Cristina Stassis
Cristina Stassis is a reporter covering stories surrounding the defense industry, national security, military/veteran affairs and more. She previously worked as an editorial fellow for Defense News in 2024 where she assisted the newsroom in breaking news across Sightline Media Group. She graduated from George Washington University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication and international affairs, with a concentration in security policy.
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Airman awarded medal for aid in capture of fugitive accused of murder
After recognizing his friend in the news, airman Ryland Perez-Settle assisted law enforcement in a manhunt that resulted in the capture of the fugitive.
State veterans cemeteries receive grants for improvement, expansion
In fiscal 2025, the VA granted state veterans cemeteries across the country, including for the establishment of one in Alaska, over $77 million.
Marine master sergeant redesignated to first sergeant in pilot program
Master Sgt. Joseph B. Stoker is the first to change rank from master sergeant to first sergeant as part of the new E-8 pilot redesignation initiative.
Death of airman caused by multiple points of failure, report finds
A special investigation found that Staff Sgt. Charles Crumlett’s death while working on a F-22 was caused, among others, by a lack of supervision.
Lockheed still paid $1.7 billion despite poor readiness rate of F-35s
An audit found that the defense department paid the aerospace company $1.7 billion by July in spite of poor performance.
Latest class of guardians first to don new dress uniform at graduation
The graduation ceremony marked the first time trainees were authorized to wear the service dress uniform instead of prototypes.
Marines deployed to Arizona’s southern border to support security
About 450 U.S. Marines were deployed to the Joint Task Force-Southern Border in Yuma, Arizona, this month to boost security along the southern border.
Airmen to stay enrolled in EPME after failed fitness tests
Airmen in enlisted professional military education will stay in the course, regardless of whether they have passed the school’s internal fitness test.
