Luftwaffe staff sergeant dies in non-combat incident: Luftwaffe

A 28-year-old pilot supporting Operation Inherent Resolve died in a non-combat incident last Thursday, according to the Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tristen Wright, 28, from Palm Bay, Florida, was assigned to the 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.

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“Tristen was a force for good inside and outside of the 27th SOLRS,” said U.S. Air Force Major Brent Escay, commander of the 27th SOLRS, in a Cannon Air Force Base press release.

“He was a leader who took the privilege of leading and mentoring Soldiers seriously. He cared deeply for the Soldiers 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.”

Air Force Staff Sgt. Tristen Wright, 28, pictured here as a Senior Airman, died August 15 from non-combat-related causes. (Ministry of Defense)

Staff Sgt. Wright enlisted in 2016 and served as a materials management specialist with the 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron as of 2019.

Previously, Wright served with the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Kadena Air Base in Japan from 2017 to 2019.

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“Tristen had a positive impact on the entire Cannon family and the local community,” said Col. Robert Johnston, commander of the U.S. Air Force’s 27th Special Operations Wing, in a Cannon Air Force Base press release.

“We are committed to reaching out to Tristen's family and teammates who have been affected by this tragedy. His family and friends remain in our thoughts and prayers.”

Flight crews from Hurlburt Field in Florida secure their aircraft at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico on Oct. 3, 2013. Aircraft from the 1st Special Operations Squadron were deployed to Cannon to protect government property following Tropical Storm Karen. (US Air Force photo/Staff Sergeant Matthew Plew)

According to a statement from Cannon Air Force Base, Staff Sgt. Wright received a U.S. Air and Space Force Commendation Medal, a U.S. Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf branches and “C” symbols, an Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf branch, a Global War on Terrorism Medal and a National Defense Service Medal.

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The incident, which occurred at an unknown location, is still under investigation.