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American WWII Veteran Honored by France for D-Day Service at Fort Jackson Ceremony

American WWII Veteran Honored by France for D-Day Service at Fort Jackson Ceremony

Dominick Giarratana, a 103-year-old American World War II veteran, was awarded the French Legion of Honor, France’s highest distinction, in a ceremony held at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C., on the eve of Veterans Day. Giarratana, who was part of the first wave of American troops to land at Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, received the honor more than 80 years after his service. The award was presented by Matthieu Clouvel Gervaiseau, the Consul General of France in Atlanta. Giarratana was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943 and served with the 16th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division, fighting across Europe until he was wounded in Germany. The ceremony was attended by Virginia Durr from Normandy, who expressed gratitude for his role in liberating her homeland.

Goldwater Institute Emphasizes Preservation of Freedoms as Tribute to Veterans

Goldwater Institute Emphasizes Preservation of Freedoms as Tribute to Veterans

The Goldwater Institute, in observance of Veterans Day, highlighted the importance of preserving the freedoms defended by military veterans as the greatest tribute to their service. Jon Riches, Vice President for Litigation at the Goldwater Institute and a U.S. Navy veteran, emphasized that while many Americans will not serve in the military, all citizens have a role in maintaining freedom. This includes defending a neighbor's right to speak, even when disagreeing with their views, and insisting that elected officials respect constitutional limits on their power. The Institute expressed its privilege in supporting Americans who uphold these rights and limits, often at personal cost. The article acknowledges the significant sacrifices made by military personnel and their families, including time away from loved ones and the challenges faced by spouses managing households alone. It underscores that the freedoms enjoyed by current generations are a direct result of veterans' service.

US Border Patrol and Regional Agencies Conduct Specialized Tracking Training in Grand Forks

US Border Patrol and Regional Agencies Conduct Specialized Tracking Training in Grand Forks

The United States Border Patrol recently hosted a multiagency tracking class in Grand Forks, focusing on specialized regionalized training for duties along the U.S.-Canada border. This training is crucial for agents and local law enforcement partners who must be prepared to track individuals in life-threatening conditions, particularly during the region's harsh winter climate. Participants honed their tracking skills, learning to establish sign descriptions, read footprints and grass trails, and understand the components required to track individuals across diverse terrain. The course included three days of intensive classroom instruction, practical exercises, and scenario-based training, with the final day featuring scenarios at the Pembina Gorge. Participating agencies included the Pembina County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Forks Police Department, Kittson County Sheriff’s Office, Canadian law enforcement partners, and the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

Beggs Police Department Faces Scrutiny Over Missing Guns, Uninvestigated Burglaries, and Mishandled Evidence

Beggs Police Department Faces Scrutiny Over Missing Guns, Uninvestigated Burglaries, and Mishandled Evidence

The Beggs Police Department in Oklahoma is under intense scrutiny following revelations of significant operational failures, including missing federally issued M16 rifles, numerous uninvestigated burglaries, and the alleged mishandling of a blood sample in a death investigation. Former Police Chief John Palacio, who served in 2025, described the department as being in disarray upon his arrival, citing a subpar radio system and a high turnover rate of police chiefs, with five in 16 months. Palacio claimed that 60-something burglaries occurred in the three years prior to his tenure, with only 25 reported and even fewer leading to arrests or charges. He also alleged that requests for equipment upgrades were denied. Former City Administrator Steve Barteau reported that a blood sample in a death case was left in a police department refrigerator for 30 days, violating state law requiring immediate submission to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Mayor Roger Merrill denied knowledge of uninvestigated cases...

US Border Patrol and Regional Agencies Conduct Joint Tracking Training in Northern Border Region

US Border Patrol and Regional Agencies Conduct Joint Tracking Training in Northern Border Region

The United States Border Patrol recently hosted a multiagency tracking class focusing on specialized regional training for duties along the U.S.-Canada border. This training is crucial for agents and local law enforcement partners to prepare for life-threatening conditions during the harsh winter climate in the northern region. Participants honed their tracking skills to conduct search operations for lost individuals, a capability that extends beyond apprehending border crossers to include locating missing hunters, lost hikers, and endangered children. The course involved three days of intensive classroom instruction, practical exercises, and scenario-based training, covering fundamentals such as establishing sign descriptions, reading footprints, and understanding various components required to track individuals across diverse terrain. Participating agencies included the Pembina County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Forks Police Department, Kittson County Sheriff’s Office, Ca...

Former Eagles Cheerleader Rachel Washburn Nominated for 2026 Salute to Service Award for Veteran Advocacy

Former Eagles Cheerleader Rachel Washburn Nominated for 2026 Salute to Service Award for Veteran Advocacy

Rachel Washburn, a former Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader and U.S. Army veteran who served two tours in Afghanistan, has been nominated for the NFL's 2026 Salute to Service Award. Washburn's journey includes balancing her Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) duties with her role as an Eagles Cheerleader, serving as an Intelligence Platoon Leader in combat, and now dedicating her post-military career to assisting veterans. She currently works at Academy Securities, a veteran-owned investment bank, where she helps veterans transition into financial services. The firm's mission is to train, hire, and mentor post-9/11 veterans, providing them with access to networks and career opportunities in an industry that can be challenging for those with non-traditional backgrounds. Washburn's nomination recognizes her significant impact beyond her military service and her continued advocacy for women in the U.S. military.

Lockheed Martin Honors 102-Year-Old Veteran Lewis Kidd for Decades of Aviation Contributions

Lockheed Martin Honors 102-Year-Old Veteran Lewis Kidd for Decades of Aviation Contributions

Lockheed Martin Honors 102-Year-Old Veteran Lewis Kidd for Decades of Aviation Contributions

Meritage Homes Donates Mortgage-Free Home to Navy Veteran in Mississippi

Meritage Homes Donates Mortgage-Free Home to Navy Veteran in Mississippi

Meritage Homes, in partnership with the national military nonprofit Operation Homefront, is donating a brand-new, mortgage-free home to Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Maggie Coleman, a Navy veteran, in Gulfport, Mississippi. This donation marks the 23rd home Meritage Homes has provided through Operation Homefront's Permanent Homes for Veterans program. Ms. Coleman, a mother of two, served 13 years in the Navy, including deployments to Italy and Kuwait. The new home is a 2,000-square-foot residence with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, located in Meritage's Hidden Trails community. The key ceremony for Ms. Coleman and her family is scheduled for Veterans Day, November 11. This initiative aims to provide stable housing for military families who have served the nation.

U.S. Soldier Arrested in England on Suspicion of Espionage Related to Russia

U.S. Soldier Arrested in England on Suspicion of Espionage Related to Russia

A 41-year-old U.S. Army soldier was arrested in England on suspicion of espionage related to Russia. The unnamed soldier, serving in NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps near Gloucester, was detained under the U.K. National Security Act 2023 for allegedly assisting a foreign intelligence service and disclosing protected information. The Metropolitan Police's counterterror forces, working with the FBI and U.S. military, made the arrest. FBI Director Kash Patel described it as an 'important arrest' concerning allegations of espionage that are of 'utmost concern' for the U.S. and its allies. Searches are underway at two locations in Gloucestershire, and the suspect is currently in custody in London. Authorities have clarified that this arrest is not connected to other recent counterterror investigations, including suspected plots linked to Iran.

A Detroit group is using dog tags to aid homeless women veterans

A Detroit group is using dog tags to aid homeless women veterans

Alexis Derriso, founder of the Motown Women Veterans Association, highlights the sacrifices women have made in the military

Erick Reyes-Hidalgo Arrested on Forgery, Deception, and Habitual Offender Charges in Nashua

Erick Reyes-Hidalgo Arrested on Forgery, Deception, and Habitual Offender Charges in Nashua

Erick Reyes-Hidalgo has been arrested in Nashua, New Hampshire, facing multiple charges including forgery, deception, and being a habitual offender. These charges stem from incidents that occurred in January 2025 and a more recent event on Tuesday. Reyes-Hidalgo was also wanted on existing warrants from both Maryland and New Hampshire, indicating a history of legal issues across state lines. The Nashua Police Department made the arrest, bringing attention to the ongoing efforts to address criminal activity within the city. This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking and apprehending individuals with outstanding warrants and a pattern of repeat offenses.

Akron Faces Felony Charges for Damaging Flock Cameras Amidst Scrutiny

Akron Faces Felony Charges for Damaging Flock Cameras Amidst Scrutiny

Three individuals in Akron are facing felony vandalism charges for damaging Flock Safety license-plate cameras. According to the Akron Beacon Journal, 17 of the city's 145 Flock cameras have been damaged, vandalized, or stolen since July 10. Eight of these cameras have been replaced at a cost of approximately $4,000. The damage includes cameras being painted or taped over, wires snipped, and entire units cut down and presumed stolen. The incidents are spread across various Akron neighborhoods, including Goodyear Heights, Middlebury, Chapel Hill, and North Hill. Akron police Lt. Michael Murphy stated that investigations are ongoing, but identifying suspects is challenging as Flock cameras do not capture live footage, making it difficult to review incidents in real-time. This wave of vandalism occurs while the Flock camera system is already under scrutiny in Akron, following reports of a former police officer misusing the technology.