Air Force Red Horse squadron commander dies in noncombat incident in Qatar

The commander of an Air Force Red Horse squadron has died while deployed to Qatar in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the Defense Department announced Sunday.

Lt. Col. James C. Willis, 55, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was found dead at 7:30 a.m. June 26 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, according to a U.S. Air Forces Central news release. The noncombat-related incident is under investigation.

Willis commanded the New Mexico Air National Guard’s 210th Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers out of Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. The unit deployed for missions in Southwest Asia on April 16, according to a 150th Special Operations Wing news release at the time.

While deployed, Willis was a member of the 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron.

“The RED HORSE and engineer communities here are mourning the loss of one of our own,” said Col. Clifford Theony, 1st Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group commander. “We have put every resource available to supporting James’ friends, family and the unit as a whole during this most difficult time. He was a valued member of our team, and will be deeply missed.”

Prior to his current assignment, Willis commanded the 150th Civil Engineer Flight where he had responsibility for New Mexico Air National Guard facilities and the Domestic Prime Power mission. Before that he served as environmental officer for the 150th.

A 1993 graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, California, where he majored in electrical engineering, Willis received his commission from Officer Training School in 2002. He has deployed to contingencies in Israel, the Republic of Korea, the United States Virgin Islands, and numerous locations in the United States for construction projects, disaster relief, and weapons of mass destruction training and response.

“The New Mexico National Guard is saddened to learn of the loss of Lt. Col. James Willis,” the Guard said in a statement. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

In Other News

Dem-aligned group blasts GOP lawsuits challenging overseas ballots

Republicans argue that overseas ballots are insufficiently verified, while Democrats say the legal challenges are meant to sow confusion and distrust.

How changes in Army training could limit troop brain injuries

Army officials plan to conduct baseline brain screenings of all soldiers by fall 2026.

Mattis feared Trump would order a surprise nuclear strike, book claims

In his new book, journalist Bob Woodward wrties that several former military leaders fear Trump returning to the White House.

Supreme Court hears arguments on veterans benefits appeals rules

The case involves how appeals panels must review denials in veteran disability cases.

New program aims to help DOD civilians in Japan get better health care

Critics have long complained about a lack of healthcare access for Defense Department civilians in Japan.

Pentagon changes discharges for 800-plus vets kicked out for being gay

The move comes after a yearlong review of cases of troops forced to leave the services because of their sexual orientation.

Plans for multiple VA medical clinics remain stalled despite funding

More than $670 million set aside for new VA outpatient clinics in 12 states is still waiting for final plans from the White House and Congress.

Here’s what veterans will get for a cost-of-living increase next year

The boost in benefits payments is the smallest since 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

DOD rolls out child care reimbursement test program

Here's how troops might qualify for the new reimbursement of eligible transportation expenses for their child care provider.

How the Army is using AI during Hurricane Helene relief

The system is helping responders make quick decisions, such as where to send medical supplies or how many truckloads of water to take into certain areas.

Load More