Air Force officials are investigating the death of Maj. John Gerrie, 42, who was found dead at Al Udeid AB, Qatar, on Jan. 16. Gerrie, of Nickerson, Kan., was assigned to the 453rd Electronic Warfare Squadron, JBSA-Lackland, Texas, according to the Defense Department. Gerrie was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He died from a “non-combat related incident,” the Pentagon said.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.