INSIDER
Stay Tuned for Vets prepares veterans for civilian life with creative programs
Read full article: Stay Tuned for Vets prepares veterans for civilian life with creative programsStay Tuned for Vets is a non-profit organization making a difference in the veteran community. Find out how they are helping our heroes adjust to civilian life and create meaningful relationships through free creative art classes.
A Chinese military buff inadvertently bought 4 books of military secrets for under $1
Read full article: A Chinese military buff inadvertently bought 4 books of military secrets for under $1A military history buff in China appears to have made an alarming discovery after picking up four books for less than $1 at a neighborhood recycling station.
Horses for Heroes: Military veterans find healing and hope at Angleton ranch
Read full article: Horses for Heroes: Military veterans find healing and hope at Angleton ranchAmong the activities on site, the veterans learn about grooming the animals and guiding the horses with their voices. Sasha Camacho explained the skills developed at the stables can translate to success in the veterans’ personal and work lives as well.
Boots For Troops helps to uplift morale of deployed service members and their spouses
Read full article: Boots For Troops helps to uplift morale of deployed service members and their spousesTheir mission is to uplift and empower the overall morale and mental well-being of active duty military, veterans, and spouses.
Myanmar will start drafting 5,000 people a month into the military soon. Some think of fleeing
Read full article: Myanmar will start drafting 5,000 people a month into the military soon. Some think of fleeingMyanmar’s military government says it will draft 60,000 young men and women yearly for military service under its newly activated conscription law, with call-ups beginning after the April festival marking the country’s traditional New Year.
Facing setbacks against resistance forces, Myanmar's military government activates conscription law
Read full article: Facing setbacks against resistance forces, Myanmar's military government activates conscription lawMyanmar’s military government has for the first time activated a decade-old conscription law that makes young men and women subject to at least two years of military service if called up, effective immediately.
Texas National Guard disbanded intelligence wing after members used WhatsApp to spy on migrants
Read full article: Texas National Guard disbanded intelligence wing after members used WhatsApp to spy on migrantsFour members of the unit working on Gov. Greg Abbott’s border mission have been punished after whistleblowers reported the surveillance operation violated long-standing rules against state-run spy operations.
Houston country radio station, 100.3 The Bull, collecting ‘Thank You’ cards for troops
Read full article: Houston country radio station, 100.3 The Bull, collecting ‘Thank You’ cards for troopsIt's annual tradition for our friends over at 100.3 The Bull Houston. George, Mo, and Erik have been asking for your help collecting thousands of cards to send to our troops.
Israeli military admits killing Palestinian toddler by mistake, closes initial investigation
Read full article: Israeli military admits killing Palestinian toddler by mistake, closes initial investigationThe Israeli military says it has closed an initial investigation into its shooting and killing of a Palestinian toddler in the occupied West Bank earlier this month.
Israeli military raid kills 1 Palestinian, 4 people wounded in separate West Bank shooting attack
Read full article: Israeli military raid kills 1 Palestinian, 4 people wounded in separate West Bank shooting attackPalestinian health officials say that an Israeli military raid into the northern West Bank has sparked a gunfight with militants that killed a young Palestinian man.
Notable women honored at Texas Women Veterans Day celebration at City Hall
Read full article: Notable women honored at Texas Women Veterans Day celebration at City HallMayor Sylvester Turner and the Office of Veterans and Military Affairs will celebrate Texas Women Veterans Day with notable honorees on the 75th Anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act Monday.
Help US VETS fight homelessness among Houston-area veterans
Read full article: Help US VETS fight homelessness among Houston-area veteransIn honor of Military Appreciation Month, KPRC 2 and our Community partners at Energy Transfer and Houston Christian University are proud to feature U.S.VETS – Houston. Founded by veterans to serve veterans, the organization is on a mission to end veteran homelessness.
SeaWorld San Antonio offering free admission to veterans, families for Military Appreciation Month
Read full article: SeaWorld San Antonio offering free admission to veterans, families for Military Appreciation MonthIn honor of Military Appreciation Month, United States military veterans and their family members can get into SeaWorld San Antonio for free for a limited time.
Man who impersonated US soldier, scammed 84-year-old man out of more than $13K sentenced to 3 years in prison
Read full article: Man who impersonated US soldier, scammed 84-year-old man out of more than $13K sentenced to 3 years in prisonA 30-year-old Houston man has been sentenced to three years in federal prison after pretending to be a United States soldier and scamming several people out of money, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Israeli army admits to covert influence campaign in Gaza war
Read full article: Israeli army admits to covert influence campaign in Gaza warThe Israeli military says that it made a “mistake” in launching a secretive influence campaign on social media in an effort to improve the public’s view of Israel’s performance in its devastating war with Gaza militants in 2021.
“We just want parity”: Military groups call on lawmakers to give Operation Lone Star troops death benefits
Read full article: “We just want parity”: Military groups call on lawmakers to give Operation Lone Star troops death benefitsLaw enforcement officers who serve on Operation Lone Star get a $500,000 death benefit for their survivors if they die on duty. But National Guard troops on the same mission don’t get a dime from the state for their families if they die.
For U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, national security can’t be a partisan fight
Read full article: For U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, national security can’t be a partisan fightThe Austin Republican and new chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee hopes to reach across the aisle to project a unified front as the country faces new threats, despite a staunchly conservative record.
Texas Military Department says it needs $460 million more to keep border mission afloat this year
Read full article: Texas Military Department says it needs $460 million more to keep border mission afloat this yearState officials have repeatedly had to move money from other departments to keep Gov. Greg Abbott’s multibillion-dollar border mission running this year.
Afghan soldier says he will live the “American dream” after being released from immigration detention center
Read full article: Afghan soldier says he will live the “American dream” after being released from immigration detention centerU.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee’s office mounted pressure on several federal agencies earlier this month leading up to Abdul Wasi Safi’s release on Tuesday.
Afghan soldier arrested at border while seeking asylum has new lawyers, meets with FBI
Read full article: Afghan soldier arrested at border while seeking asylum has new lawyers, meets with FBIAbdul Wasi Safi’s physical and mental health are deteriorating as he waits at a detention center near the border.
Veterans groups plead Afghan soldier’s asylum case in letter to Biden
Read full article: Veterans groups plead Afghan soldier’s asylum case in letter to BidenAfter surviving the fallout from a war in his home country and a global trek, Abdul Wasi Safi was arrested at the Texas-Mexico border on a misdemeanor charge, delaying his chance for asylum.
An Afghan soldier fleeing the Taliban spent months reaching the U.S. to request asylum. He was arrested at the Texas border.
Read full article: An Afghan soldier fleeing the Taliban spent months reaching the U.S. to request asylum. He was arrested at the Texas border.Abdul Wasi Safi was trying to reach his brother, who immigrated legally to Houston after helping the U.S. military. Legal experts say Wasi may have to serve a criminal sentence before he can pursue asylum.
‘Combined Arms’ helping active military members transition to life as veterans
Read full article: ‘Combined Arms’ helping active military members transition to life as veteransImproving the lives of our local heroes is the mission of so many Americans, and particularly an intentional effort made on Veterans Day.
Fort Hood set to be renamed after Richard Cavazos, Texas’ first Hispanic four-star general
Read full article: Fort Hood set to be renamed after Richard Cavazos, Texas’ first Hispanic four-star generalDefense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin accepted the Naming Commission’s change and announced it would take place by Jan. 1, 2024.
Operation Lone Star troops could owe feds tax money thanks to state’s payroll error
Read full article: Operation Lone Star troops could owe feds tax money thanks to state’s payroll errorOn Thursday, officials with the Texas Military Department acknowledged that the payroll system they used for the mission has withheld too little in federal taxes from service members’ paychecks.
Houston Newsmakers: Largest murder trial in US history one reason behind clemency efforts for convicted Camp Logan soldiers
Read full article: Houston Newsmakers: Largest murder trial in US history one reason behind clemency efforts for convicted Camp Logan soldiersHouston Newsmakers: Largest murder trial in US history one reason behind clemency efforts for convicted Camp Logan soldiers
A disabled veteran has waited eight years for a $1 million settlement from the Air Force
Read full article: A disabled veteran has waited eight years for a $1 million settlement from the Air ForceDavid P. Bighia had hoped to work at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio. Instead, he’s been fighting the Air Force as he faces home foreclosure.
Vanessa Guillen’s family seeks $35 million in the Army specialist’s 2020 wrongful death at Fort Hood
Read full article: Vanessa Guillen’s family seeks $35 million in the Army specialist’s 2020 wrongful death at Fort HoodArmed with a new federal court ruling that allows a former Army colonel to pursue a sexual assault lawsuit, the family of Vanessa Guillén has filed a wrongful death and assault case against the federal government.
In the Army, you’re more likely to be detained for drugs than sexual assault
Read full article: In the Army, you’re more likely to be detained for drugs than sexual assaultA first-of-its-kind analysis reveals that, on average, Army soldiers had to face at least eight counts of sexual offenses before their commanders detained them ahead of trial as often as soldiers charged with drug or burglary crimes.
Governor Abbott announces $114.1 billion economic impact of military installations in Texas
Read full article: Governor Abbott announces $114.1 billion economic impact of military installations in TexasGovernor Greg Abbott announced Wednesday the results of a study completed by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts at the request of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission (TMPC) analyzing the impact on the state’s economy of the U.S. military installations within Texas.
Photos: Russian forces withdrawing from Kharkiv, but Mariupol looks to be on brink
Read full article: Photos: Russian forces withdrawing from Kharkiv, but Mariupol looks to be on brinkThe city of Mariupol looks like it will be in Russian hands shortly after hundreds of the remaining Ukrainian soldiers were ordered to evacuate.
Only on 2: Group of local veterans travel to Washington D.C. to visit war memorials thanks to Honor Flight Houston
Read full article: Only on 2: Group of local veterans travel to Washington D.C. to visit war memorials thanks to Honor Flight HoustonNineteen veterans will depart to Washington D.C. Friday morning as part of ‘Honor Flight Houston’ in the first flight since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Texas soldier who drowned trying to help migrants wasn’t equipped with flotation device
Read full article: Texas soldier who drowned trying to help migrants wasn’t equipped with flotation deviceSpc. Bishop Evans died after jumping into the Rio Grande to save migrants. He and other members of Operation Lone Star were not provided safety equipment. Texas Military Department said an order for buoys and ropes was made but has not been fulfilled.
TribCast: Operation Lone Star and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week
Read full article: TribCast: Operation Lone Star and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad weekGov. Greg Abbott’s controversial border mission was subject to a slew of bad news this week, including a major shakeup at the Texas Military Department, whose top leader Abbott replaced.
Shakeup of Texas border mission leadership continues as pair of two-star generals departs
Read full article: Shakeup of Texas border mission leadership continues as pair of two-star generals departsThe departure of three top officials in a week signals that officials may be looking to make changes to the heavily criticized mission. A soldier leading a unionization effort welcomed the moves.
Houston Newsmakers: Medal of Honor recipient, Rosharon native Clarence Sasser one of 3 living African-American awardees
Read full article: Houston Newsmakers: Medal of Honor recipient, Rosharon native Clarence Sasser one of 3 living African-American awardeesHe was only 19 when he was drafted in June of 1967.
New Zealand won't engage Myanmar in largest free trade bloc
Read full article: New Zealand won't engage Myanmar in largest free trade blocNew Zealand says it will not deal with Myanmar under a major 15-nation trade agreement, the world’s largest that took effect this year, citing the deadly violence and democratic setbacks in the Southeast Asian country after the military seized power.
Gov. Greg Abbott says critics are "playing politics" over Texas National Guard suicides
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott says critics are "playing politics" over Texas National Guard suicidesAbbott said the suicides are being investigated and thinks it will come out that not all “actually occurred during Operation Lone Star.”
Texas lawmakers deplore mistreatment of National Guardsmen sent to border duty
Read full article: Texas lawmakers deplore mistreatment of National Guardsmen sent to border dutyLegislative leaders overseeing the Texas Military Department say they are looking into reports of suicides, habitual pay problems and poor working conditions on Gov. Greg Abbott's highly touted border mission.
Allen West blasts Gov. Greg Abbott over suicides, pay problems among National Guardsmen at the border
Read full article: Allen West blasts Gov. Greg Abbott over suicides, pay problems among National Guardsmen at the borderAbbott’s political challenger said guard members deployed to Operation Lone Star are facing late pay, being exposed to COVID-19, experiencing supply shortages and dealing with added stress that has led to multiple suicides tied to the mission.
U.S. Rep. Crenshaw on Capital riot investigation: ‘I don’t know what mystery is trying to be solved’
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Crenshaw on Capital riot investigation: ‘I don’t know what mystery is trying to be solved’U.S. Rep. Crenshaw on Capital riot investigation: ‘I don’t know what mystery is trying to be solved’
New law named for Vanessa Guillén will revamp military investigations into sexual assault, harassment
Read full article: New law named for Vanessa Guillén will revamp military investigations into sexual assault, harassmentOn Monday, President Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act, enacting provisions of the “I Am Vanessa Guillén Act.” The new law takes effect Jan. 1.
DC military base locked down until armed man detained
Read full article: DC military base locked down until armed man detainedA military base in the nation's capital was locked down for about two hours Friday, after an armed man ran onto the grounds following a report of gunfire on local streets surrounding the base.
A year after Vanessa Guillén’s death, lawmakers and advocates call for Congress to pass military sexual assault reform bill
Read full article: A year after Vanessa Guillén’s death, lawmakers and advocates call for Congress to pass military sexual assault reform billA federal bill was recently reintroduced, proposing sweeping changes to the way the military investigates sexual assault and harassment allegations. Texas lawmakers are urging Congress to make it law.
Texans can now schedule free COVID-19 vaccine clinics for groups of 5 or more
Read full article: Texans can now schedule free COVID-19 vaccine clinics for groups of 5 or moreGov. Greg Abbott encouraged “groups of Texans who wish to get vaccinated as a business, family unit, friend group, or more” to schedule an event.
How to honor the sacrifice of local fallen service members this Memorial Day Weekend
Read full article: How to honor the sacrifice of local fallen service members this Memorial Day WeekendIf you wish to honor the military heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, there’s a local event happening this Memorial Day weekend that makes it easy for everyone to participate.
How the USO boosted the morale of service members in the Houston area during the pandemic
Read full article: How the USO boosted the morale of service members in the Houston area during the pandemicThe USO has continued to provide support at testing sites, vaccine sites, food banks, food distribution, and more.
US soldier arrested in plot to blow up NYC 9/11 Memorial
Read full article: US soldier arrested in plot to blow up NYC 9/11 MemorialThe 20-year-old soldier, also known as Cole Gonzales, was with the Third Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Georgia, when he thought he was communicating with the Islamic State online about the terrorism plots, Biase said. They said he expressed his support for the Islamic State group and jihad on social media before he began communicating in October with an FBI employee who posed as an Islamic State group supporter in contact with the group's fighters in the Middle East. According to court papers, he expressed his frustration with the U.S. military and his desire to aid the Islamic State group. The criminal complaint said he then provided training and guidance to purported Islamic State fighters who were planning attacks, including advice about potential targets in New York City, including the 9/11 Memorial. This month, according to the complaint, Bridges sent a video of himself in body armor standing before an Islamic State flag, gesturing support.
Army leaders fighting distrust from soldiers at Fort Hood
Read full article: Army leaders fighting distrust from soldiers at Fort HoodFORT HOOD, Texas – The skepticism in the rooms was palpable when U.S. Army leaders met with soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas, in recent days, to check in on the embattled base, which has been stricken with violence and eroded morale over the past year. “I feel like leaders are just checking off boxes,” one male soldier said Thursday, as Army Sgt. Grinston, along with other Army leaders, met with dozens of soldiers. “The whole world is looking at Fort Hood, so they want to see you come here,” one female soldier said. He said the soldiers he met with told him: “Don’t stop getting to know your soldiers.
House votes to override Trump’s veto of defense bill
Read full article: House votes to override Trump’s veto of defense bill(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)WASHINGTON – The Democratic-controlled House voted overwhelmingly Monday to override President Donald Trump’s veto of a defense policy bill, setting the stage for what would be the first veto override of his presidency. House members voted 322-87 to override the veto, well above the two-thirds needed to override. Trump rejected the defense bill last week, saying it failed to limit social media companies he claims were biased against him during his failed reelection campaign. The veto override was supported by 212 Democrats, 109 Republicans and an independent. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, in a rare break with Trump, had urged passage of the defense bill despite Trump’s veto threat.
Defense spending bill named after Texas congressman passes U.S. House despite Trump’s veto threat
Read full article: Defense spending bill named after Texas congressman passes U.S. House despite Trump’s veto threatThe National Defense Authorization Act is a massive annual bill that addresses spending within the armed forces and rarely encounters obstacles en route to passage. But this year, President Donald Trump threatened to veto the NDAA the day of the vote. “I hope House Republicans will vote against the very weak National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which I will VETO,” Trump tweeted Tuesday morning. The bill’s sponsor was Thornberry’s Democratic counterpart, House Armed Services Chairman Adam Smith of Washington, who named the legislation the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act. “Doing it on the defense bill, airdropping it at the last minute, is not the right way.”Senior members in both chambers are warning the legislative delay could affect troops’ pay in the new year.
These 3 things make all the difference for veterans returning to civilian life
Read full article: These 3 things make all the difference for veterans returning to civilian lifeBut what happens when veterans return to civilian life? Here are three things that can help a veteran acclimate to civilian life. Access to workIt can be a process for a veteran to get acclimated back to civilian life. If you know someone who is struggling to find work, share this: They have access to free programs that are specifically structured for them. The Goodwill Houston’s Veterans Employment and Training Services program provides free resume preparation, job training and interview skills.
Meet this Army captain, recently presented with Bronze Star Medal after deployment during pandemic
Read full article: Meet this Army captain, recently presented with Bronze Star Medal after deployment during pandemicHow familiar are you with what military members do, day in and day out? Of course, all military members deserve our recognition for voluntarily raising a hand and going to bat for our country and our freedom. (Provided by Maximillian Boudreaux)Amid the uncertain times that go hand in hand with a global pandemic, Woodbury was sent overseas. “The mission is to help sustain logistics and maintenance support operations in Iraq -- more so to help the Iraqi Army sustain themselves,” Woodbury said. It was the support of my team that enabled me to obtain that Bronze Star,” Woodbury said.
Most of us can walk into a polling station and vote -- this is what it’s like for deployed military members
Read full article: Most of us can walk into a polling station and vote -- this is what it’s like for deployed military membersIt’s an issue that dates back to World War II: Making sure American servicemen and servicewomen have the ability to cast a vote in a presidential election, no matter where they’re stationed. With the passage of the Soldier Voting Act of 1942, it was settled: Military members would be given easy access to vote. Moran, who’s currently deployed in Poland, cast her first-ever absentee ballot for this year’s election. Although voting is a common task for many Americans, for most soldiers, it is a very unorthodox method -- voting overseas, that is, but the process is quite simple. In the 2000 presidential election, Republican nominee George W. Bush relied on 537 ballots to tilt Florida in his direction.
Fort Hood: Regaining trust after string of homicides, assaults and suicides
Read full article: Fort Hood: Regaining trust after string of homicides, assaults and suicidesKPRC 2 Investigates is looking into how Army leaders are trying to regain trust following a string of suicides, homicides and assaults. A new acting senior commander was appointed to Fort Hood and KPRC 2 investigator Robert Arnold conducted an exclusive sit-down interview with Maj. Gen. John Richardson. Not only is Richardson the new acting senior commander of Fort Hood, but he’s also the deputy commanding general of operations for III Corps. Every time they see a leader not enforce a standard, they’re noting that.”Multiple investigations are underway into exactly why Fort Hood experienced 129 felonies a year over five years. At the end of September, Richardson shut down the corps at Fort Hood for five days.
Fort Hood: The Army’s most dangerous post?
Read full article: Fort Hood: The Army’s most dangerous post?So far this year, nearly 30 service members connected to Fort Hood have died, including by homicide, suicide, accident and illness. Army leadership has admitted that Fort Hood has the worst rate of violent crime and incidents among its U.S. installations. Christopher Wayne SawyerSawyer, 29, was found unresponsive on March 5 in his residence on Fort Hood, according to a statement released by the post. Mejhor MortaMorta, 26, was found unresponsive July 17 in the vicinity of Stillhouse Hollow Lake, near Fort Hood. His body was discovered on Aug. 25 near railroad tracks in Temple, about 30 miles from Fort Hood.
4-star Army general meets with Vanessa Guillen’s family in Houston
Read full article: 4-star Army general meets with Vanessa Guillen’s family in HoustonHOUSTON – KPRC 2 Investigates has learned four-star general John Murray visited with the Guillen family Tuesday at their southeast Houston home. Vanessa Guillen, 20 and a Houston native, was last seen at Fort Hood on April 22. READ: Vanessa Guillen timeline: These are the dates to know about her caseArmy officials named the main suspect in Guillen’s disappearance as Spc. READ: Soldier’s estranged wife charged in connection with Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen’s disappearance, officials sayTuesday’s meeting comes more than six months after Guillen’s disappearance and as several investigations are underway into numerous problems uncovered at Fort Hood, including Guillen’s murder. In August, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy visited Fort Hood and apologized for failing Guillen and her family.
Spc. Vanessa Guillen’s death ruled ‘in the line of duty’
Read full article: Spc. Vanessa Guillen’s death ruled ‘in the line of duty’HOUSTON – The death of Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen has been ruled “in the line of duty” after a military investigation into the case, according to a statement issued by the Army on Tuesday. Investigators said an Army specialist and killed and dismembered Guillen. The specialist killed himself as officers moved in on him. Cecily Aguilar, 22, of Killeen, is accused of helping the specialist dispose of Guillen’s body in some nearby woods.
At least 9 Fort Hood soldiers found dead this year. Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus demands Congressional investigation
Read full article: At least 9 Fort Hood soldiers found dead this year. Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus demands Congressional investigation(TEXAS TRIBUNE) Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. Elder Fernandes was found Tuesday in Temple, about 30 miles from the base, roughly a week after he was reported missing. In May, Fernandes reported he had been a victim of sexual assault. Army officials said Wednesday that an investigation determined the inquiry was unsubstantiated and that Fernandes was made aware of the results, according to The Washington Post. The circumstances surrounding Guilln's death sparked protests across major cities in Texas, with demonstrators calling on the military to reform its investigations into sexual assault allegations.
Family: Soldier believed dead was happy until recently
Read full article: Family: Soldier believed dead was happy until recentlyElder Fernandes, 23, was found late Tuesday in Temple, according to local police. Natalie Khawam, who is representing the Fernandes family, said Army police told family members about the discovery late Tuesday night. Fort Hood officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. U.S. Army officials confirmed in a statement that Elder Fernandes reported an incident of abusive sexual contact and that investigation is ongoing. According to Isabel Fernandes, the family was told by Army officials that a different superior signed her nephew's hospital release.
9 Texas men, including 3 soldiers, charged in child sex ring case
Read full article: 9 Texas men, including 3 soldiers, charged in child sex ring caseKILLEEN, Texas (AP) Central Texas authorities say theyve cracked a child prostitution ring involving nine men, including three soldiers. Two Fort Hood soldiers and one from Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio are among the nine suspects netted in their investigation, Killeen police said. Seven suspects, including the Fort Hood soldiers, were arrested on felony child prostitution charges. The other two, including the Fort Sam Houston soldier, were charged with misdemeanor prostitution. Meantime, the planned transfer of the Fort Hood commander to Fort Bliss to assume command of a division has been postponed.
Honoring Vanessa: Public viewing at Chavez HS to begin at noon Friday
Read full article: Honoring Vanessa: Public viewing at Chavez HS to begin at noon FridayHOUSTON Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen will be remembered on Friday during a public memorial at Houstons Chavez High School, the same school she graduated from in 2018. A public viewing is scheduled to begin at noon followed by the rosary at 6 p.m.I just want the community to get together and honor who she was, said Ashley Macias, a friend of Vanessa who plans to attend the memorial. The two met at Chavez during soccer tryouts. Vanessa Guillen to be laid to rest in customized casket this weekendShe was actually always really positive, Macias said. The Guillen family believes she faced sexual harassment in the military and has called for a Congressional investigation.
Trial date set for Cecily Aguilar, woman charged in connection with Vanessa Guillens death
Read full article: Trial date set for Cecily Aguilar, woman charged in connection with Vanessa Guillens deathWACO, Texas The trial of a woman charged in connection with the death of Army Spc. Cecily Ann Aguilar, 22, was charged with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence after she told authorities her estranged husband, Aaron Robinson, 20, asked her to help dispose of Guillens body. According to Aguilar, Robinson killed Guillen by striking her in the head with a hammer while on Ft. Court documents showed that Aguilar entered a not guilty plea and is set to appear before a judge on Sept. 28 following jury selection. The legal teams have until Sept. 14 to enter a plea bargain, and should a plea bargain be entered, re-arraignment held on Sept. 22, according to court documents.
Vanessa Guillens funeral, procession: Heres what you need to know about the 2 days of events honoring the fallen soldier
Read full article: Vanessa Guillens funeral, procession: Heres what you need to know about the 2 days of events honoring the fallen soldierHOUSTON Vanessa Guillen will be laid to rest following a memorial service Friday and a caravan and a private funeral on Saturday. Guillens loved ones have shared the information on social media for those who want to participate in honoring the fallen soldier. FridayPublic events honoring Guillen start at 10:50 a.m. Friday, according to a schedule posted on social media. Friday will not be a day about justice or about our military reform, it will be about Vanessa Guillen. Friday will be the day of honoring, remembering, cheering, praying and respecting (the) beautiful life God gave her.SaturdayAt 5 p.m., there will be a caravan honoring Guillen ahead of a private funeral service and burial.
Fort Hood soldier drowns; 4th from base dead in months
Read full article: Fort Hood soldier drowns; 4th from base dead in monthsBELTON, Texas – U.S. Army officials said Tuesday that a Fort Hood soldier drowned at the same lake near the Texas base where another soldier's body was found last month. Fort Hood officials say they are cooperating with local authorities. Hernandezvargas is at least the fourth Fort Hood soldier whose body has been found in recent months. According to a federal complaint, the 20-year-old was bludgeoned to death at the base by a fellow Fort Hood soldier who later killed himself. Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy on July 10 ordered a review of the command climate at Fort Hood.
Houston-area Marine among 9 feared dead in sea-tank sinking
Read full article: Houston-area Marine among 9 feared dead in sea-tank sinkingThe 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit announced on Sunday that the others, from California, Texas, Wisconsin and Oregon, are presumed dead." The Marine Corps commandant, Gen. David Berger, suspended waterborne operations of more than 800 amphibious assault vehicles across the branch until the cause of the accident is determined. In 2011, a Marine died when an amphibious assault vehicle in a training exercise sank offshore of the camp. Neighbor remembers Marine from Cypress presumed dead in training mishapBill Nink lived next door to Cpl. Last week, Nink was watching the news and saw there was a military training accident with an amphibious assault vehicle in southern California.
1 Marine dead, 2 injured, 8 missing after vehicle accident in California
Read full article: 1 Marine dead, 2 injured, 8 missing after vehicle accident in CaliforniaCAMP PENDLETON, Calif. A military seafaring assault vehicle that sank off the coast of Southern California is under hundreds feet of water, beyond the reach of divers and complicating rescue efforts for eight missing troops, officials said Friday. Troops on board two other amphibious assault vehicles responded quickly but could not stop the 26-ton vehicle from sinking, Osterman said. All of the Marines on the vehicle, which resembles a seafaring tank, were attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Thursday's accident marks the third time in recent years that Camp Pendleton Marines have been injured or died in amphibious assault vehicles during training exercises. And in 2011, a Marine died when an amphibious assault vehicle in a training exercise sank off the shores of Camp Pendleton.
LIVE: Vanessa Guillens mother meets with President Donald Trump
Read full article: LIVE: Vanessa Guillens mother meets with President Donald TrumpWASHINGTON The attorney for the family of murdered Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen joined Members of Congress and the Guillen family to demand justice by introducing the #IAmVanessaGuillen Bill. Guillens mother spoke before the march:If passed, the bill will allow active duty service members to file sexual harassment and assault claims to a third-party agency instead of their chain of command. When someone volunteers to serve our country, they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect by their fellow service members. This bill will help us provide the protection and respect to others that was denied to Vanessa.Guillens family is also scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump. Following the meeting, Khawam gave a news conference to talk about the bill.