The Department of Defense announced today the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
Staff Sergeant Ronald J. Ouellette, 23, of Merrimack, New Hampshire, died September 14 in a single all-terrain-vehicle non-combat related accident on the flightline at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
“Ronald was a valued member of the Patriot Wing and there are no words that can heal the pain his loss brings,” Col. Craig C. Peters, 439th Airlift Wing commander, said in a statement. “We consider every Airman, civilian and dependent part of the team that makes all we do in the defense of our nation possible. The loss of our own, or any service member, is never easy. During this difficult time, our priority is to do all we can to lift and support his family, friends, fellow Airmen in his squadron and loved ones who are struggling.”
He was assigned to the 42nd Aerial Port Squadron, Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts.
“It is with sorrow that we have learned of the passing of Staff Sergeant Ronald Ouellette, of Merrimack, NH, who passed away during a non-combat incident at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. All of New Hampshire mourns the loss of Staff Sergeant Ouellette, an American Hero, whose service to our country will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with his family,” NH Gov. Chris Sununu said in a statement.
