Castro Statement on Flu Outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio

June 18, 2026 Castro Statement on Flu Outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement: "After Secretary Hegseth scrapped the military’s flu vaccine mandate, it was only a matter of time before an outbreak occurred. It was a reckless decision that put troops in harm’s way and undermined our military readiness. At the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, nearly 160 servicemembers are now ill. I am especially concerned by the tragic death of a trainee this past week. My office has requested the Department of Defense provide a full accounting of the outbreak and investigate the circumstances of the trainee’s death. For the wellbeing of our servicemembers and community, public health policies must be guided by science, not politics." Print Email Tweet