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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Rep. Tony Tinderholt, voice of the insurgent far right GOP, to retire from the Texas House
Rep. Tony Tinderholt of Arlington, a leading Republican hardliner in the Texas House who once ran for speaker, announced his retirement after six terms on Monday, the last day of this year's session. Surrounded by lawmakers of both parties, Tinderholt said he decided to retire knowing that there was a new generation of ultraconservative lawmakers in the House who would continue the movement he has helped lead for over a decade. 'I returned to this chamber with one goal: accomplishing as much conservative policy as possible, while humbly evaluating if it was time to go home and let others continue this vital fight for the conservative movement,' he said. 'We've accomplished a lot in six sessions, but there's still more work to be done.' Tinderholt, a voice of the insurgent far-right faction of the Legislature who often disagreed with his more mainstream peers, acknowledged his colleagues from across the political spectrum in a tearful speech on the floor — while encouraging his hard-right colleagues to continue the fight. 'To my Democrat colleagues, I hope you know that I've always tried to treat you with the respect that you deserve as members of this body who are chosen by your districts to fight for the values you hold,' he said. 'To the Republican colleagues that I've oftentimes disagreed with, please know that my absence next session will not remove in any way the pressure to deliver real conservative results to the people of Texas. And though we've disagreed at times, I've been truly honored to serve alongside each of you.' His departure comes after last year's earthquake election season. Those primaries ushered in over a dozen more conservative Republicans and significantly grew the ranks of the far-right faction from last session, when Tinderholt ran for speaker on a hardline platform. 'Texas is in good hands with each of you, and it's time for me to step aside,' he said. Rep. Nate Schatzline, R-Fort Worth, alluded to their evolving influence in the 150-member body with a grin: 'The first vote I ever took in this chamber was to vote for you to be speaker, and we were only 73 votes away. We were so close.' Tinderholt, now 54, joined the Legislature after more than two decades serving in the military, where he earned a Bronze Star and the Combat Action Badge after taking part in counter drug missions in the Air Force and volunteering in combat zones with the Army after the Sept. 11 attacks. 'Arguably,' he said to laughs, 'my 12 years here has been one of the more difficult combat zones I've had the pleasure of serving in.' He attributed his decision to retire to a desire to spend more time with his family, who surrounded him after his speech. 'To my wonderful wife, Bethany, and my children, Tyler and Brenan,' he said, choking up, 'I'm coming home.' 'I get to be a dad,' he said. 'I don't have to miss practices and dances. I'm going to be able to do prayer at dinner with you, instead on FaceTime.' Colleagues in both parties who spoke after his speech emphasized his integrity, respect for his peers and the influence he developed within his caucus. 'It's not a matter of where we are when we come, it's a matter of whether or not we grow,' Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston and a veteran lawmaker, said. 'I've never seen a legislator grow as much as Tony.' Tinderholt recalled one of the earliest lessons he learned in the House, when Dutton helped him hash out the details of a technical challenge he wanted to raise to a bill the Houston Democrat supported. When he asked Dutton why he was helping him, Tinderholt recalled Dutton saying that, 'we're colleagues, and I want you to look smart when you go up there and I beat you.' 'The lesson is we are colleagues and we are family,' Tinderholt said, adding that he had tried to impress that lesson onto freshmen Republicans over each session. 'We're going to fight, and we're going to argue, and then we're going to go into the members' lounge, and we're going to make up.' First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 13–15 in Austin. Get your tickets today!
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tupelo Memorial Day ceremony set for Monday morning
TUPELO — Tupelo officials will honor those who died serving in the United States Armed Forces as part of the federal Memorial Day holiday Monday. The city of Tupelo will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park on Monday at 9 a.m. This year's program includes remarks from Mayor Todd Jordan, with U.S. Rep Trent Kelly, who served 39 years in the Mississippi Army National Guard as a combat engineer, as the key speaker. While Veterans Day, which takes place in the fall, is reserved for all service members, Memorial Day honors those who died while in service of the country. Kelly was mobilized for Desert Storm in 1990 and also served with the 155th Brigade as operations officer of the 150th Engineer Battalion in Iraq. He earned the rank of major general before his retirement in 2025 and earned multiple awards, including two Bronze Stars, the Combat Action Badge, the Bronze, Silver, and Gold de Fleury medals, among others. In the event of rain, the ceremony will move from its traditional place at the park square to inside the Tupelo Aquatic Center, also on the park grounds. The ceremony is open to the public and free to attend. The national anthem will be performed by Hope Nanney and Camren Wages, 'Amazing Grace' will be performed by Owen McCulloch, and taps will be conducted by Sgt. Derrick Usher.
Associated Press
04-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Profiles of Good Character and Inspiring Innovation: Spotlighting Cybersecurity Trailblazer Fredrick Brown
Fredrick 'Ricky' Brown's professional and personal life has been full of peaks, but there have been valleys as well. Today, he proudly shares both the good and the bad, hoping that others can find inspiration and strength in his journey. Brown joined the U.S. Army in 2003; his service included a combat tour in Afghanistan, where he earned a Meritorious Service Medal and a Combat Action Badge. While the Army taught him life skills like discipline, adaptability, and leadership, he found it hard to transition to civilian life when he left the service in 2012. His search for a post-military career became so difficult that he experienced a period of homelessness. He rebounded with the unyielding support of family, peers, and other veterans and now works to shed light on the ongoing struggles faced by many veterans after leaving the military. 'I share my story to illuminate the 'why' — why I work tirelessly and why I care deeply,' he said. 'The same individuals who aided me throughout my career stressed the importance of paying it forward, therefore, my 'why' is defined by tasks and purpose rooted in helping and supporting others.' In the Army, Brown led cyber operations planning and execution initiatives. He also pursued — and earned — multiple degrees in accounting, finance, technology, and business. All of this set the stage for the esteemed cybersecurity professional he was to become. 'My lifelong love for machines has nurtured my curiosity and problem-solving abilities, enabling me to approach challenges with analytical precision and innovative thinking,' he said. 'The journey continues with CACI, where I'm able to make an impact through what I love doing: working with people and technology.' He joined CACI's Continuous Diagnostics and Monitoring program last year as the Master Analyst Team Lead for its Cyber Protection Team (CPT). He employs his 21 years of progressive experience supporting cyber operations and security assessment activities for defense customers. Notably, he demonstrated unparalleled cybersecurity innovation by devising a custom-crafted, hand-carry computing system that allows for quick responses to operational technology incidents and proactive hunting of bad actors within the nation's critical infrastructure. Before his groundbreaking innovation, such a capability did not exist within the Department of Defense or the U.S. Coast Guard. Alongside his robust career path and technical contributions, Brown makes time to serve his community. He has volunteered more than 500 hours as a digital forensics expert witness for public defense organizations. The testimony he provides has been crucial in securing justice for underserved communities. Brown was recently awarded the General Johnnie Wilson Legacy Award at the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) Global Competitiveness Conference. This honor is bestowed to individuals who continue to light a path in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). When Brown is not making monumental strides in cybersecurity, he can be found spending time with his daughters or exploring how technology can solve real-world problems. He tends to approach life and work with the same enthusiasm and curiosity. 'The truth is, I view my work as fun, and there's a great deal of overlap between my hobbies and professional life,' he said. 'Whether it's designing something with 3D printing, mentoring a colleague, or tackling complex systems, I'm constantly fueled by a sense of purpose that connects every aspect of my life.' CACI works to provide team members with opportunities to take on challenging, rewarding everyday work that aligns with their skills today and their ambitions for tomorrow. Since joining the company, Brown has felt supported by his leadership team and mentors who instill confidence in him and ensure he has the resources and support he needs to thrive. 'The main source of support for me comes from being part of a high-performance team with leaders who enable us to do what we do best,' he said. 'This is the cornerstone of what truly empowers me to achieve more every day.' Explore meaningful job openings at CACI. About CACI At CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI), our 25,000 talented and dynamic employees are ever vigilant in delivering distinctive expertise and differentiated technology to meet our customers' greatest challenges in national security. We are a company of good character, relentless innovation, and long-standing excellence. Our culture drives our success and earns us recognition as a Fortune World's Most Admired Company. CACI is a member of the Fortune 1000 Largest Companies, the Russell 1000 Index, and the S&P MidCap 400 Index. For more information, visit us at There are statements made herein which do not address historical facts, and therefore could be interpreted to be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in CACI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and other such filings that CACI makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Any forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon and only speak as of the date hereof. # # #
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Profiles of Good Character and Inspiring Innovation: Spotlighting Cybersecurity Trailblazer Fredrick Brown
NORTHAMPTON, MA / / March 4, 2025 / Fredrick "Ricky" Brown's professional and personal life has been full of peaks, but there have been valleys as well. Today, he proudly shares both the good and the bad, hoping that others can find inspiration and strength in his journey. Brown joined the U.S. Army in 2003; his service included a combat tour in Afghanistan, where he earned a Meritorious Service Medal and a Combat Action Badge. While the Army taught him life skills like discipline, adaptability, and leadership, he found it hard to transition to civilian life when he left the service in 2012. His search for a post-military career became so difficult that he experienced a period of homelessness. He rebounded with the unyielding support of family, peers, and other veterans and now works to shed light on the ongoing struggles faced by many veterans after leaving the military. "I share my story to illuminate the 'why' - why I work tirelessly and why I care deeply," he said. "The same individuals who aided me throughout my career stressed the importance of paying it forward, therefore, my 'why' is defined by tasks and purpose rooted in helping and supporting others." In the Army, Brown led cyber operations planning and execution initiatives. He also pursued - and earned - multiple degrees in accounting, finance, technology, and business. All of this set the stage for the esteemed cybersecurity professional he was to become. "My lifelong love for machines has nurtured my curiosity and problem-solving abilities, enabling me to approach challenges with analytical precision and innovative thinking," he said. "The journey continues with CACI, where I'm able to make an impact through what I love doing: working with people and technology." He joined CACI's Continuous Diagnostics and Monitoring program last year as the Master Analyst Team Lead for its Cyber Protection Team (CPT). He employs his 21 years of progressive experience supporting cyber operations and security assessment activities for defense customers. Notably, he demonstrated unparalleled cybersecurity innovation by devising a custom-crafted, hand-carry computing system that allows for quick responses to operational technology incidents and proactive hunting of bad actors within the nation's critical infrastructure. Before his groundbreaking innovation, such a capability did not exist within the Department of Defense or the U.S. Coast Guard. Alongside his robust career path and technical contributions, Brown makes time to serve his community. He has volunteered more than 500 hours as a digital forensics expert witness for public defense organizations. The testimony he provides has been crucial in securing justice for underserved communities. Brown was recently awarded the General Johnnie Wilson Legacy Award at the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) Global Competitiveness Conference. This honor is bestowed to individuals who continue to light a path in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). When Brown is not making monumental strides in cybersecurity, he can be found spending time with his daughters or exploring how technology can solve real-world problems. He tends to approach life and work with the same enthusiasm and curiosity. "The truth is, I view my work as fun, and there's a great deal of overlap between my hobbies and professional life," he said. "Whether it's designing something with 3D printing, mentoring a colleague, or tackling complex systems, I'm constantly fueled by a sense of purpose that connects every aspect of my life." CACI works to provide team members with opportunities to take on challenging, rewarding everyday work that aligns with their skills today and their ambitions for tomorrow. Since joining the company, Brown has felt supported by his leadership team and mentors who instill confidence in him and ensure he has the resources and support he needs to thrive. "The main source of support for me comes from being part of a high-performance team with leaders who enable us to do what we do best," he said. "This is the cornerstone of what truly empowers me to achieve more every day." Explore meaningful job openings at CACI. About CACI At CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI), our 25,000 talented and dynamic employees are ever vigilant in delivering distinctive expertise and differentiated technology to meet our customers' greatest challenges in national security. We are a company of good character, relentless innovation, and long-standing excellence. Our culture drives our success and earns us recognition as a Fortune World's Most Admired Company. CACI is a member of the Fortune 1000 Largest Companies, the Russell 1000 Index, and the S&P MidCap 400 Index. For more information, visit us at There are statements made herein which do not address historical facts, and therefore could be interpreted to be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in CACI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and other such filings that CACI makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Any forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon and only speak as of the date hereof. # # # Corporate Communications and Media: Lorraine Corcoran Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications (703) 434-4165, View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CACI on Contact Info:Spokesperson: CACIWebsite: info@ SOURCE: CACI View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'No One Knows Who He Is': Trump's Pick for Army Secretary Faces Confirmation Hearing
President Donald Trump's surprise nominee for Army secretary, Dan Driscoll, heads into his Senate confirmation hearing Thursday as a largely unknown figure both inside and outside the Pentagon. The relatively obscure financier and political adviser, who is also a veteran, is set to lead the Pentagon's largest branch despite a resume that some Army officials behind the scenes are concerned lacks the depth for such a pivotal role. Driscoll, a former Yale Law School classmate of Vice President J.D. Vance, fits a pattern of Trump nominations designed to upend Washington's norms by elevating outsiders to senior positions. The president's choice of appointees, such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has also led to criticism that some of those outsiders are unqualified. Read Next: Trump Orders Pentagon Policy Saying Transgender Troops Are 'Not Consistent' with Military Ideals "The Army is an extremely complicated machine. I hope he's up for it," an Army two-star general said on the condition of anonymity to avoid retaliation. "We have a lot of moving pieces, a lot of vocabulary he's going to have to learn fast." If confirmed, Driscoll would come into the role effectively an unknown figure to most of the force, having never worked in national security. He would also be unusually young for the role at 38 years old. "No one really knows who he is," a senior Army official told speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to talk to the press. The lack of name recognition is compounded by Driscoll having virtually no contemporary online presence, with little social media, scant news appearances and few photos. Driscoll's military career, while honorable, was abnormally brief for an officer. Driscoll served in the Army from 2007 to 2010 as a cavalry officer with the 10th Mountain Division. He deployed to Iraq in 2009 and left the service as a first lieutenant -- a junior officer rank that wouldn't have exposed him to operational planning or organizational leadership at scale. His military accolades include an Army Commendation Medal, Ranger tab, and a Combat Action Badge, but his time in uniform would have involved leading no more than a few dozen soldiers at a time. Immediately after leaving the Army, Driscoll attended Yale Law School before pursuing a series of finance roles, including work at a venture capital firm and political fundraising. In 2020, he made an unsuccessful bid for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, finishing sixth in a crowded Republican primary. He was endorsed by Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., one of the most vocal members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Army personnel issues. The seat ultimately went to Madison Cawthorn, whose single term was scarred by controversies and scandal. Driscoll later served as an adviser to the Trump-Vance transition team and the Republican National Committee, earning $60,000. His last full-time role was on the board of OnCall Physician Staffing, a health care staffing agency, and he drew an annual salary of nearly $430,000 since 2021 before stepping down in December. Despite his limited military experience, Driscoll's hearing is expected to be less contentious than that of Hegseth, who endured questions about allegations of sexual assault and a thin professional record. If confirmed, Driscoll will succeed Christine Wormuth, who spent a career as a national security wonk and served as under secretary of defense for policy under President Barack Obama before taking the reins as Army secretary. Mark Esper, who served as Army secretary during Trump's first term before being appointed defense secretary, had an extensive military career, serving in the 101st Airborne Division during the Gulf War and leaving the service as a lieutenant colonel. His resume also included extensive national security policy experience on Capitol Hill and in the Pentagon under President George W. Bush. Still, one Senate staffer forecasted that, while Driscoll's resume is "about as thin as it gets," he's coming into the hearing without any baggage, unlike many of Trump's other nominees. "He's nice," Gen. Randy George, the Army chief of staff, told adding that he and Driscoll met at a recent Army-Navy football game. Hegseth was approved in a Senate vote last week by the slimmest margin for any confirmed defense secretary in history, with three Republicans voting against him. He faced a blistering volley of questions over allegations of alcohol abuse and sexual assault, infidelity in his marriages, and a lack of qualifications for the job. He had a generally average National Guard career, and his most recent professional experience was as a Fox News personality. Meanwhile, Driscoll would lead the Army at an especially difficult time for the force. Senior officials have long pointed to the service being spread thin in Europe, the Middle East and Africa -- with a new U.S. border surge adding yet another mission to an overburdened force. That high tempo has been linked to suicide amoung the rank and file. The service is also expected to revamp its much troubled physical fitness test this year and is grappling with a series of quality-of-life issues, including dilapidated living quarters for junior troops and the inability of logistics officials to wrap their arms around providing food for soldiers. Related: Watchdogs at Pentagon, VA Fired in Purge of Inspectors General Across Federal Government
