DYESS AFB, Texas, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Dyess Air Force Base (7th Bomb Wing) issued the following news: By Elaine Sanchez, Defense Health Network Central Public Affairs SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- A 7th Medical Group initiative aimed at improving connectivity and agility for deployed military medics has been cleared for takeoff at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas in West Central Texas. The program, dubbed "STARDOC," equips medics with a portable, high-speed internet connection able to connect   more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: On the morning of September 11, 2001, New York City awoke to clear skies and calm weather. The air was crisp, and a light breeze accompanied the deep, cloudless blue of the sky. It was a typical start to the day in a city renowned for its fast pace. Commuters filled the streets, coffee shops and delis bustled with early-morning crowds, and students settled into their day's first cl  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 20 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: U.S. Army advisors assigned to the 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade continued to showcase its unique capabilities and immense flexibility working with its Brazilian partners during a recent training event held at Fort Johnson, Louisiana. The 1st SFAB, based at Fort Moore, Georgia, employed a four-person advisor team in support of a Brazilian A  more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: Second Air Force presented its commitment to the execution of training, developing, and inspiring warfighters at the annual Air and Space Force Association's Air, Space & Cyber Conference held at the Gaylord National Resort in Maryland, Sept. 16 18. The event provided first-class professional military development, facilitated the sharing of emerging requirements and technologies, a  more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: Maj. Gen. Wolfe Davidson, commander of Second Air Force, and Chief Master Sgt. Kristina Montgomery, Second Air Force command chief, visited members of the 82nd Training Wing and the 80th Flying Training Wing Sept. 10-12, 2024. Team Sheppard provided demonstrations and real-world training for Davidson and Montgomery to encapsulate the mission behind each wing. The 82nd TRW showcased  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The 559th Flying Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph flies more than 6,000 hours annually in a fleet of 38 T-6A Texan II aircraft, focusing on basic pilot qualifications and the specialized training of instructor pilots. These instructor pilots play a pivotal role in mentoring and preparing future aviators, ensuring the continued ex  more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 18 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: In the fast-paced military environment, recognizing when someone is silently struggling can mean the difference between life and death. That's where the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training or A.S.I.S.T. program comes in. Developed in 1983 by LivingWorks, this two-day course equips caregivers with the tools to step in and provide life-saving support when someone is at risk   more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 18 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, shared his perspective on how the command is building an expanded, people-focused footprint in support of the service's efforts to reoptimize for Great Power Competition during an Air and Space Forces Association's 2024 Air, Space and Cyber Conference panel here Sept. 17. Robinson join  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, shared his perspective on how the command is building an expanded, people-focused footprint in support of the service's efforts to reoptimize for Great Power Competition during an Air Force Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference panel at National Harbor, Maryland, on Se  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Special Agent Pearl Mundt, Air Force Office of Special Investigations executive director, attended the 2024 National Insider Threat Awareness Month Conference on Sept. 9. She joined leaders from the Department of Defense and the Federal Bureau of Investigations to discuss federal law enforcement's role in combating insider threats. "Insider threats  more

LAUGHLIN AFB, Texas, Sept. 21 -- The U.S. Air Force Laughlin Air Force Base (47th Flying Training Wing) issued the following news: By Dan Hawkins, Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, shared his perspective on how the command is building an expanded, people-focused footprint in support of the service's efforts to reoptimize for Great Power Competition during an Air and Space Forces   more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The U.S. Air Force activated the Integrated Capabilities Command (Provisional) to accelerate force modernization efforts against a backdrop of evolving global threats on Sept. 16. In provisional status, ICC (P) will immediately begin leading Air Force modernization prioritization efforts across several key investment areas, while continuing to devel  more

BARKSDALE AFB, Louisiana, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command issued the following news: By C.R. Hoffman, Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs The Secretary of the Air Force has approved the second and third basing locations for the B-21 Raider, the Air Force's newest bomber. Those bases are Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, and Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, in that order. Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota was previously selected as the first base to receive t  more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 20 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: The Air University Library, in partnership with The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts, is hosting an art show until Nov 14, 2024, at the Air University Library at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. "We have four major domains in which the library does outreach," said Tim Thomas, Air University Library outreach coordinator. "One of them is artist connect. We decided to have anothe  more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 18 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: Like many World War II veterans, U.S. Army Cpl. Arthur G. Thompson, serving with the 117th Engineer Regiment, returned home with souvenirs from his time at war. Among them was a Japanese flag that he found after the Battle of Luzon in the Philippines. As years passed, Thompson often expressed his desire to find the family of the Japanese solider who carried it into battle, but not   more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The 433rd Airlift Wing Military and Family Readiness is collecting food donations for its food pantry program. They plan to officially open the pantry for 433rd AW and 960th Cyber Wing Citizen Airmen families starting in October. There will be blue bins distributed in various locations across the wings for members to donate non-perishable food item  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin delivered a clear and unambiguous message about the future of the service during a high-profile keynote address on Sept. 16. Boiled down, his message to an overflowing crowd of several thousand at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference was this: Tangible progress is occurring on the vast, but still young, effort  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued the following letter: * * * Subject: APHIS Establishes and Revises Mexican Fruit Fly (Anastrepha ludens) Quarantine Areas in Texas To: State, Territory, and Tribal Agricultural Regulatory Officials On August 15, 2024, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) established a Mexican fruit fly (Anastrepha ludens; Mexfly) quara  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 20 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: In the past year, the Army bolstered its approach toward addressing suicide in its ranks by publishing an updated suicide prevention program policy and transforming messaging that stresses fostering healthy community and unit environments for Soldiers, family members, and Army civilians. As a result, the Army has transitioned from simply reacting t  more

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 16 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Fort Worth District issued the following news release: WASHINGTON (Sept. 13, 2024) - The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today announced the first set of proposals being invited to apply for loans under the new Corps Water Infrastructure Financing Program (CWIFP). Among the invited applicants is the Meadow Lake Water and Control Improvement District No. 1 for $17 m  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release: NEW ORLEANS, LA. Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice for America's more than 34 million small businesses in President Biden's Cabinet, announced President Biden's appointment of Ava Dejoie Cates as Regional Administrator of Region 6, overseeing the agency's programs, offices, and operations in Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Oklah  more

DALLAS, Texas, Sept. 18 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Sept. 17, 2024, entitled "Parish Employment and Wages in Louisiana - First Quarter 2024": * * * Employment rose in four of the seven largest parishes in Louisiana from March 2023 to March 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. (Large counties and parishes are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000   more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: The Civilian Leadership Development School awarded 35 Associates of Science in Department of the Air Force Leadership and Management degrees to graduates of the Civilian Associate Degree Program at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Sept. 12, 2024. CADP is a program offered exclusively to Department of the Air Force civil servants and gives them the opportunity to earn an Associates   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: PHARR, Texas--U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at Pharr International Bridge this weekend seized more than $503,000 in cocaine in a single enforcement action. "Our frontline officers continue to exercise extraordinary vigilance in the cargo environment, utilize the latest technology and that combination yielded this cocaine   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: ROMA, Texas--U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at Roma Port of Entry this week seized more than $730,000 in cocaine in a single enforcement action. "Our frontline officers at the Falcon Dam crossing maintained strict vigilance, applied their training, experience, canines, technology and the end result was a significant seizu  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: DEL RIO, Texas--U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at Del Rio Port of Entry seized more than $516,000 in cocaine. "Our frontline officers continue to maintain strict vigilance and their attention to detail and dedication to the border security mission resulted in this significant seizure," said Port Director Liliana Flores, De  more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: The Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education is developing a new Chief Leader Course (CLC) with an increased focus on providing chiefs the education required for them to meet the challenges and excel in an era of Great Power Competition. "We are always striving to improve our curriculum and courses," Col. Damian Schlussel, Barnes Center commander, said. "Our chiefs have a hug  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti released her Navigation Plan (NAVPLAN) for America's Warfighting Navy at the Naval War College, on Sept. 18. NAVPLAN 2024 follows the CNO's release of America's Warfighting Navy in January and serves as an update to the 2022 NAVPLAN. "The Navigation Plan for America's Warfighting Navy is my overarching  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Partnerships are key to defending against a rapidly evolving threat landscape and assuring the United States' advantage for the long term, senior Defense Department leaders said this week. The commanders of U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Cyber Command, U.S. Space Command, and U.S. Transportation Command detailed a complex range of threats posed by U.S  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 20 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The United States must increase spending to levels not seen since the Cold War to deter the threats of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, said the leaders of a bipartisan commission examining the National Defense Strategy. Former Congresswoman Jane Harman chaired the effort with Ambassador Eric Edelman as the vice chair. They spoke to the Defense  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: September is National Preparedness Month, an excellent opportunity to become ready for the unexpected and learn to prepare for emergencies that could impact your home, workplace, school, and community. To promote emergency preparedness at Joint Base San Antonio, the Military & Family Readiness Centers' Readiness Program, and their partners, hosted   more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Department of the Air Force continues its almost 70-year partnership with restaurant food and beverage industry partners to deliver healthier, fresher food options to ensure Airmen, Guardians, and families are fueled for the fight. One of those relationships is with the Culinary Institute of America. "We rely on the CIA to help us deliver culin  more

LAREDO, Texas, Sept. 21 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: Multiple people have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and meth, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Hector Flores, 53, Aaron Elezar Pachuca, 30, Lauro Alberto Garcia, 31, Matthew Aaron Arce, 31, Javier Hern  more

BROWNSVILLE, Texas, Sept. 20 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: A 56-year-old Mexican citizen residing in the Brownsville area has been sentenced following his conviction for conspiracy with intent to deliver cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. A federal jury convicted Gi  more

BEAUMONT, Texas, Sept. 20 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: A Beaumont man has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. Carl Wayne Hite, Jr., 40, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl before U.S. Magistrate  more

MCALLEN, Texas, Sept. 21 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: A 35-year-old local man has been ordered to prison for trafficking $33 million in marijuana, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Adan Ontiveros Jr. pleaded guilty April 24 to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute nearly 2,500 ki  more

LAREDO, Texas, Sept. 18 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: Two Texas men are charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to do so, announced U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and U.S Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. A federal grand jury has returned a two-count indictment against Hernan Cortez, 40, Houston, and Dani  more

MCALLEN, Texas, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: A 23-year-old man has been sentenced for drug trafficking, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jesse James Gonzalez pleaded guilty Sept. 27, 2023. U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez has now ordered Gonzalez to serve 120 months in federal p  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 -- The Defense Contract Management Agency issued the following news: By Tonya Johnson, DCMA Central Region Public Affairs GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - Defense Contract Management Agency South recently held its first supervisor summit. The summit was held July 23-25 here. Army Col. Ryan Ocampo, DCMA South commander, hosted the summit, which brought together approximately 50 employees from multiple states. "We executed our very first DCMA South supervisor summit, which went well,  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Department of the Air Force senior leaders highlighted modernization and integration challenges during the Air and Space Force Association's Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, on Sept. 16. The panel included Andrew Hunter, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; Frank Calvelli, assis  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Sept. 18 -- The U.S. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center issued the following news: By Debbie Aragon, AFIMSC Public Affairs The Department of the Air Force continues it's almost 70-year partnership with restaurant food and beverage industry partners to deliver healthier, fresher food options to ensure Airmen, Guardians and families are fueled for the fight. One of those relationships is with the Culinary Institute of America. "We rely on the CIA  more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 20 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: Military and community leaders gathered at Ebbing Air National Guard Base for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of new facilities which enable Early Operating Capability for international F-35 pilot training through the Foreign Military Sales program, Sept. 20, 2024. The event signifies Ebbing's readiness to execute both FMS pilot training and key U.S. Air Force missi  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release: DALLAS, TEXAS (September 18, 2024) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing $156,120,000 from the Solar for All (SFA) grant program to the state of New Mexico. The grant, which will pay for installation of solar energy systems in low-income households, will be administered by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. The funding comes from the Greenhouse Gas Red  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release: DALLAS, TEXAS (September 18, 2024)-- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the Green Power Leadership Award winners for 2024, honoring Signature Aviation of Irving, Texas as one of four leading organizations in EPA's Green Power Partnership. The company meets 100% of its electricity needs through green power. The 2024 winners, which also include Microsoft Corporation, MilliporeSigma, and   more

DALLAS, Texas, Sept. 20 -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service issued the following news release: By Zach Wright Military shoppers can take their adventures to another level if they enter to win a Red Bull KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition bike in the latest sweepstakes presented by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Red Bull. From Sept. 1 to Oct. 31, authorized Exchange shoppers 18 and older worldwide can enter the Red Bull KTM Bike sweepstakes at ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes to win  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Navy Lt. Anca Selariu, a microbiologist assigned to the Naval Medical Research Unit San Antonio, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander during a promotion ceremony held at the Battlefield Health and Trauma Research Institute on Sept. 13. Selariu, a Medical Service Corps officer who has been in America's Navy for five years, recently served  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: With an Air Force career spanning more than 26 years, Brig. Gen. Patrick Miller was well-prepared when he took command of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center in July. A distinguished graduate of the Penn State University Air Force ROTC program with a degree in civil engineering, Miller earned his commission and entered the Air Force in December 1997  more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: 17th Training Wing Senior Airmen selected for promotion celebrated their achievement during the 2024 Staff Sergeant release party at the Powell Event Center, Sept. 13. U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Omri 315th Training Squadron, receives his Staff Sgt. select certificate at the Staff Sgt. release party at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 16, 2024. Staf  more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: The Hangar 97 dining facility at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is more than just a place to grab a meal. By keeping Airmen nourished and energized, it ensures they remain mission-ready, day in and day out. The dining facility offers a variety of balanced, nutritious options that cater to different dietary needs, and fosters comradery, ensuring that every Airman is prepared to perf  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: U.S. Airmen and others held signs and waved to community members as part of We Care Day near the front gate at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, on Sept. 13, 2024. The event was part of National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month activities raising prevention awareness and promoting resources and support available on and off JBSA. *** O  more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: U.S. Airmen and others held signs and waved to community members as part of We Care Day near the front gate at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, on Sept. 13, 2024. The event was part of National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month activities raising prevention awareness and promoting resources and support available on and off JBSA. *** Original text here: https://www.ae  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Sept. 19, 2024: The Justice Department filed a civil complaint today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas to enjoin John T. Ajuma, aka John Trobisch, from preparing federal tax returns for others. The complaint alleges Ajuma prepared nearly 11,000 federal income tax returns from 2018 through 2024 through two sole proprietorships named "Destiny Tax Service" and "Momentum Tax Expr  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following readout of Assistant Attorneys General Kristen Clarke and Carlos Uriarte's trip to El Paso, Texas: * * * Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division and Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte of the Justice Department's Office of Legislative Affairs traveled to El Paso, Texas, on Sept. 16 to engage with stakeholders in underserved communities and reaffirm the departmen  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Sept. 19, 2024: * * * Defendants Allegedly Obtained Over $23M in False IRS Refunds Claims * * * A federal grand jury in Tyler, Texas, returned an indictment yesterday charging a Texas husband and wife with crimes related to their conspiracy to defraud the United States by seeking fraudulent tax refunds. According to the indictment, from 2017 to 2023, Larry and Rebecca Kalmowitz filed false tax retur  more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: Gerald Cross, Keesler's School Liaison officer, and Lt. Col. Michael Schrama, Military School Advisor, met with Marcus Boudreaux, Biloxi School District superintendent, at Back Bay Elementary School, Sept. 9 to strengthen community ties and get an understanding of what the school district has to offer military families transitioning to Keesler Air Force Base. The visit is one of ma  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: A group of more than 50 San Antonio community leaders gained insight into several areas of Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston during a visit by LeadershipSA on Sept. 11, 2024. The objective of the visit was to increase awareness and support for the military among the public, private, and non-profit sector leaders of the LSA class through person  more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: The 56th Fighter Wing hosted the 77th Air Force Birthday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The event celebrated the Air Force's 77th anniversary and provided an opportunity for Airmen to reflect on its history and future. The evening featured an array of traditions and presentations, offering attendees a chance to honor the Air Force's history while engaging in cere  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence Medical Warfighting Forum took place from Sept. 4-6 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. This is the second forum following last year's inaugural event that brought together leaders from a broad cross-section of the Army, in addition to attendees from the Defense Health Agency, Navy and Air Force. The goal  more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 20 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: Long after battle cries subside and the fog of war has lifted, some servicemembers and their families continue to bear the trauma of enemy capture or the never-ending grief that comes with not knowing what happened to missing loved ones. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation designating the third Friday in September of every year as National POW/MIA Recognition Day t  more

DALLAS, Texas, Sept. 19 -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service issued the following news release: By Julie Mitchell The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is making it easier for all students who achieve academic success, including those with special needs, to participate in its popular You Made the Grade program. For years, students had to show proof of a B average or better to earn program rewards. Thanks to feedback from an Army spouse at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, students who are ma  more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: Second Lt. Madison Marsh, crowned Miss America 2024, is on a mission to change the public's understanding of what it means to serve in the U.S. Air Force. During a panel discussion at the Air and Space Forces Association's 2024 Air, Space and Cyber Conference on Sept. 17, Marsh issued a challenge to her fellow Airmen: use your voice to reshape the narrative. Her message stemmed fro  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Second Lt. Madison Marsh, crowned Miss America 2024, is on a mission to change the public's understanding of what it means to serve in the U.S. Air Force. During a panel discussion at the Air and Space Forces Association's 2024 Air, Space and Cyber Conference on Sept. 17, Marsh issued a challenge to her fellow Airmen: use your voice to reshape the na  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: It's Mission Monday! Meet Austin Naranjo, a program manager in the National Environmental Policy Act Division at the Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Installations Directorate. Naranjo and his team work with the Department of the Air Force installations and other organizations to assess the potential environmental impact of construction and other   more

BETHESDA, Maryland, Sept. 21 (TNSres) -- The National Institutes of Health's National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute issued the following Q&A on Sept. 19, 2024, with Sujata M. Shanbhag, program officer in the Heart Failure and Arrhythmias Branch at the NHLBI Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, and Firas F. Mussa, professor of vascular surgery in the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas, Houston: * * * The aorta, one of the "great arteries," carries blood away from the heart to   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release: DENTON, Texas Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in all communities and incorporated areas of Morris County, Texas. Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community residents can ident  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: DONNA, Texas U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Progreso Port of Entry this week encountered a man wanted locally on an outstanding felony warrant for an alleged aggravated sexual assault of a child. "Discovery of persons wanted for alleged sex crimes against children are among the most heinous offenses we encounter and such enforcement actions undersc  more

SHEPPARD AFB, Texas, Sept. 21 -- The U.S. Air Force's 82nd Training Wing issued the following news: By 1st Lt. Elizabeth Notice, 80th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs Lt. Gen. Andre Steur, commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, visited the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program on Sept. 13, 2024, to speak at the graduation ceremony for Class 24-08. In his speech, Steur reflected on the enduring relationships developed when he was a student at ENJJPT. "As an ENJJPT Class 94-03 g  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release: Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden's Cabinet for America's more than 34 million small businesses, announced three new Cybersecurity Pilot Program Grant recipients will receive a total of $3 million in funding through the SBA's Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program. The new grantees for fiscal years 2  more

SHEPPARD AFB, Texas, Sept. 18 -- The U.S. Air Force's 82nd Training Wing issued the following news: By Senior Airman Katie McKee, 82nd Training Wing Maj. Gen. Wolfe Davidson, commander of Second Air Force, and Chief Master Sgt. Kristina Montgomery, Second Air Force command chief, visited members of the 82nd Training Wing and the 80th Flying Training Wing Sept. 10-12, 2024. Team Sheppard provided demonstrations and real-world training for Davidson and Montgomery to encapsulate the mission behi  more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: On a mission to strengthen community ties and enhance the support network for survivors of violence, the staff from Mississippi State University's Office of Survivor Support recently visited Team 14 at Columbus Air Force Base. The 14th Flying Training Wing Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce IPPW and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response SAPR offices hosted MSU's Survivor  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Six Army Medicine professionals were presented with the Order of Military Medical Merit medallion on Sept. 10 at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Brig Gen. Clinton Murray, U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence commanding general, and Sgt. Maj. Christinean Johnson, MEDCoE G3 sergeant major, bestowed the medallion to Lt. Col. Janet Sim  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 20 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Did you know that TRICARE publishes quarterly newsletters? The TRICARE Health Matters Newsletter and the TRICARE Dental Program Health Matters Newsletter keep you up to date, whether you live stateside or overseas. These newsletters offer helpful information about your health and dental plans, as well as the latest TRICARE news. "The newsletters aim  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation's Surface Transportation Board issued the following notice (Docket No. FD 36803) entitled "Hondo Railway LLC - Acquisition Exemption - Rail Line of South Texas Liquid Terminal Inc.": * * * Hondo Railway, LLC (HRC), a Class III rail carrier, has filed a verified notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.41 to acquire from South Texas Liquid Terminal, Inc. (STLT), 13,200 feet of track in the vicinity of Hondo, Tex. in Medina County (the L  more

JACKSON, Tennessee, Sept. 21 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee issued the following news release: Five men from South Texas were indicted in Jackson, Tennessee for their role in trafficking multiple kilograms of methamphetamine. On September 13, 2024, the Honorable S. Thomas Anderson sentenced the final defendant in the Western District of Tennessee. According to information presented in court, in August 2019, FBI-Jackson, Tennessee, working with FBI-McAl  more

TYLER, Texas, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas issued the following news release: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has approved an initial set of 78 communities across 47 states, territories, and the District of Columbia for designation under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022. The Justice Department - through its United States Attorney's offices (USAOs) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosi  more

LAREDO, Texas, Sept. 21 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 23-year-old Laredo woman has pleaded guilty to smuggling a young child into the United States for financial gain, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. From August to September 2023, Vanessa Valadez and other family members operated a child smuggling ring working to bring young non-citizen children from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, into the United States. All the ch  more

GALVESTON, Texas, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 44-year-old La Marque resident has been sentenced for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Smith Henry Jones pleaded guilty Feb. 17, 2022. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown has now ordered Jones to serve 144 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. The c  more

PLANO, Texas, Sept. 17 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas issued the following news release: A Dallas man has been charged with a federal drug trafficking violation related to the death of two women in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. Durran Allistair Walker, 46, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on August 15, 2024, in the Eastern District of Texas. The indictment charges Walker with the distrib  more

BROWNSVILLE, Texas, Sept. 20 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 56-year-old Mexican citizen residing in the Brownsville area has been sentenced following his conviction for conspiracy with intent to deliver cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. A federal jury convicted Gilberto Almaraz-Muniz April 26 on one count of conspiracy and three counts of possession with intent to distribute vari  more

MCALLEN, Texas, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 26-year-old McAllen man has been sentenced on multiple counts of hostage taking, smuggling and weapons charges, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. A federal jury deliberated for less than an hour before returning the guilty verdict Nov. 8, 2023, on all counts against Heriberto Mendez-Lozano following a three-day trial. U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez  more

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Sept. 19 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release on Sept. 18, 2024: Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division and Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte of the Justice Department's Office of Legislative Affairs traveled to El Paso, Texas, on Sept. 16 to engage with stakeholders in underserved communities and reaffirm the department's commitment to protecting th  more

MCALLEN, Texas, Sept. 20 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 35-year-old local man has been ordered to prison for trafficking $33 million in marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Adan Ontiveros Jr. pleaded guilty April 24 to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute nearly 2,500 kilograms of marijuana. U.S. District Chief Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Ontiveros to serve 180 months in federal   more

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Sept. 21 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: A Veteran's Affairs contracting officer in San Antonio was sentenced after a guilty plea to taking a bribe in return for contract. According to court documents, Glenn Dartone Johnson, 50, identified himself as a "consultant" and was hired by codefendant Javor McCoy to help McCoy win bids for VA transportation contracts. Using his acquisition knowledge gained thro  more

HOUSTON, Texas, Sept. 17 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) will immediately begin implementation of a pilot program to encourage early voluntary disclosure of previously unknown criminal conduct and to help identify and prosecute individuals most culpable for that misconduct, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. In exchange for self-disclosure and c  more

DALLAS, Texas, Sept. 21 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas issued the following news release: In an effort to combat contraband in federal prisons, the U.S. Attorney's Office has charged seven men with possessing of various prohibited items while behind bars. "The Northern District of Texas will not tolerate contraband inside federal prisons, period," said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. "Inmates who handle drugs, phones, or child sexual abuse material risk ha  more

LAREDO, Texas, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: Two Texas men are charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to do so, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. A federal grand jury has returned a two-count indictment against Hernan Cortez, 40, Houston, and Daniel Elizondo, 37, Laredo. Previously in custody upon the filing of a criminal complaint Aug. 30, they are expected to make   more

MCALLEN, Texas, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 23-year-old man has been sentenced for drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jesse James Gonzalez pleaded guilty Sept. 27, 2023. U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez has now ordered Gonzalez to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional inform  more

HOUSTON, Texas, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 34-year-old former Houston resident has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. From March 2020 until March 2021, Cora Chantail Custard conspired with others to submit false and fraudulent loan applications for financial assistance both personally and on behalf of others. The co-conspirators submitted false a  more

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio, Sept. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center issued the following news wrap up: * * * 16 Sep 1919 (Mobility Directorate) Today, 105 years ago, the Army Air Service at Kelly Field flew to the aid of hurricane and flood victims in southern Texas. They were later joined by pilots from Fort Sam Houston as well. Flying Curtiss JN-4 "Jennies", the military aviators helped scout damages to flooded communities in the Corpus Christi area, and airdropped suppl  more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: Stephanie Gray, 97th Force Support Squadron Child Development Center program lead teacher, is a mother of 4 and native to Altus. She was born on Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, in the early 1980's when her father was an active duty Airman. Gray knew early on in her life she wanted to work in a helping profession, but her career goals changed after a traumatic event that changed her  more

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: There was nothing left to say, First Lieutenant John Smith stood to attention as the jury of Air Force service members returned to the courtroom; guilty. A cast of volunteer actors played out the courtroom drama of providing opening statements, presentation of evidence, closing arguments and sentencing while Legal staff provided narration explaining the proceedings to the audience  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: As a new parent, you have a lot on your mind but dental insurance for your baby might not be at the top of the list. Don't worry! The TRICARE Dental Program has you and your baby covered. "The TRICARE Dental Program helps military families by signing up kids at age 1," said Douglas Elsesser, a program analyst with the Dental Program Section of the T  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia issued the following news release: Four men from Kentucky, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia were sentenced to various terms after they were convicted of multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to their conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. Their actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes r  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration issued the following news release: Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.2 million grant to the South Plains Association of Governments (SPAG) in Lubbock, Texas, for building renovations needed to support small business development in the region. This grant will create the South Plains Regional Small Busine  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration issued the following news release: Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $3.9 million in the state of Texas for roadway and water infrastructure improvements needed to support job growth in the state. The EDA investments announced today are: The city of San Marcos will receive $2.5 million to support roadway i  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 20 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The U.S. and Colombian armies have a long-standing partnership built on mutual respect, trust and cooperation. This enduring relationship was reaffirmed, Sept. 16, 2024, during the 15th Annual U.S.-Colombia Staff Talks held at the Colombian National Army's military academy in Bogota, Columbia. Delegations from both armies convened to discuss strateg  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve hosted a "Bosslift" for more than 20 civilian employers of the Alamo Wing Reserve Citizen Airmen at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on Sept. 14. Bosslift is an employer outreach program where service members nominate their civilian employers to receive the opportunity to observe military operations and gain  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 -- The White House issued the following readout of a roundtable on Sept. 17, 2024, with youth voting leaders: * * * Yesterday, on National Voter Registration Day, the White House hosted a roundtable discussion to hear directly from youth leaders about their nonpartisan efforts to promote youth civic engagement across the country. College and high school student leaders from Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas discussed their n  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: With two nuclear-armed peer competitors Russia and China and with both advancing their nuclear capability, the U.S. now, more than ever, must move at full speed to modernize its nuclear deterrence capability. That effort is not just for U.S. national security, but as well for partners who depend on the U.S. "The security environment we face today is  more

DALLAS, Texas, Sept. 18 -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service issued the following news release: By Marisa Conner MILITARY STAR(R) cardmembers are about to enjoy even more benefits with a new-and-improved card, exclusively available to the military community. The Exchange Credit Program, which manages the MILITARY STAR card, has teamed up with Discover(R) Global Network to bring greater security, features and convenience to cardmembers. ECP will begin reissuing cards to current cardmemb  more