San Antonio nonprofit shines light on oldest military cemetery in Texas for the holidays
The Alamo City is home to one of the largest military cemeteries in the nation, Fort Sam Houston, and it’s also home to the oldest military cemetery in Texas — San Antonio National Cemetery. A local nonprofit is working to ensure those buried there are remembered.
Civilian employee at Fort Sam Houston indicted in $100M fraud scheme used money for extravagant lifestyle, feds say
A San Antonio woman who worked as an Army civilian employee at Fort Sam Houston was indicted for stealing more than $100 million to fund an extravagant lifestyle, according to federal officials.
Video of grass fire at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery goes viral on TikTok
A video that shows a grass fire at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetary is going viral on TikTok.The video, uploaded by Steve Torres on Wednesday, shows flames surrounding dozens of headstones as firefighters respond with water and shovels.
Lawsuits accuse unlicensed massage therapist at Ft. Sam of sexually assaulting two female service members on same day
When LeDerick McDaniel was accused of sexually assaulting two female service members on post at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston in June 2018, he had already been on the radar of state licensing investigators for nearly five months.
![BAMC will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines to all TRICARE beneficiaries ages 65 and older](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/4zVBmxUEe2p5qdQrqnbPPvd_DQc=/1600x1200/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/2LI3CVKPBRELZGKE2ILNJ4ETZQ.jpg)
BAMC will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines to all TRICARE beneficiaries ages 65 and older
(U.S. Army photo by Corey Toye)SAN ANTONIO – The Brooke Army Medical Center will begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine to all TRICARE beneficiaries, ages 65 or older, next week by appointment only. BAMC announced the vaccine appointments on Saturday afternoon, and officials say they were able to open up appointments for beneficiaries ages 75 and older earlier this week. They were also able to increase capacity to allow more vaccine appointments at the Fort Sam Houston site. To obtain DS Logon credentials, click “Register.” To make an appointment, click “Appointments” on the portal home page. AdRelated: South Texas VA to host COVID-19 vaccine event for hundreds of veterans living on San Antonio’s South Side
![Skeletal remains found at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston identified](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/PLMU-HUr35dUjaoB2ojzySVwXS4=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NFT7S37KBNALPFUCOCBXNH7NBA.jpg)
Skeletal remains found at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston identified
SAN ANTONIO – Partial skeletal human remains found in late December at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston have been identified. Dental records and family members help identify the victim as Juan Santiago, according to JBSA officials. The victim lived in Massachusetts prior to moving to San Antonio in June 2020. The remains were found Dec. 27 near Salado Creek in the northeast part of the post by some people walking in the area. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is continuing its probe into Santiago’s death.
![Drill sergeant at Joint Base San Antonio shot, killed on New Year’s Day along I-10, officials say](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/3nIibmV1zIjj6RRgnwIKDbS2-5g=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/01-03-2021/t_d3cde89d41e74bfca37caa189268510b_name_image.jpg)
Drill sergeant at Joint Base San Antonio shot, killed on New Year’s Day along I-10, officials say
SAN ANTONIO – A drill sergeant assigned to the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston has died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the JBSA. Sergeant Jessica Mitchell, a 68E Dental Specialist, was pronounced dead at University Hospital San Antonio at around 3 a.m. on Friday, according to the JBSA. San Antonio Police Department and the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division are still investigating the situation. “We are devastated by the tragic loss of Drill Sergeant Jessica Mitchell. We are focused on supporting Drill Sergeant Mitchell’s family as well as her soldiers during this extremely difficult time,” said Maj. Gen. Dennis LeMaster, the MEDCoE Commanding General.
![Human remains found at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/PLMU-HUr35dUjaoB2ojzySVwXS4=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NFT7S37KBNALPFUCOCBXNH7NBA.jpg)
Human remains found at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston
SAN ANTONIO – Human skeletal remains were found Sunday night at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, officials said. According to a news release, the remains were found near Salado Creek in the northeast part of the installation by some people who were walking in the area. The news release said there are no active missing person cases at JBSA and there is no danger to JBSA residents or the community. JBSA officials and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations are coordinating with local law enforcement on the investigation.
![WATCH: Lackland Air Force base kicks off tree lighting ceremony, the first of several holiday celebrations](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/YnhjQbFXHOEynphqHq6HOimfaW0=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-03-2020/t_b457b82650e54250b6372cc79b3fd798_name_image.jpg)
WATCH: Lackland Air Force base kicks off tree lighting ceremony, the first of several holiday celebrations
SAN ANTONIO – The holiday season is kicking off in Military City, USA, beginning with a tree lighting ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on Wednesday. Each area base location will participate in the annual holiday event. Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph’s takes place on Dec. 3 and Joint Base-Fort Sam Houston’s will take place on Dec. 4. The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m., and a parade will follow the event beginning at 6:15 p.m., according to a statement from base officials. “The holiday season can be difficult, especially when away from loved ones,” base officials said in a statement.
![Service member found dead at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/PLMU-HUr35dUjaoB2ojzySVwXS4=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NFT7S37KBNALPFUCOCBXNH7NBA.jpg)
Service member found dead at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston
SAN ANTONIO – A service member was found dead Wednesday at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, officials said. The service member’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, a news release said. The incident is under investigation. No other information was released.
!['Mission Thanksgiving’ canceled, Fort Sam Houston officials say](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/PLMU-HUr35dUjaoB2ojzySVwXS4=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NFT7S37KBNALPFUCOCBXNH7NBA.jpg)
'Mission Thanksgiving’ canceled, Fort Sam Houston officials say
SAN ANTONIO – Fort Sam Houston officials announced Monday that a popular holiday program where San Antonio community members provide a home-cooked meal to soldiers in medical training, would be canceled this year to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “Mission Thanksgiving” has been a tradition at Fort Sam Houston for more than 20 years, officials said. Last week, the 37th Training Wing announced the cancellation of “Operation Home Cooking” and “Operation Family Feast,” other similar programs for Airmen in basic military training and technical training. “We truly appreciate the hospitality the San Antonio community shows our soldiers during Thanksgiving, currently the risk is too high - our number one priority is to protect the health and readiness of the force,” LeMaster said. “We look forward to continuing this worthwhile tradition next Thanksgiving.”Related: San Antonio couple welcomes airmen, soldiers to enjoy home-cooking on Thanksgiving
![250 Marines and sailors to assist wildland firefighting efforts in Central California, officials say](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/_kuGQ3cdFgdxufXS7JAOas5onUk=/1000x750/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/2HSJ4AZIJZHGBAJUWBPDAWJCWE.jpg)
250 Marines and sailors to assist wildland firefighting efforts in Central California, officials say
SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Army North (Fifth Army), the U.S. Northern Command’s Joint Force Land Component Command (JFLCC), will oversee the second military wildland fire ground response in California this month. The command will be sending approximately 250 Marines and sailors to assist in firefighting efforts in Central California, officials said. Lt. Gen. Laura J. Richardson, the Fifth Army and JFLCC commander, said in a statement that Marines and sailors responding to the fire are prepared to support fire suppression efforts in a COVID-19 environment. “They are scheduled to deploy to Central California, Sept. 19, to receive hands-on training in fire suppression methods and procedures, including watch-out situations and standard firefighting orders, prior to employment in the national forest,” The Fifth Army said. According to officials, the 14th Brigade Engineer Battalion In Northern California from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, has assisted with wildland fire response efforts at the August Complex in the Mendocino National Forest since Sept. 3.
![JBSA-Fort Sam Houston soldiers help South Texas Blood and Tissue Center with convalescent plasma operation](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/euJCzo1NchdkOZt8Vz0XeVnlJYM=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/08-25-2020/t_3d89995391d3431caad654d33c2406e6_name_image.jpg)
JBSA-Fort Sam Houston soldiers help South Texas Blood and Tissue Center with convalescent plasma operation
SAN ANTONIO As requests for COVID-19 convalescent plasma spiked in late spring and early summer, the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center needed more support, so a team from Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston stepped in and played a crucial role in collecting and distributing convalescent plasma. Twelve soldiers spent 30 days helping at the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center. Freed was part of the team of soldiers that helped at the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center in San Antonio. Freed said this job also helped soldiers gain experience for future deployments where they would need to collect blood during a mass casualty event. They expect to help the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center again.
![9 men, including 3 soldiers, charged in child sex ring case, Texas authorities say](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/IFj3g1je8yHPxbLWzlWJSWnOcAs=/1600x901/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/HEW4LHX6ZREOJAYEVXQBHCRPKE.jpg)
9 men, including 3 soldiers, charged in child sex ring case, Texas authorities say
KILLEEN, Texas Central Texas authorities say theyve cracked a child prostitution ring involving nine men, including three soldiers. Two Fort Hood soldiers and one from Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio are among the nine suspects netted in their investigation, Killeen police said. Seven suspects, including the Fort Hood soldiers, were arrested on felony child prostitution charges. The other two, including the Fort Sam Houston soldier, were charged with misdemeanor prostitution. Meantime, the planned transfer of the Fort Hood commander to Fort Bliss to assume command of a division has been postponed.
Shooting victim dropped off outside JBSA-Fort Sam Houston gate
SAN ANTONIO A shooting victim was dropped off outside a gate at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston on Thursday morning. According to a Fort Sam Houston official, a man suffering from a gunshot wound was dropped off outside the gate on George Beach Road by someone in a car around 9 a.m.Air Force Security Force members treated the man at the scene and was transported to Brooke Army Medical Center. A condition on the man wasnt immediately available. The driver of the vehicle immediately fled the area. The San Antonio Police Department is investigating.
![Soldier found dead at Fort Sam Houston identified; death under investigation, officials say](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/PLMU-HUr35dUjaoB2ojzySVwXS4=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NFT7S37KBNALPFUCOCBXNH7NBA.jpg)
Soldier found dead at Fort Sam Houston identified; death under investigation, officials say
SAN ANTONIO The U.S. Army announced Tuesday that a soldier was found dead at Fort Sam Houston on Saturday, the soldier has been positively identified and his death is being investigated. Related: U.S. Army soldier found dead at Fort Sam Houston, officials sayThe Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs office said National Guardsman Sergeant Kelvonta K. Ellis, 22, from Westlake, Louisiana was found dead in his room at Fort Sam Houston on July 12. Ellis was part of Louisianas Army National Guards 39th Military Police Company, 139th Regional Support Group, the public affairs office said. According to officials, Ellis served five years in the Louisiana Army National Guard as a military police noncommissioned officer. Army officials say Ellis is survived by his mother.
![U.S. Army soldier found dead at Fort Sam Houston, officials say](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/PLMU-HUr35dUjaoB2ojzySVwXS4=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NFT7S37KBNALPFUCOCBXNH7NBA.jpg)
U.S. Army soldier found dead at Fort Sam Houston, officials say
SAN ANTONIO – The military is investigating the death of a soldier at Fort Sam Houston, according to Joint Base San Antonio public affairs division. “A U.S. Army Soldier was found dead on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston July 12,” a statement from JBSA said. “The service member’s name is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.”The incident is under investigation by U.S. Airforce Security Forces and U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. No other details were provided about the circumstances of the soldier’s death. KSAT will continue to update this story as details become available.
![Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery to resume committal services](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/69TEnjptf0S2BR3yQXMdZ-3h1d0=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/PCKVGGTHFNA53JAIK5IUBYAURQ.jpg)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery to resume committal services
SAN ANTONIO – Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery will resume committal services for families who are interring their loved ones beginning Tuesday. “We are pleased to resume committal services and military funeral honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery,” said Cemetery Director Aubrey David. In keeping with federal, state and local guidance, committal and memorial services at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery will be limited to 10 family members and guests at the service. Families may also contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office or the cemetery directly to schedule a memorial service after June 29. To make burial arrangements or schedule a memorial service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery or any VA national cemetery, contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.
![More than 150 basic combat training graduates arrive at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/1iMV-dPC9SSB9ggVAsnQKYfyN0Y=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/04-25-2020/t_1c96665e200a40eb80d5cfb453ad812f_name_image.jpg)
More than 150 basic combat training graduates arrive at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston
SAN ANTONIO – More than 150 recent graduates of the Army’s Basic Combat Training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, arrived at Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston Friday in an unprecedented manner designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The soldiers, who have been training at Fort Jackson for the past several months, were screened daily over the last 14 days and one final time before traveling via chartered flight. The soldiers were screened a final time by drill sergeants wearing personal protective equipment before boarding sterile buses bound for Fort Sam Houston. The soldiers will begin training at the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, or MEDCoE. This procedure of transportation will be reviewed every two weeks and is expected to be in place until June 30th.
![JBSA limits gate access, increases health protections after 13 positive cases on bases](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/IuPuBVoYODGreqWa2ypd-JniEXo=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/03-23-2020/t_0e7a83bab7ea499f85f0475f41a2389a_name_image.jpg)
JBSA limits gate access, increases health protections after 13 positive cases on bases
SAN ANTONIO – Joint Base San Antonio is ramping up safety precautions after more than a dozen employees tested positive for the novel coronavirus. JBSA said Sunday that gate access will be limited at Lackland, Randolph and Fort Sam Houston. 13 JBSA personnel test positive for coronavirusA total of 13 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed at JBSA after officials said Sunday that two additional personnel tested positive for the virus. The first COVID-19 death in San Antonio was confirmed over the weekend. First COVID-19 death reported in San AntonioThe victim was a woman in her 80s who died at Brooke Army Medical Center.