In September, we marked 25 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. On that day, 2,753 men and women died at the hands of Al Qaeda terrorists who hijacked jetliners and crashed them into the World Trade Center Towers. On that day, 184 people were killed when Al Qaeda terrorists crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon.
On that day, 40 Americans died after valiantly fighting off hijackers on United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed into an open field in Pennsylvania, ultimately thwarting an attack on the U.S. Capitol. And on that day, thousands of police officers and firefighters responded to the scene, and the clarion call of duty echoed in the hearts of Military Members and Veterans, as well as those inspired to fight against terrorism.
During the Global War on Terrorism, thousands of American Service Members would go on to lay down their lives to protect our home, our freedoms, and our way of life. Like the generations before them, these heroes stood in defense of freedom against forces that threatened it. We are forever indebted to those who have pledged to fight for their country. As Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) Chairwoman, it is an honor to ensure their sacrifices and legacies are never forgotten.
This year, on September 11th, it was a tremendous honor to recognize the first two Medal of Honor Recipients ever memorialized at a Texas State Veterans Cemetery. The services, held at the recently opened West Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Lubbock, honored Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) George Davis and First Lieutenant (1st Lt.) Frank Nicias Mitchell. The Medal of Honor is the United States Armed Forces’ highest military decoration, awarded to those who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor.
Lt. Col. Davis joined the U.S. Air Force in Texas and served with the 334th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing. On February 10, 1952, he led four aircraft on a combat mission over North Korea. During the mission, he encountered a group of MiGs, engaged them, and expertly damaged two of them. However, his aircraft was also hit as he fought to protect his men, and he ultimately crashed into a hilltop. Lt. Col. Davis’s indomitable fighting spirit, heroic ferocity, and superb courage in engaging the enemy against formidable odds exemplified courage.
1st Lt. Mitchell joined the U.S. Marine Corps in Texas and served as a platoon leader with A Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. On November 27, during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, his platoon engaged Chinese Communist Forces (CCF) in the remote mountains of North Korea. When the company commander ordered the Marines to withdraw, 1st Lt. Mitchell realized several of his fallen brothers would be left behind. He then opened fire with a Browning Automatic Rifle and threw grenades at CCF troops to give other members of the unit time to retrieve the bodies of their fellow Marines. He was mortally wounded, and the unit was unable to recover his body. His selfless sacrifice and inspirational bravery exemplify the best of our nation’s Armed Forces.
As with Lt. Col. Davis, 1st Lt. Mitchell, we owe every American who has answered their country’s call an enduring debt of gratitude, from the rebellion against injustice that sparked the American Revolution to the patriotism in the face of terrorism that inspired our nation after 9/11. May we never forget that we are the land of the free because of the brave.
We just got back from a week on Oceania Marina sailing the Iberian coast. It’s not often we have an itinerary where every single port is new to us, but this one was. We started with two pre-cruise days in Lisbon, then set off on a 7-night cruise that called in Porto, Portugal, before sailing along the northern coast of Spain to Vigo, A Coruña, Gijón, Santander, and an overnight in Bilbao.
Our quick verdict? If you want a port-heavy week through a part of Europe most itineraries skip, on a small, adults-only ship where the food is a highlight and most things are included, this is an easy one to recommend. The one thing that surprised us though was the lack of enrichment, given Oceania Cruises is very destination-focused. The weather might not be what you’d expect either; much of this region is more similar to Ireland or Scotland than the Mediterranean with greener landscapes, lots of rain, and cooler but humid temperatures.
Ports of call: Lisbon → Porto → Vigo → A Coruña → Gijón → Santander → Bilbao
Inclusions: accommodations, all dining, non-alcoholic beverages, basic WiFi, gratuities, and self-service laundry; guests can also choose EITHER wine & beer at meals or shore excursion credit
Two Pre-Cruise Days in Lisbon
Since this was our first time in Lisbon, we built in a couple days before the cruise to explore the city, and we are glad we did. We booked two full day tours through Shore Excursions Group to cover as much ground as possible. Here is a travel confession: we have used Shore Excursions Group in cruise ports around the world for years, but we did not realize until this trip that we could use them before a cruise too. We’re certainly glad that we finally figured this out!
Day One – Lisbon Highlights
For our first full day in the city, we booked a small-group Lisbon Highlights tour, which turned out to be just the two of us. With our guide, we explored several neighborhoods including Alfama, Baixa, Graça, and Belém. We made several photo stops along the way at panoramic lookout points and some of the city’s most famous landmarks. We also strolled the cobblestoned alleys in the oldest neighborhood and enjoyed a Pastel de Belém. For a first visit, having a guide made it easy to get our bearings while learning the history behind what we were seeing.
Day Two – Sintra and Cascais
Day two we headed out of the city on the Full Day Sintra Deluxe tour. We’ll admit that it was a very long day and not one that could have been accomplished during just a cruise ship port stop. With travel time to and from our hotel to the meeting point in Lisbon, the day spanned nearly 12 hours!
But we did get to see a lot including Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point of continental Europe), the town of Sintra with free time to explore and sample the famous Travesseiro and Queijadas at Casa Piriquita, the colorful Pena Palace, and the beach town of Cascais. This is exactly why we like organized tours. Instead of working out transportation between all of those stops ourselves, we booked one tour and had the whole day handled for us.
Embarkation in Lisbon
Embarkation with Oceania Cruises in Lisbon was a breeze. We stayed at the Áurea Museum hotel which is conveniently located near the Lisbon Cruise Port. While we could have walked, we decided to get an Uber instead of dragging our luggage over cobblestones.
When we arrived, we dropped off our luggage with the porters and headed into the terminal for check-in. The check-in process was efficient, and we were onboard Oceania Marina in no time.
Knowing there were no sea days on this itinerary, we took advantage of the afternoon to secure our dining reservations for the week, explore the ship, enjoy some lunch, and get settled into our stateroom prior to sailaway. With 6 new ports ahead and 6 tours scheduled, thankfully, there’s also complimentary specialty coffee at Baristas to fuel up!
Porto, Portugal
Our first stop was in Porto. Here, we booked Oceania’s Highlights of Porto by Land and River tour to see the city from two different perspectives. We started on the Douro River, cruising through the heart of Porto and admiring the colorful Ribeira district lining the waterfront.
We then took in some of Porto’s most recognizable sights (via bus and walking). They included the Chapel of Souls, Clérigos Tower, Lello Library, São Bento Railway Station to see the incredible azulejo tiles inside, the Bolhão Market, and the colorful streets and architecture that make this city so photogenic.
With only one day in port, this 6-hour tour was a nice way to experience both sides of Porto without having to choose. However, the tour’s description made it seem that we would have more of a walking tour than we actually did. We only saw a few of these sites from a bus window.
Vigo, Spain
In Vigo, we skipped the ship’s tour and went with Shore Excursions Group on a more personalized tour to Santiago de Compostela, heading through the Galician countryside to one of Spain’s most historic cities. Once there, we explored the UNESCO-listed Old Town and the final destination of the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route on a guided walking tour. We learned more about its centuries of history and still had some free time to wander around on our own and make an inside visit to the church.
One of the reasons we’re comfortable booking tours with Shore Excursions Group is their return-to-ship guarantee. If one of their excursions is delayed and you miss your ship, they’ll get you to the next port of call. That extra peace of mind is especially important on a day like this when you’re venturing quite a distance beyond the cruise port. For us, it meant we could explore Santiago in a smaller group, and spend our day focused on the destination instead of worrying about getting back to the ship.
A Coruña, Spain
Our next port brought us to A Coruña, in the Galicia region of Spain. We spent the rainy morning getting our first look at this coastal city on an Oceania Cruises shore excursion. And it doesn’t take long to see where A Coruña gets its nickname, “Glass City”. Throughout the city, buildings are lined with distinctive glass-enclosed balconies that give the waterfront and historic center a look all their own.
This 3-hour tour took us through the historic streets, Maria Pita Square, and San Carlos Gardens before the main event, the Tower of Hercules. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates to Roman times and is the only fully preserved Roman lighthouse still in use today. Impressive for something originally built nearly 2,000 years ago.
Today’s shorter tour meant we were finally able to relax a bit and enjoy an afternoon on the ship.
Gijón, Spain
Next up on the itinerary: Gijón, in the Asturias region of Spain. Our day in Gijón was part sightseeing, part history, and part learning that we had no idea how to properly pour cider. We started the day at a traditional Asturian cider cellar for a tour and tasting. Here, sidra isn’t simply poured into a glass. The bottle is held high overhead and the cider falls into the glass below, helping to aerate it and bring out its flavor and aroma. Yes, it looks much easier when the professionals do it.
We then continued the tour with views over Gijón and the Asturian coastline from the Providencia viewpoint, a visit to the Universidad Laboral, and a walk through Gijón’s Old Town.
This 4-hour tour was unique and definitely something we’d book again. It also gave us another free afternoon to catch up on work and do some laundry. (Self-service laundry rooms are available and complimentary to all guests on Oceania Marina.)
Santander, Spain
Another day, another port stop. This time, Santander in Spain’s Cantabria region. Pre-cruise, both tours to Santillana, the historic medieval town, were sold out. But we were able to secure the 4.5-hour Santillana and Comillas tour with Oceania once onboard the ship.
From Santander, the capital of Cantabria, we headed inland to see two of its best-preserved villages, Santillana del Mar and Comillas. First was Santillana del Mar, where cobblestone streets, centuries-old towers, and stone buildings made it feel like we had stepped back into the Middle Ages. We visited the town’s 12th-century Collegiate Church, one of the highlights of this remarkably well-preserved medieval village.
Then the scenery and the architecture shifted completely in Comillas. This seaside town became a fashionable summer spot for Spain’s elite in the early 20th century. Today, it’s filled with some pretty impressive architecture, including Sobrellano Palace, the Pontifical University, and El Capricho — one of Antoni Gaudí’s earliest works. Its colorful sunflower-adorned, brick-and-ceramic exterior definitely gives you a glimpse of the distinctive style he would later become famous for.
Bilbao, Spain (Overnight)
Bilbao was a change to our original itinerary, since our scheduled stop in St. Jean-de-Luz was cancelled due to swells. Oceania replaced this stop with an overnight in Bilbao instead. Because the swap was last minute, the cruise line wasn’t able to pull together many shore excursions. So, we did something we had never done on a cruise before. We had ChatGPT map out a walking route that hit the city’s highlights.
The route ran about 4.5 miles, starting and ending near Palacio Euskalduna, the ship’s shuttle location. While Oceania did offer complimentary shuttle service into town, there was some miscommunication about the schedule. Thus, we ended up taking an Uber from our ship in Getxo to the Guggenheim Museum to start our day.
Our self-guided walking tour took us past the exterior of the Guggenheim Bilbao, across the striking Zubizuri bridge, and past Bilbao City Hall. We then continued into the Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s old town. We wandered through Plaza Nueva, admired Santiago Cathedral, and explored the narrow pedestrian streets, before finishing at the Mercado de la Ribera. From there, we worked our way back through the newer part of the city before catching our shuttle back to the ship.
What started as an unexpected itinerary change turned into a fantastic day of sightseeing. Bilbao was a great port to explore independently, with so many of its major sights within walking distance of each other. And while a little sunshine would have been nice, the overcast weather didn’t stop us.
Because Bilbao was our final stop and the ship was docked here overnight, we were not rushed. We took our time on the walk, then headed back onboard to pack and have a last dinner, and disembarked the next morning in Bilbao for our flight home.
What Oceania Marina Is Like on a Port-Heavy Sailing
With a new port every day, Oceania Marina was a great backdrop to the destinations.
Food is a big part of the Oceania experience, and there was no shortage of it on Marina. Between the four specialty restaurants, the Grand Dining Room, and the casual spots, with plenty of coffee stops and desserts along the way too, we had a hard time sampling it all in seven days.
One thing we love is that the specialty restaurants are not an extra charge on Oceania Cruises. Guests can dine at the Polo Grill steakhouse, Red Ginger Pan Asian restaurant, the Italian Toscana, and the French-inspired Jacques with no cover charges. This is in addition to the Grand Dining Room featuring rotating menus each evening, the Terrace Cafe buffet which featured a special Chef’s Market dinner, Aquamar Kitchen serving up healthier options for breakfast and lunch, and the Waves Grill with delicious options like the surf and turf burger. There’s also complimentary room service, ice cream, a pizzeria in the evenings, and snacks at the coffee house Baristas.
Beyond dining, much more is included in the Oceania fare. It includes things like specialty coffee, soda, basic WiFi, gratuities, and the self-service laundry that we definitely put to use after all those days ashore. Guests can also opt for complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner, or take a shore excursion credit instead. While not fully all-inclusive, Oceania Cruises definitely includes more in its fares than mainstream cruise lines.
Not to mention, this was also our first time sailing Oceania since the line became adults-only earlier this year. And it made the whole week feel more relaxed and grown-up.
With long days ashore, we did not miss the other activities and amenities that you’d find on contemporary megaships. The destinations are the whole point. That said, the one real miss was enrichment during our sailing. Beyond the upcharge cooking classes in the Culinary Center, there were no talks, lectures, or activities tied to the itinerary.
Still, there was plenty to do between ports. From cocktails and live music in the evenings (with 2-for-1 Happy Hour specials); to daily trivia, quizzes, and games; outdoor activities like pickleball, shuffleboard, and golf; and mediocre productions in the theater, we were never bored. Not to mention, there’s also a pool, hot tubs, fitness center, and a spa.
Heads up for anyone booking soon: Marina is heading into dry dock for a major refresh October 2026. Every stateroom will be redesigned with new layouts, furniture, and bathrooms. Enhancements will be made across all public spaces as well, including the addition of the Founders Bar (replacing the Casino Bar), a new Chef’s Studio (replacing the Artist Loft), and The Bakery (being added to Baristas).
Our full Oceania Marina ship review is coming soon!
Should You Book a Portugal and Spain Cruise with Oceania?
If you want new-to-you destinations, a small adults-only ship, and great food, you will likely love this Iberian coast itinerary and Oceania Cruises.
It is probably not the right fit if you want sea days to relax, big-ship entertainment and activities, or if you are traveling with kids, since Oceania is adults-only now.
Seven ports. Two countries. A lot of walking. Probably even more eating. And a corner of Europe that was entirely new to us. This made our week on Oceania Marina hard to beat! While the weather was rainy most of the trip and we were exhausted by the end, we wouldn’t hesitate to book a similar itinerary again.
Comments
Have you sailed with Oceania Cruises? Would you book a similar Portugal and Spain cruise itinerary? Drop us an anchor below to share your Oceania cruise reviews and European explorations.
My taco casserole has everything you love about tacos baked into one cheesy, hearty dinner! It’s loaded with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, salsa, and tortilla chips. I love topping mine with sour cream, avocado, and fresh cilantro!
Why This Taco Casserole Always Hits!
Make It Your Own: Pile on the sour cream, avocado, tomatoes, or whatever toppings you’re craving!
Taco Tuesday, But Better: All your favorite taco flavors baked into one cheesy casserole. No need to fill a bunch of taco shells!
Easy to Make: Brown the beef, stir in the filling, layer, and bake. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight!
Ingredients Needed For Taco Casserole
Ground Beef: Swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
Salsa: Use a thicker salsa. I used pace picante brand.
Beans: Black beans are great, but you can use your favorite kind.
Tortilla Chips: Grab your favorite brand! You can even use Doritos for a fun twist.
How to Make Taco Casserole
Taco casserole is a great way to change up taco night! Just cook the beef, layer it over the chips, and bake until the cheese melts. Serve it with my Mexican rice or homemade guacamole for a tasty meal!
Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef and onion. Cook for 7–8 minutes, until the beef is no longer pink.
Add the Filling: Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, black beans, and corn, then cook for 5 minutes.
Layer: Spread the crushed tortilla chips in the baking dish, then spoon the beef mixture over the chips and top with shredded cheese.
Bake: Bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese melts. Serve taco casserole warm with your favorite toppings!
Can I Make Taco Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! Cook the beef mixture, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. When you’re ready to eat, layer the chips, meat, and cheese in your baking dish. Bake until hot and bubbly. Add your favorite toppings right before serving!
Must Have Kitchen Tools
Large Skillet: For browning the beef and cooking the filling.
1(15.25-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1(15-ounce)can corn, drained
2cupscrushed tortilla chips
1cupshredded Mexican blend cheese
Optional toppingstomatoes, cilantro, green onions
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 pound lean ground beef and ½ cup diced yellow onion. Cook for 7–8 minutes, until the beef is no longer pink.
Stir in the 1 (1-ounce) package taco seasoning, 1 (26-ounce) jar thick salsa, 1 (15.25-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed, and 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained. Cook for 5 minutes.
Spread the 2 cups crushed tortilla chips in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Spoon the meat mixture over the chips, then sprinkle the 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese on top.
Bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Serve warm with your favorite Optional toppings!
Notes
Leftover Instructions
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing the finished casserole. The chips get soggy when thawed.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions until heated through. Add fresh chips for extra crunch!
Everything you love about enchiladas, minus the fuss! This super flavorful, cheesy vegan enchilada skillet comes together in about 30 minutes with simple methods, minimal dishes, and no need to fill or roll tortillas.
This easy, nourishing dish features tender cubed sweet potato or winter squash, fiber- & protein-rich black beans, and a rich red enchilada sauce. Everything gets simmered in 1 pan and topped with a melty cashew “cheese” that makes it SUPER satisfying and delicious!
Former Marine reconnaissance veteran, television personality and conservationist Rudy Reyes shares his remarkable journey of resilience, service and renewed purpose in the November issue of U.S. Veterans Magazine.
From the battlefields of Iraq to the demanding challenges of reality television, Rudy Reyes has built a life defined by strength, determination and an unwavering commitment to service.
Known to audiences for his appearances on Generation Kill, SAS: Who Dares Wins and Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, Reyes has earned recognition for his military expertise, physical endurance and ability to inspire others to push beyond their perceived limitations.
But behind the television personality is a story of personal challenges, perseverance and discovering a new sense of purpose after military service.
From Marine Reconnaissance to the Spotlight
Reyes served seven years in the United States Marine Corps, undergoing specialized training in reconnaissance, combat diving, parachuting and other demanding military disciplines. His service included combat operations in Iraq, experiences that would profoundly shape his life and perspective.
Following his military career, Reyes brought his expertise to the entertainment industry, eventually portraying himself in HBO’s acclaimed miniseries Generation Kill, based on the experiences of Marines during the invasion of Iraq.
His subsequent television work has introduced audiences worldwide to the discipline, teamwork and resilience that remain central to his philosophy.
A New Mission Beyond the Military
For Reyes, serving something greater than himself didn’t end when he left the Marine Corps.
As a co-founder of Force Blue, he has helped bring together former special operations veterans and marine conservation professionals to protect and restore threatened ocean ecosystems.
The organization provides veterans with opportunities to apply their specialized skills to environmental conservation, creating a powerful connection between military service and a renewed mission.
Reyes describes his involvement with Force Blue as an experience that “brought me back to life.”
A Story of Resilience and Purpose
In the upcoming November issue of U.S. Veterans Magazine, Reyes opens up about his unconventional childhood, military experiences, challenges transitioning to civilian life and the importance of physical fitness, perseverance and finding purpose.
His journey offers a compelling perspective on the strength of the veteran community and the opportunities to continue making a difference long after military service.
“We can prevail,” Reyes said. “We can prevail.”
Coming November 1: Read Rudy Reyes’ full cover story, “We Can Prevail,” in the November 2026 issue of U.S. Veterans Magazine.
Stay connected with U.S. Veterans Magazine for the November issue launch and more inspiring stories of veterans making a difference.
Catholics serving in the U.S. Army should not participate in the firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan that the Pentagon is planning to livestream in December, a prominent U.S. archbishop said on Monday.
In an unusually strongly worded statement, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who oversees the spiritual care of Catholic members of the U.S. armed forces, raised a series of objections to the unprecedented plan to broadcast the execution of Hasan, who killed 13 people at Fort Hood, Texas, in a 2009 shooting spree.
Broglio said he presided at the funeral of one of Hasan’s victims, and lamented the shooting. But the Ohio-born archbishop asked whether the U.S. wanted to “imitate the terrorists of this world and make a public spectacle of barbarically killing our adversaries.”
“I oblige any Catholics assigned to the firing squad to request to be excused from this action contrary to the teaching of the Church,” Broglio said.
U.S. Army regulations do allow for soldiers to request religious exemptions or accommodations, and the Army has yet to say how it intends to select members of the firing squad.
Questions about the effect on young viewers
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans to livestream the shooting last week, triggering a backlash among Republicans in Congress, religious leaders and international observers. U.S. President Donald Trump approved Hasan’s execution by firing squad but has said he is still deciding whether to allow the livestreaming to proceed.
The event would be extraordinary, even for a country that has long employed capital punishment. A government execution has never been broadcast or livestreamed, according to death penalty experts, and the U.S. military has not executed anyone by firing squad since 1945. Hasan, now 56, requires a wheelchair, having been shot by police during his arrest.
Hegseth said last week he wants U.S. soldiers to execute Hasan at the time, day of the week and location of Hasan’s shooting spree. Hegseth has argued that making the event public will help serve as a deterrent.
Broglio questioned whether the effect of a livestreamed execution on young viewers had been considered. He said the U.S. military had a good reputation and asked if there was “really a value to throwing them in the same boat with terrorists by broadcasting the image of the execution of a man in a wheelchair to the whole world.”
Broglio’s statement was issued shortly after he met on Monday in Rome with Pope Leo, who has clashed with Trump and his Pentagon over issues including the Iran war. Leo on Saturday condemned the death penalty, without mentioning the Hasan case specifically.
Vice President JD Vance, a convert to Catholicism, has said that if it does ultimately get livestreamed, he would not watch it.
Catholics serving in the U.S. Army should not participate in the firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan that the Pentagon is planning to livestream in December, a prominent U.S. archbishop said on Monday.
In an unusually strongly worded statement, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who oversees the spiritual care of Catholic members of the U.S. armed forces, raised a series of objections to the unprecedented plan to broadcast the execution of Hasan, who killed 13 people at Fort Hood, Texas, in a 2009 shooting spree.
Broglio said he presided at the funeral of one of Hasan’s victims, and lamented the shooting. But the Ohio-born archbishop asked whether the U.S. wanted to “imitate the terrorists of this world and make a public spectacle of barbarically killing our adversaries.”
“I oblige any Catholics assigned to the firing squad to request to be excused from this action contrary to the teaching of the Church,” Broglio said.
U.S. Army regulations do allow for soldiers to request religious exemptions or accommodations, and the Army has yet to say how it intends to select members of the firing squad.
Questions about the effect on young viewers
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans to livestream the shooting last week, triggering a backlash among Republicans in Congress, religious leaders and international observers. U.S. President Donald Trump approved Hasan’s execution by firing squad but has said he is still deciding whether to allow the livestreaming to proceed.
The event would be extraordinary, even for a country that has long employed capital punishment. A government execution has never been broadcast or livestreamed, according to death penalty experts, and the U.S. military has not executed anyone by firing squad since 1945. Hasan, now 56, requires a wheelchair, having been shot by police during his arrest.
Hegseth said last week he wants U.S. soldiers to execute Hasan at the time, day of the week and location of Hasan’s shooting spree. Hegseth has argued that making the event public will help serve as a deterrent.
Broglio questioned whether the effect of a livestreamed execution on young viewers had been considered. He said the U.S. military had a good reputation and asked if there was “really a value to throwing them in the same boat with terrorists by broadcasting the image of the execution of a man in a wheelchair to the whole world.”
Broglio’s statement was issued shortly after he met on Monday in Rome with Pope Leo, who has clashed with Trump and his Pentagon over issues including the Iran war. Leo on Saturday condemned the death penalty, without mentioning the Hasan case specifically.
Vice President JD Vance, a convert to Catholicism, has said that if it does ultimately get livestreamed, he would not watch it.
Catholics serving in the U.S. Army should not participate in the firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan that the Pentagon is planning to livestream in December, a prominent U.S. archbishop said on Monday.
In an unusually strongly worded statement, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who oversees the spiritual care of Catholic members of the U.S. armed forces, raised a series of objections to the unprecedented plan to broadcast the execution of Hasan, who killed 13 people at Fort Hood, Texas, in a 2009 shooting spree.
Broglio said he presided at the funeral of one of Hasan’s victims, and lamented the shooting. But the Ohio-born archbishop asked whether the U.S. wanted to “imitate the terrorists of this world and make a public spectacle of barbarically killing our adversaries.”
“I oblige any Catholics assigned to the firing squad to request to be excused from this action contrary to the teaching of the Church,” Broglio said.
U.S. Army regulations do allow for soldiers to request religious exemptions or accommodations, and the Army has yet to say how it intends to select members of the firing squad.
Questions about the effect on young viewers
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans to livestream the shooting last week, triggering a backlash among Republicans in Congress, religious leaders and international observers. U.S. President Donald Trump approved Hasan’s execution by firing squad but has said he is still deciding whether to allow the livestreaming to proceed.
The event would be extraordinary, even for a country that has long employed capital punishment. A government execution has never been broadcast or livestreamed, according to death penalty experts, and the U.S. military has not executed anyone by firing squad since 1945. Hasan, now 56, requires a wheelchair, having been shot by police during his arrest.
Hegseth said last week he wants U.S. soldiers to execute Hasan at the time, day of the week and location of Hasan’s shooting spree. Hegseth has argued that making the event public will help serve as a deterrent.
Broglio questioned whether the effect of a livestreamed execution on young viewers had been considered. He said the U.S. military had a good reputation and asked if there was “really a value to throwing them in the same boat with terrorists by broadcasting the image of the execution of a man in a wheelchair to the whole world.”
Broglio’s statement was issued shortly after he met on Monday in Rome with Pope Leo, who has clashed with Trump and his Pentagon over issues including the Iran war. Leo on Saturday condemned the death penalty, without mentioning the Hasan case specifically.
Vice President JD Vance, a convert to Catholicism, has said that if it does ultimately get livestreamed, he would not watch it.
Three U.S. soldiers were awarded Purple Hearts for their efforts assisting fellow service members despite their own injuries after a missile attack hit their air base during Operation Epic Fury.
On March 27, when a missile hit Prince Sultan Air Base in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia, Staff Sgt. Kalob Mitchell, Spc. Nicholas Cabo and Sgt. Xavier Jones, all with the 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division Artillery, sprang into action.
A 550-pound ballistic missile exploded yards from a bunker on base, filling it with dust and debris.
“We’re sitting there talking, and then all of a sudden, we didn’t hear anything, no sound at all. Everything went black, so we were hit,” Mitchell said in a recent release.
While expecting just another missile warning, the soldiers were thrown from their position and slammed against the opposing interior wall, forcing all three to lose consciousness. They had their initial medical evaluation later that day at the Role 2 Medical Facility on base.
“Woke up, checked on them. They were good. At that time, we heard screams from the opposite side of the bunker. Two Soldiers, I’m not too sure who they were, who had significant injuries; ran over there, applied tourniquets, T Triple C (Tactical Combat Casualty Care), everything,” Mitchell recounted.
Mitchell, Cabo and Jones applied a tourniquet to a severely wounded soldier, treated another with a neck injury and helped keep a disoriented soldier safe until it was safe to evacuate the bunker, per the release.
Despite their own injuries, the trio continued to assist others, carrying others out to an ambulance and helping a soldier whose leg was severely damaged, speculating that the soldier could have lost their life if not for the group.
Capt. Tyler Ritter, commander of 6-56 ADAR, 1st Cav. DIVARTY, received messages from the injured soldier saying, “Sir, your Soldiers saved my life. I thank God every day that these gentlemen survived. Their actions brought great credit upon the 6-56 Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division and III Armored Corps. These Soldiers are my heroes. May God bless them.”
Mitchell, Cabo and Jones’ service, described as the “ultimate description of what we mean when we talk about warfighting, readiness, grit and taking care of our Soldiers,” earned them each a Purple Heart during an Oct. 1 ceremony at the III Armored Corps headquarters building at Fort Hood, Texas.
“So honestly, it’s kind of cool,” Jones said in the release. “I don’t think any of us was like going for a Purple Heart because it actually sucked. Like that situation was horrible … When I saw it on my STP (Soldier Talent Profile), I was like, man, I never would have thought I would have got a Purple Heart. I never thought I was going to see anything like we saw.”
From urine collection systems to updated weaponry and even a new beret for EOD airmen, a bevy of updates could be headed for troops across the military.
