Eighteen Marines and one sailor from Camp Pendleton, California, have been arrested after investigators with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) linked the group to crimes related to human trafficking and drug use. According to a report from Newsweek, the 19 service members are all assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. "NCIS apprehended 18 Marines … [Read more...] about Out of control: Marines arrested for running drug and human trafficking ring
Joseph LaFave Articles
USS Boxer downs Iranian drone in Strait of Hormuz
The USS Boxer downed an Iranian drone earlier this week while operating in the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports. The USS Boxer's commanding officer, Captain (O-6) Ron Dowdell, issued a statement on the vessel's Facebook page reassuring loved ones back home that all sailors aboard were safe. "I wanted to take just a moment to inform all the members of Team Boxer that … [Read more...] about USS Boxer downs Iranian drone in Strait of Hormuz
EMT who’s seen it all tells of the night he wishes he could forget
People often ask me: “What was the worst thing you ever saw on the ambulance?” I think they are expecting some gruesome story about a decapitation or something. I've seen dead kids, people shot in the head, chest, and legs, burns, and stab wounds to the heart. I’ve seen strokes, heart attacks, cardiac arrests, overdoses and a multitude of illnesses and injuries, but nothing … [Read more...] about EMT who’s seen it all tells of the night he wishes he could forget
Louisiana National Guard on frontlines of hurricane response shortly after grueling training exercise
Hurricane Barry has weakened into a tropical depression, with its maximum sustained winds last recorded at 32 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center's most recent advisory Monday, July 15th. However, people living in the southern U.S. aren't out of danger quite yet—major flooding may be in store for parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Initial damage … [Read more...] about Louisiana National Guard on frontlines of hurricane response shortly after grueling training exercise
Who will carry out Trump’s immigration raids today?
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is kicking off a series of "raids" in several major U.S. cities beginning on Sunday, July 14. The operation was first brought to light by a report from the New York Times, and according to a report from NBC, will focus on about 2,000 families suspected of living in the United States illegally. President Donald Trump hinted at the … [Read more...] about Who will carry out Trump’s immigration raids today?
So there I was: My first bad day as a volunteer firefighter
A few readers have encouraged me to write about my time working in emergency medical services on the ambulance and as a volunteer firefighter. I was hesitant at first, mainly because I'm not sure if anyone would be interested, but also because writing a story about yourself in which a stranger dies of some horrific cause seems slightly ghoulish. However, I think it's important … [Read more...] about So there I was: My first bad day as a volunteer firefighter
Democrats slam President Trump after historic North Korea meeting
One day after U.S. President Donald Trump became the first sitting president to enter North Korea, Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senate Minority Leader, criticized the president for his weekend meeting with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. "This was one of the worst few days in American foreign policy and American diplomatic history in a long time," Schumer said … [Read more...] about Democrats slam President Trump after historic North Korea meeting
Op-Ed: What a list of popular songs during the Vietnam War taught me about military service
I just finished reading Michael Herr's Dispatches, his book about the year or so he spent in Vietnam during the war as a correspondent for Esquire. I read the book at least once per year, often twice. To me, it's the best book ever written, about war or anything else (although if you haven't read Jack Murphy's Murphy's Law, I highly encourage you to do so). I often try to … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: What a list of popular songs during the Vietnam War taught me about military service
Trump hits Nicolás Maduro’s son with new sanctions
The Trump administration slapped additional sanctions on the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Moros (Maduro). On Friday, June 28th, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin announced that new sanctions are being placed on Nicolás "Nicolasito" Ernesto Maduro Guerra, 29, the son of Maduro. These new sanctions mean that "all property and interests in property" … [Read more...] about Trump hits Nicolás Maduro’s son with new sanctions
The NEWSREP guide to the Democratic party candidates for 2020
The 2020 Presidential election is still in its beginning stages, but several Democratic party contenders already tossed their hats into the ring and participated in the first of several debates on June 26th. While only one of these people will eventually face off against incumbent Donald Trump next year, it's important for voters to learn as much as they can about each … [Read more...] about The NEWSREP guide to the Democratic party candidates for 2020
It’s happened: Ebola spreads to neighboring countries
Almost a year after the first patient was confirmed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Ebola virus has finally jumped across the border into Uganda. Earlier this week, at least two people in Uganda died from Ebola. Investigators believe they had recently traveled to the DRC, however, according to a report from Al Jazeera, medical detectives working on the … [Read more...] about It’s happened: Ebola spreads to neighboring countries
NASA announces plan to rent out International Space Station for hefty price
In a somewhat surprising move, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced last week it will rent out portions of the International Space Station (ISS) to private corporations. The plan also includes provisions to allow private astronauts to travel to the space station. According to a NASA press release, the new policy hopes to stimulate partnerships … [Read more...] about NASA announces plan to rent out International Space Station for hefty price