Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Timothy Clark, 31, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 14 months in prison in connection with the illegal possession of a loaded handgun found in his vehicle when police stopped him near the U.S. Capitol, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Source: United States Army
GETTYSBURG, Pa. – For the better part of the past 9 years, it was just the three of them. A mother and her two sons navigating life side by side.
Through challenges, loss, and perseverance, they built a bond through resilience. Years later, that bond would lead them to answer a call much bigger than themselves.
At 42 years old, Katherine Zito enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a Signals Intelligence Analyst. Standing alongside her was her 20-year-old son, Matthew Zito, who enlisted as a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Repairer.
What began as a joke eventually became a life-changing decision.
Matthew had come across a social media post about the military raising the enlistment age limit and sent it to his mom, half-jokingly. Katherine laughed it off, at first. When the age-waiver policy changed, she suddenly found herself asking whether this was something she should seriously consider.
After her husband lost his battle with cancer eight-and-a-half-years ago, Katherine became a widow and devoted herself to raising her family. She was a dedicated wrestling mom, traveling with her sons’ teams and supporting them every step of the way. After years of putting others first, she found herself asking a simple question: What if this opportunity was for me, too?
“I can’t encourage my kids to take advantage of opportunities like this if I’m not willing to look into them myself.” Katherine said. “The benefits apply no matter your age. This allows me to finish college, serve my community, and opens doors to a new career path if I choose to pursue one. It’s never too late to step into something greater than yourself. I’ve spent years taking care of everyone else. This was my choice to do something for myself.”
Her decision is also deeply connected to her son’s decision to join. She knew if he could do it, so could she.
“I didn’t have a choice in the struggles we went through,” Katherine said. “But I did have a choice to do this. It’s never too late. “Whether you’re 20 or 42, service isn’t defined by age. It’s defined by the decision to show up, commit, and be part of something bigger than yourself. We also want to make my husband and Matthew’s dad proud.”
Matthew’s path to service was inspired by many of the same values. As he prepared for college at Drexel University in Philadelphia, he saw the Guard as an opportunity to gain valuable skills, help pay for his education, and open future career paths. The military offered a way to invest in his future while serving something bigger than himself.
“The military is going to open up so many career opportunities for me. I will get to learn and be paid to learn a skill that I cannot learn anywhere else. I am excited to see what career opportunities this opens for me, and to also be alongside this journey with my mom.” Matthew said.
With his mother by his side, Matthew learned long before enlistment what resilience truly looks like. He watched her overcome adversity, sacrifice for her family, and continue moving forward despite every obstacle life placed in her path.
Matthew is scheduled to leave for Basic Combat Training this July, and his mom is scheduled to leave in January 2027. This allows both of them to be available to support each other and to be there for their family and on their graduation day.
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
TAPA, Estonia – Soldiers from the U.S., Great Britain and France participated in a commemorative Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. The event honored the legacy of the Free French defenders at the Battle of Bir Hakeim, a key engagement in the North African campaign of World War II that showcased the determination of Free French forces against a larger enemy force.
The race served as an opportunity for service members from allied nations to honor shared military history while strengthening bonds across the NATO alliance. Participants were required to overcome a series of physical challenges, including waist-deep mud and high obstacles. The race tested their endurance, determination and resilience to honor the defenders at Bir Hakeim.
“I’d say the race was about remembering the physical hardships French service members went through,” said U.S. Army Pfc. Gage Leavitt, a race participant and military police officer assigned to the 603rd Military Police Company. “Back then, they dealt with a lot worse conditions than just mud and going over obstacles. Running the race helped put into perspective the hard work and sacrifices made by those who served before us.”
Hosted by the French Foreign Legion, the event brought together soldiers from multiple NATO nations to challenge themselves side-by-side while commemorating the battle’s historical significance. Throughout the course, participants relied on teamwork to navigate difficult obstacles, often helping and encouraging one another while running.
For Leavitt, the event highlighted the importance of cooperation among allied forces and reflected the relationships that support NATO’s collective defense mission.
“We’re all soldiers, and if hard times come, it’s the people to our left and right that we’re going to rely on,” Leavitt said. “Events like this help build those relationships and remind us that we have to support each other and work together.”
V Corps is the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans.
Source: United States Army
OKLAHOMA CITY — A groundbreaking new artificial intelligence tool developed by an Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldier is set to transform the way the state processes military awards, potentially saving administrative staff more than 61,000 hours of paperwork and allowing them to focus more on supporting Soldiers and mission readiness.
Staff Sgt. Herbert Hailey, an information technology specialist assigned to the Oklahoma Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion, developed the tool after being asked by his battalion’s personnel officer to streamline the process of identifying Guardsmen eligible for time-in-service awards.
The traditional awards process requires administrative personnel to manually review each Soldier’s NGB-23A retirement points record, evaluate service history and calculate years of qualifying service.
Drawing on skills gained during a specialized Oklahoma Army National Guard-hosted artificial intelligence and data training course delivered by Skillquest, Hailey used advanced prompting within the Army Vantage platform to develop an AI-powered widget that automates much of that work.
At launch, the widget processes data to determine eligibility for the Oklahoma Good Conduct Medal, with plans to expand its capabilities to include the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal and Oklahoma Long Service Ribbon.
“Our priority is taking care of Soldiers,” said Sgt. Lorelei Hubbard, an administrative noncommissioned officer in the OKARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion. “But manual record scrubs for awards like the Oklahoma Good Conduct Medal can take hours per Soldier. This widget represents a massive leap forward in our administrative capabilities. Ultimately, it ensures our Soldiers receive the accurate, hard-earned recognition they deserve.”
Hailey said his development of the awards widget is not just about streamlining processes.
“It’s about creating better quality of life for our staff members while positively impacting our service population’s readiness. It’s all linked, it’s an ecosystem and I’m just the guy trying to retire the ‘struggle bus’ one prompt at a time,” Hailey said.
The tool reads the digital contents of a Soldier’s NGB-23A, identifies qualifying years of service and determines eligibility for awards.
The administrative savings are already significant. Within the OKARNG’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion alone, submitting all RRB-assigned Soldiers for a single award would normally require approximately 483 hours of administrative labor.
When scaled across the Oklahoma National Guard, the tool is projected to save more than 20,400 hours per award cycle. Once expanded to process additional time-in-service awards, projected savings could exceed 61,000 hours across the force.
By eliminating thousands of hours of manual administrative work, the innovation allows personnel professionals to spend less time processing paperwork and more time supporting Soldiers, units and mission readiness.
“Staff Sgt. Hailey’s initiative demonstrates the kind of innovation that keeps the Oklahoma National Guard moving forward,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma. “By identifying a challenge and developing a practical solution, he’s helping save valuable time across the force. Guardsmen at every level are finding new ways to solve problems, improve efficiency and allow our Soldiers and Airmen to focus on what matters most: remaining ready to support our state and federal missions.”
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
WEST POINT, New York -New York Army National Guard Col. Matthew Kilgore, a Cornwall resident, assumed command of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which is headquartered in Syracuse, during a Sunday June 14 ceremony at his alma mater, the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.
Kilgore, previously served as the chief of staff for the 53rd Troop Command headquartered at the Camp Smith Training Site in Cortlandt Manor, New York. He received his commission at the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2002.
Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York, presided over the ceremony.
“We know you are the right leader for the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team as you are preparing for upcoming overseas deployments,” Shields said. “Keep focusing on your people and building combat capable units.”
In his new role, Kilgore oversees over 4,000 Soldiers across New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is headquartered in Syracuse, New York at the Syracuse Armory, both 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment and 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment have units in Massachusetts, with 2nd Squadron also having assets in Rhode Island.
“I am truly honored and humbled to stand in front of you today as your next commander,” said Kilgore.
“First and foremost, my amazing family that’s here. My lovely wife Dawn, thank you so much for [your] patience, your support and taking care of our family so I can continue to do these crazy Army jobs,” Kilgore said.
“To my children, Ryan and Josie, thank you for your sacrifices, and thank you for just being the amazing young adults that you are,” he added.
Kilgore thanked New York Army National Guard leaders for the opportunity and their confidence in him. “I appreciate the guidance and mentorship you have shown and will take all of that into this critical position”, he said.
The former commander, Col. Bradley Frank, expressed his gratitude to senior leaders for placing trust in him to serve as brigade commander. He said, “I didn’t’ truly know what brigade command would bring, but I certainly did not expect it to bring me back to nearly the exact spot I commissioned 24 short years ago.”
Frank, also a West Point graduate, thanked Soldiers throughout the entire 27th IBCT formation, his wife Krista, and sons, Henry, Jacob, and Isaac for their unwavering support throughout his journey in the Army.
“Matt, you are taking the guidon of a formation that is trained, cohesive, and fully committed to excellence,” Frank told Kilgore. “Best of luck, you have an outstanding team standing with you,” he added.
“It has been the greatest honor of my career to command this brigade.”
Kilgore’s deployments include mobilizations to Iraq and Afghanistan as well as serving in support of civil authorities both in a state and federal capacity.
In 2008, he transitioned to the New York Army National Guard and was selected for the Active Guard and Reserve program in 2009. He’s led Infantry formations from platoon to the battalion level in the New York National Guard, and now he will lead at the brigade level as commander of the 27th IBCT.
During the 6 years he served on active duty, he fulfilled assignments as Rifle Platoon Leader, Anti-tank Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer in 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division and Information Warfare Officer and COIC Battle Captain with the G3, 1st Calvary Division.
As a guardsmen, he served as an executive officer for the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, and as the commander of A Company of the New York Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion.
He’s commanded the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, and served as the operations officer for the 53rd Troop Command. He’s also served as operations officer for the New York Army National Guard and for the New York National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters.
Kilgore’s military education includes the Command and General Staff Officer’s Course, Advanced Operations Course, Defense Strategy Course, Air Assault School, Command and General Staff College, the U.S. Army War College, and the Reserve Component National Security Course.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medals, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the NATO Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Basic Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.
Kilgore holds a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Ocala, Florida – Brian James Verka (39, Beverly Hills) has been charged by indictment with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and attempted production of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, he faces a minimum prison sentence of 10 years, up to life, on the attempted enticement offense, and a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to 30 years, for the attempted production offense. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Jacksonville, Florida – Jennifer Susan Cruz (41, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to assaulting officers conducting an immigration operation. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Anthony Belford was arraigned last week on federal charges of cyberstalking after allegedly using social media accounts to post more than a dozen messages with nude images generated by artificial intelligence and racist comments during a three-month online harassment scheme.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Moore had previously pleaded guilty to knowingly and intentionally distributing an amount in excess of 50 grams of meth. This investigation was part of HSTF which brought together local and federal partners to eliminate criminal gangs in our streets. The investigation of this case was carried out by Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County’s Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the United States Marshals.
Source: United States Army
WIESBADEN, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden participates in the 2026 Hessentag in Fulda, joining the festivities with a recruiting container and information booth.
The Hessentag is Germany’s oldest and largest state festival, first established in 1961 to foster a sense of community in the newly formed state of Hesse.
Each year, a different Hessian city hosts this ten-day event, which features a vibrant mix of culture, business, entertainment, and politics. This year the 63rd Hessentag takes place June 12 to 21 in Fulda.
Visitors can enjoy concerts and shows by well-known national and international artists, exhibitions from ministries, the military, clubs, and local businesses, as well as a wide variety of regional foods and drinks.
Garrison Wiesbaden is represented by ten volunteers who, alongside colleagues from the 2nd Signal Brigade and United States Army Europe and Africa, bring a diverse range of backgrounds — from full-time employees and trainees to dual students — offering visitors a chance to learn more about the U.S. Army as an employer and partner.Together, these German civilian employees are showcasing their training and career paths.
Four of the young professionals attending the event are:
Anouk König– metal worker apprentice building ramps and handrails; plans to become a technician.
Laura Oesterheld– office management apprentice rotating through Human Resources, the Housing Office, and the Public Affairs Office; aims to earn aBusiness Administratorqualification.
Niko Perez– former metal worker now managing locking systems for up to 20,000 doors; values steady hours and training options.
Vanessa Scherf– dual civil engineering student gaining international experience and learning both German and U.S. construction law.
“The U.S. Army in Wiesbaden is also a part of Hesse and we want to show that on the yearly Hessentag,” said Thomas Schulze, Workforce Development Program Manager. “We are very thankful that the Bundeswehr provides that opportunity as it is a great partner.”
This presence highlights the strong connection between the U.S. Forces and the Hessen community. Through interactive displays and engagement,U. S. Army GarrisonWiesbaden aims to foster understanding, showcase opportunities, and demonstrate its role as an integral part of life in Hessen.
“The Hessentag offers us exposure to a wide audience. Many visitors are unaware that Local Nationals work in the Garrison Wiesbaden,” said Schulze.
Currently, the garrison workforce at USAG Wiesbaden is comprised of more than 79%local national hires.
“I decided to apply to the U.S. Army because it was important to me not just to sit in an office, but to interact with people—to provide employee support,” explained Oesterheld.“I also wanted to work for an organization that stood for certain values, and the U.S. Army truly is a very family-oriented employer. And I love the variety the Army offers.”
Working as a Local National at USAG Wiesbaden combines secure, collective-agreement-backed pay and regular bonuses with an exceptional work-life balance featuring 30 vacation days, regular hours, and extra time off on American holidays.
Additionally, employees enjoy unique cultural perks like on-post gym access, American food, and a diverse, international environment that offers excellent career growth, apprenticeships, and dual-study programs.
“There’s also a real sense of appreciation here,” Oesterheld added. ”Once you’ve done your job and built up trust, you’re given the independence to work on your own. It’s a goodatmosphere and simply a different kind of employer—an exceptional one. It bridges two worlds—and it’s simply not a boring job.”
Persons interested in working with the U.S. Army can stop by the recruitment both at during the Hessetage or visit: https://portal.chra.army.mil/mnrs