Fort Carson Soldier Pleads Not Guilty to Drug Charges After Nightclub Raid

Nightclub where an immigration raid occurred in Colorado Springs, Colo.

DENVER — The Fort Carson soldier arrested for alleged cocaine distribution just days after a large-scale federal raid of a Colorado Springs illegal nightclub in late April pleaded not guilty to multiple charges Thursday. Staff Sgt. Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, 27, appeared out of custody after a federal judge ruled he was eligible for release at […]

For One Georgia Soldier, Transgender Ban Prompts Painful Decision

Gay pride flag flies during Pride Observance Month

Aven Thomas began medically transitioning from female to male in 2021, just months after then-President Joe Biden signed an executive order allowing transgender people to serve openly in the U.S. military. The result was so gratifying for the U.S. Army specialist that he compared it to turning on a light in pitch darkness. “When you […]

For One Sentinel, a Final Walk at Arlington's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Army Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Jay patrols the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery

ARLINGTON, Va. — For the last two years, Army Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Jay has been dutifully guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Rain or shine, snow or sleet, for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Jay and the other guards on watch duty serve as both protectors […]

Fort Carson Soldier One of 1,000 Leaving After Transgender Ban Temporarily Upheld

Protesters denounce a bill that would strip transgender rights in Iowa

Fort Carson Sgt. Mason Benavides is leaving an Army that no longer wants him. He is one of about 1,000 military service members voluntarily leaving, the Department of Defense announced Thursday after a Supreme Court order that said the Trump administration’s ban on transgender soldiers could be enforced. The Supreme Court order allows the military […]

Arrested Fort Carson Soldier Could Face Military Punishment in Addition to Federal Penalties

Nightclub where an immigration raid occurred in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The Fort Carson-based soldier who was present at a Colorado Springs illegal nightclub during a large-scale federal raid last month and arrested days later on suspicion of cocaine distribution could face military penalties in addition to any civilian punishment, according to a local attorney who specializes in military law. Army Staff Sgt. Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, […]

Fort Carson Soldier Charged with Cocaine Distribution, Possession After DEA Nightclub Raid

Nightclub where an immigration raid occurred in Colorado Springs, Colo.

A 28-year-old Army soldier has been accused of drug-related charges following a federal raid on an alleged illegal nightclub in Colorado on Sunday, where authorities claim he provided security and more than a dozen other troops were present. The charges against Staff Sgt. Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, who is assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, were made […]

Soldier Found Dead During Training at Fort Jackson, US Army Says

Fort Jackson main gate (Tracy Glantz/The State/TNS)

A soldier training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina has died, the U.S. Army said Sunday. The soldier will not be publicly identified until the Army Casualty Assistance Office notifies the next of kin. The soldier was a member of the Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, the Army said in a news […]