I was reminded by a coworker today that I don't know what "volunteer" means. He referenced that no Marine knows such freedom. Touché, Air Force Veteran, touché...

Alright, enough of the BS - Let's smoke straight to the butt of these headlines.

Texas Court Tosses More Trespassing Charges in Trump Era Military Zones: A Setback for Immigration Crackdown - A judge in a border state has dismissed trespassing charges against individuals accused of entering military zones established by the Trump administration along the U.S.-Mexico border, representing another legal setback for the immigration enforcement strategy.

Hegseth to Lead U.S. Defense Strategy at Asia's Shangri-La Summit Amidst China’s Retreat - U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will attend the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to discuss Pentagon strategies under the Trump administration but won't meet with his Chinese counterpart due to China's downgraded participation. Hegseth aims to prioritize U.S. military focus in the Indo-Pacific amid ongoing regional tensions.

Shifting Strategies: U.S. Military Calls for Greater Burden-Sharing in Africa Amid Rising Insurgency Threats - The U.S. military is shifting its focus in Africa from promoting governance to urging allies to independently manage their security as insurgencies rise. At the African Lion training exercise, officials emphasized burden-sharing over previous cooperation strategies. Challenges include weak local militaries and growing threats from groups like al-Qaida and ISIS.

Frosty Relations: Israeli Defense Firms Face Uncertainty as Philippines Shifts Focus - Israeli defense companies are concerned about deteriorating relations with the Philippines, attributed to Manila's shift away from Israeli suppliers and potential issues over South China Sea sovereignty claims. The Israeli Ministry of Defense is prioritizing local equipment deliveries amid the Gaza conflict, impacting international contracts.

Sky-High Salaries: Army Paratroopers Set for Historic Pay Raise, Says Hegseth - Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a pay increase for U.S. Army paratroopers, with jump pay rising to $200 monthly and jumpmasters receiving $300. This announcement came during the 82nd Airborne Division's All American Week. Hegseth emphasized the importance of deterrence and a commitment to peace through strength.

New Challenges Ahead: Army Implements Stricter Reenlistment Rules Amid Troop Reduction Plans - The Army is ending a program that enabled soldiers to extend enlistments in short increments, forcing them to commit to longer service terms, according to internal documents and emails reviewed by Military.com.

Europe's FCAS Initiative Soars: French Officials Highlight Strong Advancements in Future Combat Air System - Senior French officials report that Europe’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, involving three nations, is making significant progress.

Agile Warriors: Celebrating 35 Years of Lethal Precision in Air Force Special Operations Command - U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) celebrates its 35th anniversary amid evolving global challenges. Since its establishment, AFSOC has adapted rapidly to meet diverse threats while achieving significant operational success. Emphasizing agility and innovation, AFSOC remains committed to delivering lethal solutions and maintaining readiness for future conflicts.

UK Soars Ahead: Groundbreaking Advances in Sixth-Generation Fighter Demonstrator Set for First Flight by Mid-2027 - Progress is underway on the UK’s BAE Systems-led sixth-generation fighter demonstrator, with a first flight event expected to occur before mid-2027.

US National Guard Replaces A-10s with F-15EX Eagle II Fighters - The 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, will replace its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft with 21 F-15EX Eagle II fighters, as announced by President Trump on April 29, 2025. The F-15EX, a modern multi-role fighter, offers advanced systems, a 29,500-pound payload, 2,762-mile range, and Mach 2.5+ speed. This transition, part of the Air Force’s A-10 retirement since 2022, ensures Selfridge’s fighter mission and supports national defense and Michigan’s economy.

Streamlining Command: Secretary Noem Directs Coast Guard to Slash Flag Officer Positions by 25% Amid Oversight Concerns - Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem identified "redundant executive oversight" within the Coast Guard's structure, as stated by the service.

Cosmic Commerce: Unleashing Revenue Potential in the New Era of Space Sponsorship - The article discusses the emerging era of space exploration driven by increased private-sector investment. It highlights the potential for rapid growth in the industry, focusing on national security and new revenue opportunities through space sponsorship.

Trump Appoints Four-Star Space Force General to Lead Ambitious Golden Dome Missile Defense Initiative - President Donald Trump has appointed a four-star Space Force general to lead the development of Golden Dome, a costly space-based missile defense system announced at the start of his second term.

Honoring a Legacy: Former US Rep. Charles Rangel, 94, Korean War Hero and Distinguished Public Servant, Passes Away - During the Korean War, he received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his bravery and service.

Brotherhood in Arms: A Family's Military Legacy. 30 Years Later, Only Two Stand Tall - The close-knit family had all four siblings serve in the military, leading the local office to award honorary recruiter certificates to their mother and sister. Additionally, all three brothers were deployed overseas.

From the Depths of History: Four WWII Heroes Return Home After 81 Years - The remains of four crew members from the WWII bomber Heaven Can Wait, shot down in 1944, are being returned to their hometowns after a long investigation. Family members, aided by Navy divers, identified their locations. Ceremonies have been held for Staff Sgt. Eugene Darrigan and 2nd Lt. Thomas Kelly, with others planned.

Trump Commends America's Finest: A Solemn Wreath-Laying at Arlington's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - Before his speech, Trump honored the tradition of U.S. presidents by placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Tragic Recovery: Missing Airman Found in New Mexico Lake After Intensive Search - The body of a missing U.S. Air Force member from Kirtland Air Force Base was recovered from Elephant Butte Lake in New Mexico, two days after he went missing. Investigations are ongoing, but no foul play is suspected. Various agencies participated in the search for the airman.

The baseline for these mortgage updates are set to 30 Year Fixed Rate VA Mortgages. Interest rates can further change depending on consumer's credit report, discount points, down payments, entitlements, and more.

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