Editor's Note: This story was originally published April 13, but has been updated with further personnel information from the Air Force.
Andersen Air Force Base in Guam released the identity of the airmen reported deceased on Monday.
Lt. Col. Patrick Whelan, 46, died of an apparent suicide, according to a press release from the base. Whelan was found dead in his private quarters on the base.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life," Brig. Gen. Andrew Toth, the 36th Wing commander, said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and loved ones."
The base said Whelan is survived by his wife and two children.
Whelan, from Washington, Maine, was the deputy commander of the 36th Mission Support Group. According to information from the Air Force's personnel office, he joined the service in July 1994.
He received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal three times, the Air Force Commendation Medal five times, and the Air Force Achievement Medal, records show.
The Air Force has set up a suicide prevention hotline, and encourages any airmen contemplating suicide to either call the number or speak to suicide prevention personnel on base.
The phone number is 1-800-273-8255.
