DOD Identifies Air Force Casualty in Kuwait, Second Airman To Die in Vehicle Accident This Week
Airmen from the High Frontier Honor Guard demonstrate a casket carry during their graduation Sept. 1, 2020, at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. This was the first graduation within the unit since the COVID-19 pandemic and the standup of the Peterson-Schriever Garrison. Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jonathan Whitely/DVIDS
The Department of Defense announced Wednesday that 23-year-old Staff Sgt. Ronald J. Ouellette died Monday from injuries suffered in a single all-terrain-vehicle (ATV) non-combat related accident.
The crash occurred on the flight line at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, where Ouellette was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
Ouellette, a native of Merrimack, New Hampshire, was assigned to the 42nd Aerial Port Squadron, Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts.
“Ronald was a valued member of the Patriot Wing and there are no words that can heal the pain his loss brings,” reads a press release from Col. Craig C. Peters, the 439th Airlift Wing commander. “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.”
Ouellette is the second airman in the past week to die as a result of non-combat related injuries at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. On Sunday, the DOD announced the death of Senior Airman Jason Khai Phan in a vehicle accident while conducting a routine patrol around the air base.
The accident is currently under investigation. Further details will be provided when they become available.
Matt Fratus is a history staff writer for Coffee or Die. He prides himself on uncovering the most fascinating tales of history by sharing them through any means of engaging storytelling. He writes for his micro-blog @LateNightHistory on Instagram, where he shares the story behind the image. He is also the host of the Late Night History podcast. When not writing about history, Matt enjoys volunteering for One More Wave and rooting for Boston sports teams.
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