A staff sergeant assigned to Cannon Air Force Base died Thursday in a “non-combat related incident at an undisclosed location,” Cannon officials said last week in a news release.
Tristen Wright, 28, of Palm Bay, Fla., was assigned to the 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron and was deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Cannon reported.
The incident is under investigation.
“Tristen was a force for good within the 27 SOLRS and beyond,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Brent Escay, 27th SOLRS commander. “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. We’ll never forget how his infectious smile could light up a room.”
Wright enlisted on Aug. 23, 2016, and had been assigned to the 27th SOLRS as a materiel management specialist since 2019. He was previously assigned to the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Kadena Air Force Base, Japan, from 2017 to 2019, according to the news release.
“Since last Friday morning I’ve heard and read a lot about who Tristen was and the amazing impact he had on those around him,” Cannon Wing Commander Col. Robert Johnston posted on his Facebook page Monday.
“Our heart breaks for all those who are grieving right now – Tristen’s family, teammates, and friends. We are thinking and praying for you all. … Please lean on each other.”
Wright had previously deployed in support of OPERATIONS Resolute Support and Inherent Resolve, according to the Cannon news release.
His decorations include a U.S. Air and Space Force Commendation Medal, a U.S. Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters and “C” devices, an Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster, a Global War on Terrorism Medal and a National Defense Service Medal.
“We plan to honor Ssgt. Wright at Cannon AFB during a memorial event in the future,” Capt. Jackie Pienkowski, chief of Cannon’s public affairs, said on Monday.