TACP airman who died at Eielson is identified

A Tactical Air Control Party airman at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, was found dead at his home Thursday, a base news release said.

Master Sgt. Richard Gustafson, who was assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing, had served as a TACP airman since joining the Air Force in July 2002, the news release said. Before that, he was a small boat operator in the Navy for five years.

The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is looking into his death.

Gustafson's military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal, the news release said.

"We're all saddened by the sudden loss of this decorated warfighter," Col. Michael Winkler, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, said in the news release. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gustafson family."

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