A United States Airman died at an undisclosed location last week while deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
According to a Cannon Air Force Base press release, 28-year-old U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tristen Wright of Palm Bay, Florida, died on Thursday due to a non-combat related incident that occurred at an undisclosed location. Department of Defense officials noted that the fatal incident is currently under investigation.
The 28-year-old airman was deployed with the 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. According to the military’s website, Operation Inherent Resolve is a mission involving a joint task force assisting, advising, and enabling U.S. partner forces in securing the “lasting defeat of ISIS” and establishing an “enduring security cooperation framework.”
In the military’s press release, U.S. Air Force Maj. Brent Escay, 27th Special Operations Logistics and Readiness Squadron commander, described Wright as a “force for good within the 27 SOLRS and beyond.”
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“He was the kind of supervisor who took the privilege of leading and mentoring Airmen seriously. He cared deeply for the Airmen in his flight and volunteered actively within the local community,” Escay added. “We’ll never forget how his infectious smile could light up a room.”
According to the press release, Wright enlisted in the Air Force on August 23, 2016, and had been assigned as a materiel management specialist with the 27th Special Operations Logistics and Readiness Squadron since 2019. From 2017 to 2019, Wright was assigned to the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Kadena Air Force Base in Japan. The press release noted that Wright had also previously been deployed in support of Operation Resolute Support and Operation Inherent Resolve.
Col. Robert Johnston, the commander of the 27th Special Operations Wing, said, “These are our most difficult days. Tristen had a positive impact across the entire Cannon family and local community. We are committed to taking care of Tristen’s family and teammates affected by this tragedy. His family and friends remain in our thoughts and prayers.”
Wright’s military decorations include a U.S. Air and Space Force Commendation Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Medal, a U.S. Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters and “C” devices, a National Defense Service Medal, and an Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
