Intel

DOD Announces the Death of Senior Airman Jason Khai Phan

September 14, 2020Joshua Skovlund
US AIR FORCE

Capt. Shane Watts, 66th Security Forces Squadron commander, returns a salute from members of the squadron during a change of command ceremony at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., July 10. Photo courtesy of DVIDS/Jerry Saslav.

The Department of Defense announced Sunday that 26-year-old Anaheim, California, native Senior Airman Jason Khai Phan died Saturday while conducting a patrol around Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait.


According to a Hanscom Air Force Base press release, Khai Phan died from injuries sustained during a noncombat-related vehicle accident while conducting a routine patrol around the air base.


Two other soldiers sustained life-threatening injuries during the accident but have not been identified at the time of publication. They were transported to a hospital at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.


“Senior Airman Jason Phan was an exceptionally noble servant to the nation and his fellow Airmen. His tireless commitment to master his craft made him a credible and reliable teammate in critical situations. But it was his genuine enthusiasm and selfless devotion to others that defined the depth of his character and inspiration to his peers and leaders,” said the 66th Security Forces Squadron Commander, Maj. Shane Watts, in the press release.


Senior Airman Jason Khai Phan, photographed in 2019 as an airman first class, 66th Security Forces Squadron, of Anaheim, California, died as a result of non-combat related injuries while conducting a routine patrol outside the perimeter of Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Sept. 12. Photo courtesy of US Air Force.

“Jason lived with passion and shared compassion with purpose to everyone,” he continued. “He will be sorely missed by the Defenders here, and I’m extremely grateful for and humbled by his service. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones.”


Phan was assigned to the 66th Security Forces Squadron in October 2018. He deployed in July with his squadron to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing’s 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron in Kuwait.


“Phan conducted preliminary criminal investigations, rendered emergency first aid and oversaw all integrated defense, policing, investigations, military working dog support and access control for the base,” according to the press release.


He was recently selected as a military working dog (MWD) handler and was set to attend the MWD Handler course at Joint Base Lackland in Texas upon his return from deployment.



Joshua Skovlund
Joshua Skovlund

Joshua Skovlund is a former staff writer for Coffee or Die. He has covered the 75th anniversary of D-Day in France, multinational military exercises in Germany, and civil unrest during the 2020 riots in Minneapolis. Born and raised in small-town South Dakota, he grew up playing football and soccer before serving as a forward observer in the US Army. After leaving the service, he worked as a personal trainer while earning his paramedic license. After five years as in paramedicine, he transitioned to a career in multimedia journalism. Joshua is married with two children. His creative outlets include Skovlund Photography and Concentrated Emotion.

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
Curtis LeMay
Curtis LeMay: The World War II General Who Firebombed Japan

Who exactly was Gen. Curtis LeMay? And how did he become the commander who razed more than 60 Japanese cities during World War II?

eric smith marine corps commandant nominee
Highly Decorated Marine Officer Nominated To Be Next Commandant

President Joe Biden has nominated a highly decorated Marine officer who has been involved in the transformation of the force to be the next Marine Corps commandant.

USS Arizona
Profile of a Ship: USS Arizona

When the USS Arizona sank, it took 1,177 crew members with it. Today it remains beneath the water as a memorial to all those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor.

b1 bombers bosnia
US Bombers Fly Over Bosnia in Sign of Support Amid Continued Secessionist Threats

A pair of U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers flew low over Sarajevo and several other Bosnian cities...

SR-71 Blackbird
SR-71 Blackbird: The Spy Plane That Could Outrun Missiles

Lockheed Martin’s SR-71 Blackbird was a government secret for years. Now retired, a newer version plans to take its place.

medal of honor recipient remains returned
Missing 73 Years, Medal of Honor Recipient's Remains Return To Georgia

Soldiers of the 9th Infantry Regiment made a desperate retreat as North Korean troops closed in arou...

dear jack
Dear Jack: My Battalion Is Out of Control

In this installment of “Dear Jack,” Marine veteran and amateur life coach Jack Mandaville advises a lieutenant colonel on how to restore order in the lower ranks.

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
  • Request a Correction
  • Write for Us
  • General Inquiries
© 2023 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved