An investigation was ongoing into the shooting death Sunday night of Brig. Gen. Thomas Tinsley, the commander of the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, at his home on base, according to a July 28 Air Force release. An Associated Press report Monday afternoon indicated that USAF officials did not believe foul play was a factor. Elmendorf medics declared Tinsley dead at his home at 10:30 p.m. on July 27. He has served as commander of the wing since May 2007.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.