Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
WILMINGTON, Del. – A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, man was sentenced on March 10, 2026, to 18 months in prison for stealing COVID-19 relief funds and ordered to pay $866,171 in restitution. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly imposed the sentence.
Source: United States Army
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – As a gesture of appreciation to the German communities surrounding Kaiserslautern, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz hosted its annual German-American Friendship Concert, March 7 at the Fruchthalle for an evening of music and friendship.
The evening’s program featured performances by the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Band and Chorus, whose musicians and vocalists guided the audience through a program ranging from classical compositions to contemporary favorites.
USAG Rheinland-Pfalz commander Col. Jeffery Higgins said the concert is a way to appreciate the German communities that have supported the U.S. military presence in the area for decades.
“Tonight’s concert is a way to build new bridges while reinforcing the historic bond between our communities,” he said. “Most importantly, it’s our opportunity to say, ‘thank you’ to this wonderful city and its incredible people.”
The annual tradition began in 2014 as a way to honor a partnership that dates back to the arrival of U.S. armed forces in the Kaiserslautern area over 70 years ago. Traditionally held in October, this year’s event marked the first time the concert was celebrated in the spring.
Petra Lessoing, the garrison’s host nation advisor, has been a key organizer of the event, connecting the German and American communities in the area.
“The German-American Friendship Concert is a highlight in my life,” Lessoing said. “The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Band and Chorus are such excellent performers. It is so much fun to listen to them and watch how they perform on stage.”
Lessoing said that when German community members pick up their tickets at the German-American Community Office, many describe the concert as a cherished tradition and a fixed date on their calendars.
The spirit of partnership continued both on and off stage. Musicians from the Koblenz Army Music Corps, Das Heeresmusikkorps Koblenz, joined the USAREUR-AF Band and Chorus for select performances, highlighting the close relationship between the two forces.
Soldiers from the garrison’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers organization demonstrated partnership in action as they worked alongside German student volunteers from the Burggymnasium High School in Kaiserslautern to support the event.
Anna Bluhm, a Burggymnasium student who volunteered for the event, said the experience was meaningful because it brought the two communities together.
“Working with U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz Soldiers showed how cooperation and teamwork can make something special possible,” Bluhm said. “I’m happy I was able to be a part of it.”
USAREUR-AF Band and Chorus executive officer 2nd Lt. Andres Peltier-Salazar said the concert continues to highlight the partnership between the United States and Germany.
“The German-American Friendship Concert is a longstanding tradition that exemplifies the enduring partnership and mutual respect between the United States and Germany,” he said. “This event also provides a unique opportunity for U.S. Soldiers and their German counterparts to collaborate, learn from one another, and build lasting relationships.”
To learn more about the USAREUR-AF Band & Chorus, visit https://www.band.eur.army.mil/
U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz sets, serves and secures the total force community, enabling power
projection for the European Theater.
Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/usag_rp
Source: United States Army
Meet Steven Rakestraw, a postal operation clerk at the USAG Wiesbaden Postal Service Center. Rakestraw has been a member of the community for over four years.
I’ve been in Germany for coming on fourteen years. It’s been wonderful for me, mainly because I reconnected with the love of my life, whom I met 41 years ago, and that’s why I came back to Germany.
I started in Heidelberg in 2012, and that was when Heidelberg was closing, and then I got transferred to Kaiserslautern, and I worked there until I got picked up here at Wiesbaden four years ago. By far I love the Wiesbaden Garrison, it’s great.
Every day starts with a team meeting. We get our assignments for the day while we’re in the meeting, and we get news about the garrison and current events – things relevant to the post office and our operation specifically. Also, we meet new team members and bid farewell to those who are moving on.
After the team meeting, we divide up and start either processing parcels or setting up for open-door operations like parcel pickup, finance, in and out processing, and official mail. That’s usually until lunchtime. We have a split lunch, which means someone has to cover for the window while the other person has gone to lunch. This is so that we can keep the windows open for the parcel pickup and finance, which is our outgoing mail.
After lunch, we process parcels if we can, but we also have to contend with the delivery truck coming in. Now, the delivery truck is going to dictate the rest of the day. If there is a large delivery, then we are going to be spending the rest of the day and maybe part of the next morning, getting the mail sorted into its appropriate areas, so that can take us right up until the close of business, end of day.
It’s really hard to see from outside the building what is going on behind those lockers. And the sheer numbers of first-class mail and parcels that come through, I think, would be a surprise to many people within the garrison. Now, we’re fortunate enough to have people who come in sometimes that are assigned to us, (such as volunteers) which is very occasional. However, we are pushing the mail for well over 7,000, almost 7,500 mail receptacles and smart lockers. So it’s a lot of stuff moving, and it’s a dance; it’s a coordination that we have to do. Unless a person could see it and could actually get behind the scenes and observe the operations, they won’t understand. I think it would boggle their mind if they did see it. There are a lot of moving parts.
So that is the main thing that I think would surprise people, is just the magnitude of what goes on inside the post office.
Oh, that’s easy. I love customer service. That’s my thing, and I enjoy the parcel pickup, uniting customers with their treasures. That is like the best thing in the world. You know, a box from Grandma at Christmas or a car part that they needed. This is a wonderful feeling for me, and I really get a kick out of that.
On the other side, with the finance window, a lot of questions come in, and I tend to catch people before they start looking around for the question to ask them, “Hey, do you need something? Is there something here?” It’s part of my makeup that I want to reach out and help those who find the process difficult and make it easier for them, because then they go away, and they don’t feel like it’s a chore or something they had to fight through.
Well, the only thing I would really suggest is that for those who are confounded by why the post office doesn’t work the way they perceive it should work, it would be great if they would come in and volunteer. It doesn’t take long, not even an hour or a couple of hours. We appreciate every hand that can come in and assist us. If I can encourage someone to come behind the scenes, see what it’s really like, get the understanding of it, and then be able to appreciate that and share that with others, that would be great. Other volunteers in the past have done this as well.
I think the main thing I would wish, is for the community to come see what postal operations is like, because I was amazed when I first got here. After all, this is a big post office, and I really think that the community should be proud of what they have here with us.
—
Courtesy contribution by Lavender Pate, a Career Practicum Placement student at Wiesbaden High School, working with the Garrison Public Affairs Office.
Source: United States Army
WASHINGTON — The District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) activated the 260th Special Purpose Brigade on March 7 at the D.C. Armory, establishing the only brigade in the U.S. Army specifically designed to coordinate military support to civil authorities and protect critical infrastructure in the nation’s capital.
The brigade was created in response to Executive Order 14339 and a subsequent directive from the secretary of war, which called for the immediate establishment, training and equipping of a dedicated National Guard unit capable of supporting public safety operations and strengthening coordination between military forces and civilian security partners in the District.
Brig. Gen. Craig Maceri, land component commander for DCNG, presided over the activation ceremony as Soldiers stood in formation and the brigade’s colors were uncased — a military tradition signaling that a unit has been formally activated and is ready for duty.
“The activation of the 260th Special Purpose Brigade represents the deliberate execution of national guidance,” Maceri said. “This unit provides the critical command and control structure that enables us to execute a broad spectrum of scalable operations while effectively integrating with our federal and district partners.”
The brigade will serve as a command-and-control headquarters responsible for coordinating military support to civil authorities, enabling National Guard forces to rapidly integrate with federal and local agencies responsible for safeguarding the capital.
Washington presents a unique operational environment. Within the District sit the constitutional institutions of the federal government, foreign embassies, national monuments and millions of annual visitors. Protecting that environment requires close coordination between military forces and civilian agencies during major national events, security operations and emergencies.
Among the brigade’s key partners is the U.S. Marshals Service, which regularly works alongside the DCNG during security operations in the capital.
“Partnerships like this are essential in Washington,” said U.S. Marshal Jurgen Soekhoe. “The 260th Special Purpose Brigade brings a level of coordination and readiness that allows federal law enforcement and the National Guard to operate as a unified team when security demands it.”
Col. Lawrence Doane, commander of the 260th Special Purpose Brigade, said the brigade structure ensures continuous coordination with partner agencies while maintaining the ability to expand rapidly when missions require additional forces.
“This brigade gives us an operational foundation for unity of effort,” Doane said. “It ensures continuity of planning and coordination so that when the situation changes, we can respond quickly and with clarity.”
The brigade also reflects the unique federal role of the DCNG, which reports directly to the president rather than to a state or territorial governor. That structure places the organization at the center of national-level security planning for the capital.
The unit’s new patch connects the brigade’s modern mission with its historical lineage. The design features three red stars and two red bars drawn from the District of Columbia flag, itself derived from the coat of arms of George Washington’s family.
The brigade carries forward the heritage of the 260th Military Police Command, a DCNG headquarters brigade that for decades coordinated military police operations supporting civil authorities and emergency response across the District until its inactivation in 2011. Its lineage reflects a longstanding mission of integrating National Guard forces with federal and local partners to protect critical institutions and maintain security in the nation’s capital.
At the center of the patch is an upright, unsheathed sword representing the brigade’s role in providing security and safeguarding the people who live, work and visit the nation’s capital.
“This new patch reflects something bigger,” Doane said. “It represents our commitment to protecting every person who sets foot in the Nation’s Capital.”
With the uncasing of its colors, the 260th Special Purpose Brigade begins its mission as a dedicated force supporting public safety, infrastructure protection and civilian–military coordination in Washington.
Related Links
The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil
State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil
The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard
The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard
The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard
Source: United States Army
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma National Guard firefighters and aviation crews recently completed wildfire suppression operations across the state after dry, windy conditions sparked multiple fires in February.
Authorized by Gov. Kevin Stitt at the request of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, the response included 16 wildland firefighters working near Talihina, Tahlequah and Stilwell. Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters equipped with 660-gallon water buckets and their crews also remained on standby throughout the mission.
“Having the capacity to deploy firefighters trained through our wildland firefighting program gives our state added flexibility when managing these emergencies,” said Brig. Gen. Robert Walter, assistant adjutant general–Army for the Oklahoma National Guard. “We’re proud of the opportunity to work alongside our partners at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol as part of a coordinated effort to serve the people of Oklahoma.”
The Guardsmen were broken up into different firefighting modules designed to serve unique mission sets.
The first module, supplemented by Type 6 fire engines and personnel from the Oklahoma Forestry Services, supported containment efforts by cutting handlines and clearing ladder fuels, such as low tree limbs, which can carry flames into the canopy.
Handlines are narrow strips of land cleared down to bare soil to remove vegetation and help stop the spread of fire.
Module two supported Oklahoma Forestry dozer operations, cut approximately 1.5 miles of handline and hiked three to 5 miles each day through rough terrain, scanning for smoke and preventing new flare-ups.
“[Our crew] responded to the Box Springs fire, which was approximately 1,000 acres, and the Highway 63 fire,” said Brian Weatherford, the Oklahoma Military Department’s wildland firefighting program manager and crew boss for module two. “Oklahoma Forestry received us with open arms and took multiple opportunities to plug us into the response effectively.”
According to Weatherford, since its inception, the program has trained more than 100 red-card certified firefighters, about 80 of whom were available for activation during this most recent mission.
Guardsmen in the program come from across the force, including infantry, engineering and logistics units. Some of the Guardsmen who served on this mission are also full-time civilian firefighters in their own communities.
The wildfire missions came just weeks after the Oklahoma National Guard was activated to assist stranded motorists during severe winter storms.
With Oklahoma’s spring severe weather season just around the corner, the quick transition from snow response to fire suppression underscores the Guard’s commitment to protecting lives and mitigating property damage regardless of conditions.
“Severe weather in Oklahoma is no longer seasonal, every season carries its own risk,” Walter said. “Having programs already in place, like the Wildland Firefighting Program, like our [stranded motorists assistance and recovery teams] teams, ensures that the Oklahoma National Guard is ready to respond to whatever nature throws our way.”
With fire season only beginning, the OKARNG remains “Always Ready, Always There” to support when called upon.
Related Links
The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil
State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil
The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard
The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard
The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard
Source: United States Army
CHON BURI PROVINCE, Thailand — Six Soldiers from the Washington Army National Guard partnered with members of the Royal Thai Army to conduct a Stryker Leader Course subject matter expert exchange from Jan. 19 – Feb. 6, in Ko Chan District, Chon Buri Province, Thailand, strengthening tactical knowledge and reinforcing the long-standing relationship between the two forces.
The training brought together Washington National Guard Soldiers from Joint Force Headquarters and the 1st Battalion, 205th Regimental Training Institute with Royal Thai Army Soldiers from the 11th Infantry Division, including the 111th Infantry Battalion and the 112th Stryker Regiment. The exchange was conducted as part of the State Partnership Program between Washington state and Thailand.
The Stryker Leader Course was designed to increase the Royal Thai Army’s ability to safely operate and effectively employ its Stryker vehicle fleet. Over several weeks, Washington Guard instructors shared technical knowledge and practical experience with Thai Soldiers through classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Course topics covered a wide range of essential Stryker operations, including safety procedures, preventive maintenance checks and services, vehicle recovery methods, driver’s compartment operations, hand-and-arm signals, tire replacement and hub isolation. Participants also trained on Stryker weapon systems, the commander’s remotely operated weapon station (CROWS), load planning, and vehicle movement and formations.
“This training allows us to exchange knowledge and build on the capabilities of both forces,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ricky Thomas, superintendent at the Washington Army National Guard’s Maneuver Area Training Equipment Sites at the Yakima Training Center. “Working side by side strengthens interoperability and helps ensure that soldiers are confident and capable when operating these systems.”
This iteration marked the seventh Stryker Leader Course subject-matter expert exchange with Royal Thai Army units since September 2022. The repeated engagements reflect the continued commitment of both militaries to developing professional skills and strengthening cooperation through regular training opportunities.
“The training increased knowledge and practical experience in operating and employing the Stryker platform with our Royal Thai Army partners, enhancing their ability to safely maneuver and sustain the vehicles in operational environments,” said Thomas. “These engagements also reinforce the enduring partnership between Washington state and Thailand through the State Partnership Program, which promotes military-to-military cooperation, shared expertise, and regional security through recurring training and exchanges.”
Related Links
The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil
State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil
The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard
The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard
The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak announced today that the District of Utah collected $13,502,232.06 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2025. Of this amount, $8,716,979.03 was collected in criminal actions and $4,758,253.03 was collected in civil actions.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
SAN DIEGO –Wayne Fister, aka Wayne Wong, was indicted by a federal grand jury for selling millions of counterfeit U.S. postage stamps, earning more than $6 million as part of the scheme. The indictment, unsealed yesterday, charged Fister with Mail Fraud, Selling Counterfeit Stamps, and Money Laundering. According to court documents and statements made in court, since July 2024, Fister used his account in an online marketplace to sell the counterfeit U.S. postage stamps.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Richard Patterson, Jr., 44, of Norco, California, was sentenced yesterday to 68 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for conspiring to commit wire fraud and failing to appear for a court hearing.
Source: United States Department of Justice
A Swiss executive pleaded guilty today to participating in a multimillion-dollar securities fraud scheme after living abroad as a fugitive for nearly 11 years.
According to court documents, Martin Schlaepfer, 67, a Swiss national, identified himself to victims as the Chief Executive Officer of Malom Group AG, a purported Swiss investment company. Beginning as early as October 2009, Schlaepfer and his co-conspirators located in Switzerland and Las Vegas, Nevada, orchestrated a scheme in which they promoted investments that they knew to be fictitious. Schlaepfer and his co-conspirators told victims that, for an up-front payment, Malom would provide access to lucrative investment opportunities and substantial cash loans. To effectuate this scheme, the co-conspirators provided victims with fabricated bank documents purporting to show that Malom held hundreds of millions of dollars in overseas bank accounts. When victims wired their money into an escrow account controlled by the co-conspirators, the money was released and disbursed to, among others, Schlaepfer for his own personal use. As a result of the scheme, victims were defrauded of approximately $6 million.
Schlaepfer was indicted in December 2013. He was arrested in Italy in September 2024, pursuant to an Interpol Red Notice, and extradited to the United States in July 2025. Three of Schlaepfer’s co-conspirators, Anthony Brandel, James Warras and Sean Finn, were found guilty of conspiracy and multiple counts of wire fraud and securities fraud following separate jury trials in 2015 and 2020 and each sentenced to 87 months in prison. A fourth defendant, Joseph Micelli, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and securities fraud in 2015 and was sentenced to 60 months in prison. A fifth defendant, Hans-Jurg Lips, remains at large outside the United States. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Schlaepfer pleaded guilty to securities fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
The FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office is investigating the case.
Senior Counsel Anna G. Kaminska and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Italian authorities to secure the extradition of Schlaepfer from Italy.