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Prepared Remarks by Secretary DeVos at the Education Writers Association 72nd National Seminar

Source: US Department of Education

Headline: Prepared Remarks by Secretary DeVos at the Education Writers Association 72nd National Seminar

Thank you for that introduction, and thank you for hosting me today.

Education is an issue I tend to think a lot about—and have for many years. I’ve followed your reporting and I appreciate all that you do as journalists.

The simple truth is: I never imagined I’d be a focus of your coverage. I don’t enjoy the publicity that comes with my position. I don’t love being up on stage or on any kind of platform. I’m an introvert.

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CSAF Speaks at 50th EOD Memorial Ceremony

Source: United States Air Force

Headline: CSAF Speaks at 50th EOD Memorial Ceremony

For fifty years, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal community have come together to commemorate those whom have made the ultimate sacrifice. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein led the ceremony, reminding America of the significance of the EOD Memorial and the names etched on the wall where lines of history and heroism intersect. The ceremony took place May 4, at the Kauffman EOD training complex at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida

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U.S. Army Soldiers participate in Poland’s Constitution Day Parade

Source: United States Army

Headline: U.S. Army Soldiers participate in Poland’s Constitution Day Parade

WARSAW, Poland – Approximately 30 Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley, Kansas and four Soldiers from 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery out of Baumholder, Germany, took part in Poland’s Constitution Day Parade in Warsaw, Poland, May 3, 2019.

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cinco de Mayo meal at Sustainment Bistro

Source: United States Army

Headline: cinco de Mayo meal at Sustainment Bistro

Lightning Support Soldiers enjoyed a special Mexican-themed meal in celebration of Cinco de Mayo at the Sustainment Bistro on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii May 3, 2019 complete with fresh Carne Asada tacos, churros, Mexican corn salad, elotes and mango salsa made from our top-notch culinary specialist.
(U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Sarah D. Williams)

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Air Force releases proposal request for the Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement Contract

Source: United States Air Force

Headline: Air Force releases proposal request for the Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement Contract

The Space and Missile Systems Center, in partnership with the National Reconnaissance Office, released a request for proposals May 3, for the purpose of competitively awarding firm fixed-price, indefinite-delivery requirements contracts to two domestic launch service providers. These “Launch Service Procurement” contracts are for National Security Space launch service procurements in fiscal year 2020 through 2024 for missions launching through 2027.

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Acting Secretary McAleenan Statement on U.S. Secret Service Leadership

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Headline: Acting Secretary McAleenan Statement on U.S. Secret Service Leadership

WASHINGTON – On May 3rd, Acting Secretary Kevin K. McAleenan released the following statement on U.S. Secret Service leadership:

“After a long and distinguished career, this week Randolph D. “Tex” Alles stepped down as Director of the U.S. Secret Service. Mr. Alles has led the dedicated men and women of the Secret Service with professionalism for the past two years. Before that, I had the distinct honor to serve with him at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) where he held the position of Chief Operating Officer. Before joining CBP, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 35 years, retiring in 2011 as a Major General. As a Marine aviator, he served in numerous leadership positions in both the Marine Corps and joint commands.

“I’m also proud to announce that Mr. Alles will transition to a new role with the Department, serving as the Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Management, and will oversee all aspects of the Department’s management programs, including financial, human capital, information technology, procurement, security, and asset management. I thank Mr. Alles for his willingness to serve, and I look forward to continuing to work together in pursuit of our shared mission. Mr. Alles will step in for Deputy Under Secretary Chip Fulghum, who has been integral to ensuring the Department functions efficiently and effectively. Mr. Fulghum has served the men and women of DHS with distinction since first joining in 2012, and we are forever grateful for his service. I wish him the very best in the years ahead.

“Today, President Donald J. Trump officially announced the appointment of James M. Murray as Director of the U.S. Secret Service. Mr. Murray began his Secret Service career in 1995 as a Special Agent in the New York Field Office, where he conducted cyber-enabled financial crime investigations and served as the agency’s representative to the FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force. Since then he has held a variety of positions in the Secret Service, including in the Presidential Protective Division and as the Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office. From 2016-2018, Mr. Murray served as Deputy Assistant Director of the Office of Protective Operations, where he led combined agency efforts for the 2016 Campaign, Presidential Transition and Inauguration. Mr. Murray served twice at the James J. Rowley Training Center in Beltsville, Maryland, first as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge in 2012 and then in 2018 as the Special Agent in Charge. In April 2018, Mr. Murray returned to the Office of Protective Operations as the Assistant Director. With his experience and commitment to the Secret Service, I’m confident he will continue to lead with distinction and I look forward to working with Jim.”
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Around the Air Force: F-35 First Combat Strike/Tyndall Update/Privatized Housing

Source: United States Air Force

Headline: Around the Air Force: F-35 First Combat Strike/Tyndall Update/Privatized Housing

On this look around the Air Force, U.S. F-35A Lightning II aircraft conduct their first combat strike, rebuilding at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, stops from lack of funding, and the Air Force creates a 24/7 helpline to address housing concerns.

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Voice of America Marks World Press Freedom Day with New Initiative

Source: Voice of America – Press Statements

Headline: Voice of America Marks World Press Freedom Day with New Initiative

Today the Voice of America launched its press freedom project in observation of World Press Freedom Day. The campaign will document the challenges, threats and intimidation facing journalists worldwide, and the creative and courageous ways that journalists are using to deliver news despite serious risks.  

 

The campaign’s tag line “A Free Press Matters” is now a permanent part of VOA’s brand identify. A new press freedom microsite on the agency’s English language news site, www.voanews.com, will feature relevant content contributed by VOA’s global broadcasting teams. A new press freedom beat in VOA’s News Center will curate and showcase press freedom stories with a particular emphasis on the regions where its audiences are based.   

 

Video reports such as VOA Africa division director Negussie Mengesha’s reflections on the emergence of new press freedoms in his native Ethiopia during his first visit to the country in more than 40 years after being forced out by censorship, and a profile of three news outlets in Caracas, Venezuela, reporting the news while the country is crumbling around them, are just some examples of the stories found on this new site.

 

“Given that press freedom is on the decline globally, VOA is embarking on an agency-wide effort to highlight the importance of the issue and expand our journalism about press freedom,” said VOA Director, Amanda Bennett.

 

A number of other initiatives, such as press freedom training opportunities, are still in the planning stages. 

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Camp Zama high school students have their day in court during ‘Law Day’ mock trial

Source: United States Army

Headline: Camp Zama high school students have their day in court during ‘Law Day’ mock trial

CAMP ZAMA, Japan (May 3, 2019) – A defendant, plaintiff, lawyer and jury members each take their place in the courtroom, chatting reservedly. But when the judge walks in, the conversations stop and they each rise-something they’re not accustomed to doing for their teachers or coaches.

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International Cadets gather together for a reception with USMA leaders

Source: United States Army

Headline: International Cadets gather together for a reception with USMA leaders

In less than a month, nearly 1,000 cadets will graduate from West Point and be commissioned into the Army as second lieutenants. Also graduating with the Class of 2019 will be 12 international cadets who have spent the last four years studying at West Point and then will go home to serve in their country’s Army.