Aug. 3, 2017
W.Va.
airman dies in non-combat-related incident overseas
CHARLESTON, W. Va. – A West
Virginia Air National Guard airman supporting Operation Inherent Resolve has
died.
Tech. Sgt. David Board died
Aug. 2 in Kuwait. The 49-year-old Barboursville resident was assigned aircraft
maintenance duties, and died in a non-combat-related incident while deployed in
support of combat operations.
“It’s a terribly sad day
for West Virginia,” said Governor Jim Justice. “We suddenly lost a hero and an
airman in the West Virginia Air National Guard to a non-combat incident while
serving our country overseas. We owe everything to the men and women who step
up and make countless sacrifices to protect our freedom. Cathy and I are
praying for the airman’s family and the entire National Guard family, and we
hope the people of the Mountain State will join us.”
Operation Inherent Resolve coordinates
the ongoing military actions targeting the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria
(ISIS) in those countries.
“The loss of Tech. Sgt.
Board is a great loss for the West Virginia National Guard and a loss for the
people of West Virginia,” said Maj. Gen. James A. Hoyer, Adjutant General of
the West Virginia National Guard. “Our sincere condolences go out to his
family, his friends and fellow service members. His contributions to our state
and nation are significant and he will be remembered with the profound respect
and admiration of a grateful nation.”
Board was assigned to the
130th Airlift Wing at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base.
"We are deeply
saddened by the loss of such an outstanding Airman and member of the 130th
Airlift Wing," said Col. Johnny Ryan, 130th AW commander. "Tech. Sgt.
Board was an integral part of our West Virginia Air National Guard family and
served his state and nation proudly. He was an exceptional NCO and family man
whose presence will be missed by so many who knew and loved him. His service
exemplifies that of a patriot and he will be remembered and celebrated as such.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones in this
difficult time."
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