Airman dies in “non-combat incident” during mission at “unknown location”
An Airman from the 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron died in a “non-combat related incident” on Thursday, August 15.
Staff Sgt. Tristen Wright, who served as a materials management specialist with the squadron, died at an “undisclosed location,” the U.S. Air Force said Saturday, Aug. 17. He was 28.
The Air Force did not release details about Wright’s cause of death. The incident is currently under investigation.
“Tristen was a force for good within the 27th SOLRS and beyond,” Maj. Brent Escay, 27th SOLRS commander, said in the Air Force news release. “He was the type of leader who took the privilege of leading and mentoring Airmen seriously. He cared deeply about the Airmen in his squadron and was involved in volunteering in the local community. We will never forget how his infectious smile could light up a room.”
The 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron is based at Cannon Air Force Base but has deployed as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the ongoing U.S. and partner operation against the remnants of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in those two countries. The squadron supports the larger 27th Special Operations Wing, which is under the Air Force’s Special Operations Command.
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Wright joined the Air Force in August 2016. Before serving with the 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron, he served in Japan with the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Kadena Air Base. He previously deployed with both Operation Inherent Resolve and Resolute Support. His awards include the U.S. Air and Space Force Commendation Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.
Although fighting against ISIS is ongoing, there have been several non-combat deaths as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. Earlier this month, two National Guard soldiers died in Iraq in separate off-battlefield incidents.
