for his hard work and dedication to the 17th Training Wi  more

Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center Functional Assignment Managers Visit Goodfellow AFB
GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas, June 12 -- The U.S. Air Force Goodfellow Air Force Base (17th Training Wing) issued the following news: By Airman 1st Class James Salellas, 17th Training Wing Public Affairs The Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center Functional Assignment Managers visited Goodfellow Air Force Base on June 5. The HQ AFPC FAM actively engaged with Goodfellow personnel, offering valuable career insights and perspectives. During their visit, the AFPC FAMs also learned about the significanc  more

Honoring Service and Legacy: Inaugural Harris Wofford Joint Service Awards Celebrate AmeriCorps and Peace Corps Volunteers
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- AmeriCorps issued the following news release: AmeriCorps and Peace Corps awarded the first Harris Wofford Joint Service Award to more than 200 individuals in Houston, Texas at the annual Points of Light Conference. Honoring the legacy of the late Senator Harris Wofford, who helped establish both the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps, the award recognizes individuals who have already chosen to serve their country at home and abroad through both programs, as well as the thousands   more

HONORING SERVICE AND LEGACY: INAUGURAL HARRIS WOFFORD JOINT SERVICE AWARDS CELEBRATE PEACE CORPS AND AMERICORPS VOLUNTEERS
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Peace Corps issued the following news release: The Peace Corps and AmeriCorps awarded the first Harris Wofford Joint Service Award to more than 200 individuals in Houston, Texas at the annual Points of Light Conference. Honoring the legacy of the late U.S. Senator Harris Wofford, who helped establish both the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps, the award recognizes Americans who have answered the call to serve their country abroad and at home through both programs. "Turning   more

Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation Issues Order on AT&T Customer Data Security Breach Litigation
WASHINGTON, June 5 -- The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued the following order (MDL No. 3114): * * * In Re: AT&T Inc. Customer Data Security Breach Litigation TRANSFER ORDER Before the Panel: Plaintiff in one action (Petroski) moves under 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1407 to centralize this litigation in the Northern District of Texas. This litigation consists of twelve putative class actions pending in two districts, the Northern District of Texas and the Western District of Oklahoma, as  more

Juneteenth: An American celebration of freedom
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, declaring, "all persons held as slaves" within rebellious states "are, and henceforth shall be free." However, it took 2 1/2 years for the word to reach Texas, the last bastion of Confederate power. It wasn't until June 19, 1865, when U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger ann  more

Justice Department Seeks to Shut Down Fort Worth-Area Tax Return Preparer
WASHINGTON, June 12 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on June 11, 2024: The Justice Department filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas today seeking to bar a Fort Worth, Texas-area tax return preparer from preparing federal income tax returns for others. The complaint alleges that Ruben Gonzalez and his employees prepared over 14,000 federal income tax returns from 2021-2023 through a sole proprietorship named "Sin Barre  more

Justice Dept.: Former President of Energy Company Sentenced for Over $5.5M Illegal Kickback and Commodities Insider Trading Scheme
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release: The former president of a Texas energy company was sentenced today to six years and six months in prison for his role in an illegal kickback scheme and a commodities insider trading scheme involving natural gas futures contracts. According to court documents, Matthew Clark, 56, of Needville, Texas, conspired with others to direct his employer's trades to Houston-based Classic Energy LLC, a brokerage firm ow  more

Justice Dept.: Man Sentenced for Maintaining Fictitious Super PAC and Credit Card Fraud
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on June 13, 2024: A New Jersey man was sentenced today to one year and six months in prison for falsifying a report filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and credit card fraud. According to court documents, in March 2020, Christopher Richardson, 37, formerly of San Antonio, Texas, created an independent, expenditure-only political action committee, or Super PAC, named Americans for Progressive Ac  more

Justice Dept.: Pharmacist Convicted of Unlawfully Dispensing Controlled Substances at Retrial
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on June 10, 2024: A federal jury in the Southern District of Texas convicted a Texas pharmacist last Friday after a retrial for unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances at a now-shuttered pharmacy. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Hieu "Tom" Truong, 60, of Houston, was the pharmacist-in-charge at S&S Pharmacy in Houston. In just 18 months, Truong and his acco  more

Justice Dept.: Texas Men Sentenced for Conspiracy to Sell Sanctioned Iranian Petroleum to China
WASHINGTON, June 12 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on June 11, 2024: Two Texas men, both of whom were convicted at trial, were sentenced today to 45 months in prison for attempting to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), conspiracy to violate IEEPA and conspiracy to commit money laundering based on their attempt to transact in sanctioned petroleum and launder the proceeds. According to court documents, Zhenyu "Bill" Wang, 43, a   more

Kristen Beltran: Community-Focused Legal Practitioner
GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas, June 13 -- The U.S. Air Force Goodfellow Air Force Base (17th Training Wing) issued the following news: By Sean Schroeder, 17th Training Wing Public Affairs An intense emotional experience in childhood can set in motion a clear career path. This was the case with Kristen Beltran, who currently runs Goodfellow's legal assistance office. She vividly recalled a conversation she had with her mother, who was a substitute teacher when she was in the fourth grade. Beltran reme  more

Laughlin AFB: 47th Healthcare Operations Squadron Welcomes New Commander
LAUGHLIN AFB, Texas, June 13 -- The U.S. Air Force Laughlin Air Force Base (47th Flying Training Wing) issued the following news: By Senior Airman Kailee Reynolds, 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs 47th Healthcare Operations Squadron (HCOS) Airmen bid farewell to Lt. Col. Neil Boots and welcomed the new commander, Lt. Col. Daniel Griffith, during a change of command ceremony here, June 7, 2024. Col. Angela Lacek, 47th Medical Group commander, presided over the ceremony, leading the tr  more

Laughlin AFB: 47th Operations Group Welcomes New Commander
LAUGHLIN AFB, Texas, June 11 -- 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 47th Flying Training Wing (FTW) Airmen bid farewell to Col. James Blech, prior commander of the 47th Operations Group (OG), and welcomed Col. Joseph McCane, current commander of the 47th OG, during a change of command ceremony here, May 31, 2024. Col. Kevin Davidson, 47th FTW commander, pre  more

Litigation: SEC Obtains Final Judgment Against Bellatorum Resources, Its CEO Christopher Bentley
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following litigation release (No. 4:22-cv-02722; S.D. Texas filed Aug. 16, 2022) involving Christopher R. Bentley, et al.: * * * On May 30, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, entered a final judgment against Bellatorum Resources, LLC and its CEO, Christopher R. Bentley of Tomball, Texas. As alleged in the SEC's complaint filed on August 16, 2022, from February 2019 until A  more

MICC welcomes new commander
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 10 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: More than 400 in-person and virtual guests attended the Mission and Installation Contracting Command change of command ceremony on June 7 in front of the historic Long Barracks at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Maj. Gen. Douglas Lowrey relinquished command to Col. Freddy Adams in the ceremony officiated by Brig. Gen. Christine Beeler  more

N.M. U.S. Attorney: Mexican National Sentenced for Transportation Resulting in Death
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico, June 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico issued the following news release: A Mexican national was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role as a foot guide in a deadly alien smuggling conspiracy where he threatened witnesses to cover up his involvement after one migrant died from heat exposure in the New Mexico desert. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on July 18, 2023, Texas Department of Publ  more

N.Y. U.S. Attorney: Fugitive High-Ranking MS-13 Leader Arrested on Terrorism Charges
CENTRAL ISLIP, New York, June 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York issued the following news release: Yesterday afternoon, in federal court in Houston, Texas, Cesar Humberto Lopez-Larios, also known as "Grenas de Stoners" and "Oso de Stoners," a high-ranking leader of La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as "MS-13," was ordered to be transferred in custody to the Eastern District of New York where he, together with 13 other high-ranking MS-13 leaders, are charge  more

Navy transfers maxillofacial technician course to METC
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: A new course has been added to the catalog of courses taught at the Medical Education and Training Campus, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The transfer of functions and assets for the Dental Laboratory Technician, Maxillofacial (MAXILLO) course - to include the administrative move of personnel, equipment, support func  more

NNSA Awards Pantex Management and Operating Contract
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration issued the following news on June 13, 2024: The Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) announced today it has selected PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC for the Management and Operating (M&O) contract for the Pantex Plant located in Amarillo, Texas. PanTeXas Deterrence is a limited liability company, which consists of BWXT Technical Services Group, Inc. (BWXT TSG); Fluor F  more

NRC Issues Event Notification for Ninyo & Moore Geotechnical & Environmental Sciences Consultants, Houston, Texas
WASHINGTON, June 6 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (No. 57151) involving Ninyo and Moore Geotechnical and Environmental Sciences Consultants, Houston, Texas: * * * Rep Org: Texas Dept of State Health Services Licensee: Ninyo & Moore Geotech & Enviro Region: 4 City: Houston State: TX License #: L 06379 Agreement: Y NRC Notified By: Arthur Tucker HQ OPS Officer: Josue Ramirez Notification Date: 05/30/2024 Notification Time: 15:29 [ET] Event  more

NRC Issues Event Notification for Ninyo & Moore Geotechnical & Environmental Sciences Consultants, Houston, Texas
WASHINGTON, June 9 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (No. 57151) involving Ninyo and Moore Geotechnical and Environmental Sciences Consultants, Houston, Texas: * * * Rep Org: Texas Dept of State Health Services Licensee: Ninyo & Moore Geotech & Enviro Region: 4 City: Houston State: TX License #: L 06379 Agreement: Y NRC Notified By: Arthur Tucker HQ OPS Officer: Josue Ramirez Notification Date: 05/30/2024 Notification Time: 15:29 [ET] Event  more

NRC Issues Event Notification for South Texas Nuclear Plant
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (No. 57153) involving South Texas Nuclear Plant: * * * Facility: South Texas Region: 4 State: TX Unit: [1] [2] [] RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP NRC Notified By: Billy Herzog HQ OPS Officer: Ian Howard Notification Date: 05/30/2024 Notification Time: 17:43 [ET] Event Date: 05/30/2024 Event Time: 12:00 [CDT] Last Update Date: 06/07/2024 Emergency Class: Non Emergency 10 CFR Section: 26  more

Operation Hooah gives military children deployment experience
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 13 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Children from across Joint Base San Antonio got a taste of what their military parents experienced when they deployed during Operation Hooah on June 12, 2024, at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston. The 200 participants arrived bright and early at their reporting location where they were divided into companies and platoons. They were then processed through a Cent  more

Pa. U.S. Attorney: Defendants Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Sell Sanctioned Iranian Petroleum to China
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, June 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania issued the following news release: United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Zhenyu ("Bill") Wang, 43, of Dallas, Texas, and Daniel Ray Lane, 42, of McKinney, Texas, who were convicted at trial in November 2023, were sentenced to prison today by United States District Judge Harvey Bartle III on charges of attempting to violate the International Emergency Economic Powe  more

Preventive Medicine Technician graduates support military partners
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Three recent Navy graduates of the Medical Education and Training Campus Preventive Medicine Technician course acted as role players in the Entomology block of the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence Principles of Military Preventive Medicine Course May 10. Petty Officers 3rd Class Alexander Mincey, Rickey York, and Noah Ziepke, all currently ass  more

Sheppard AFB: Filcek Assumes Command of 82nd Training Wing
SHEPPARD AFB, Texas, June 15 -- The U.S. Air Force's 82nd Training Wing issued the following news: By Julie Svoboda, 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs Col. Paul G. Filcek assumed command of the 82nd Training Wing from Brig. Gen. George "Dutch" T.M. Dietrich during a ceremony officiated by Maj. Gen. Michele C. Edmondson held on June 14, 2024. Filcek, who has been selected for promotion to Brigadier General, began his early Air Force career at Sheppard Air Force Base, where he attended technica  more

Sip, Sip, Hooray! MILITARY STAR Cardmembers Earn Double Points With Express Beverage Purchases Through July
DALLAS, Texas, June 11 -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service issued the following news release: By Zach Wright MILITARY STAR(R) cardmembers can earn double the rewards and stay cool for the summer on every purchase that includes a refreshing, non-alcoholic beverage from any Army & Air Force Exchange Service Express. Through July 31, cardmembers will earn four points per $1 on all purchases that include a non-alcoholic beverage at the Express. MILITARY STAR shoppers automatically receiv  more

Stage 4 water restrictions implemented across JBSA
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 11 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Joint Base San Antonio has moved into Stage 4 water restrictions. The water restrictions are progressive in nature, which means that ALL the restrictions from Stage Normal, 1, 2 and 3 plus the Stage 4 restriction are in effect. The attached fact sheet covers just the restrictions, while the attached Critical Period Management Plan covers the regulato  more

Texas U.S. Attorney Fact Sheet: Initiative to Combat Transnational Human Smuggling and Trafficking Networks Marks Third Anniversary
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, June 11 (TNSfact) -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following fact sheet: * * * Initiative to Combat Transnational Human Smuggling and Trafficking Networks Marks Third Anniversary Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) in June 2021 in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strengthen the Justice Department's efforts to combat prolific and dangerous human smuggling and   more

Texas U.S. Attorney's Announce 'Operation Texas Kill Switch' Aimed at Machinegun Conversion Devices
BEAUMONT, Texas, June 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas issued the following news release: Today, U.S. Attorneys for the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas announced "Operation Texas Kill Switch," a statewide initiative targeting illegal machinegun conversion devices, commonly known as "switches." At simultaneous press conferences throughout the state, U.S. Attorneys Damien M. Diggs, Leigha Simonton, Alamdar Hamdani, and Jaime Espa  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Four Men Imprisoned for Dealing Crack Cocaine Resulting in Death
MCALLEN, Texas, June 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: Multiple local residents have been sentenced for narcotics trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Gabriel Ortiz, 31, Francisco Ortiz, 53, and Adbento Guerrero, 62, all of McAllen; and Alonzo Rolando Garza, 42, Edinburg, had all previously pleaded guilty. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now imposed a 144-month-term of imprisonment for Gab  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Guadalajara Resident Heads to Prison for Trying to Smuggle Dozens of Firearms and Ammunition Back to Mexico
MCALLEN, Texas, June 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 68-year-old resident of Guadalajara, Mexico, has been sentenced for attempting to smuggle multiple firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition on a vehicle roof rack, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jose De Jesus Pena Dieguez pleaded guilty March 27. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Dieguez to serve 24 months in federal prison to  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Houstonian Admits to Hurricane Harvey House Fraud
HOUSTON, Texas, June 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 45-year-old Houston area resident has pleaded guilty to fraudulently applying for and receiving a newly rebuilt house worth $314,000, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Christopher Montealegre admitted to one count of theft of government funds after he knowingly applied for relief intended for victims the hurricane impacted through a program the U.S. Depar  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Houstonian Convicted for Sending Death Threats to U.S. Senator
HOUSTON, Texas, June 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A federal judge has returned a guilty verdict against a local man for making threats to injure a U.S. senator, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal, after careful deliberation, found Issac Ambe Nformangum, 24, guilty on one count of interstate communications with a threat to injure following a two-hour stipulated bench tria  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Readout of Joint Task Force Alpha's Third Anniversary Meeting
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, June 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following readout of the Joint Task Force Alpha's third anniversary meeting: * * * Today, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland marked the third anniversary of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the highly successful national effort to investigate and prosecute human smuggling at the southern border, by convening senior leaders of the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and State to dis  more

Texas U.S. Attorneys Announce 'Operation Texas Kill Switch' Aimed at Machinegun Conversion Devices
DALLAS, Texas, June 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas issued the following news release on June 10, 2024: Today, U.S. Attorneys for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas announced "Operation Texas Kill Switch," a statewide initiative targeting illegal machinegun conversion devices, colloquially known as "switches." At simultaneous press conferences throughout the state, U.S. Attorneys Leigha Simonton, Alamdar Hamdani, Damien Digg  more

Texas U.S. Attorneys Announce 'Operation Texas Kill Switch' Aimed at Machinegun Conversion Devices
HOUSTON, Texas, June 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: U.S. Attorneys for the Southern, Northern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas announced "Operation Texas Kill Switch," a statewide initiative targeting illegal machinegun conversion devices, colloquially known as "switches." At simultaneous press conferences throughout the state, U.S. Attorneys Alamdar S. Hamdani, Leigha Simonton, Damien Diggs and Jaime Esparza,   more

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.7 Million to Support Business Growth in Perryton, Texas
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration issued the following news release on June 14, 2024: Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.7 million grant to the city of Perryton, Texas, to support business growth following natural disasters in the region. This grant will create the Rebuild Perryton Incubator, converting an existing building into commercia  more

U.S. Postal Service: Sea Turtles Ride a Wave Onto New Stamps
WASHINGTON, June 12 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release on June 11, 2024: Today, the U.S. Postal Service helped raise awareness of the plight of sea turtles with new Protect Sea Turtles Forever stamps. A dedication ceremony for the stamps was held at the Texas State Aquarium. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #ProtectSeaTurtlesStamps. "Sea turtles are majestic creatures who play an important role in marine ecosystems," said David Camp, who is the USPS  more

Understand how TRICARE covers infertility diagnosis, treatment
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, June 12 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Are you considering having children? If you're trying to get pregnant, but haven't been able to, you may have questions about how TRICARE can help. "If you're struggling to conceive, it's important to find out what might be causing you or your partner to struggle with infertility," said Elan Green, chief of the Medical Benefits and Reimbursement Bran  more

VA IG: Follow-Up Information Security Inspection at VA Financial Services Center in Austin, Texas
WASHINGTON, June 10 (TNSrep) -- The Veterans Affairs Inspector General issued the following oversight report (No. 23-02186-97) on May 30, 2024, entitled "Follow-up Information Security Inspection at the VA Financial Services Center in Austin, Texas." Here are excerpts: * * * Executive Summary Information security controls protect VA systems and data from unauthorized access, use, modification, or destruction. To determine compliance with the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of   more