Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota is dealing with the deaths of three airmen last month, causing an outcry from community members and pushing military officials to increase mental health resources at the remote installation.
Capt. Christopher Thibeaux-Moore, a spokesman for the base, told Military.com in an emailed statement that there was a “loss of three airmen in October” and Minot is “actively working to provide extensive mental health and resilience resources to struggling individuals.”
Details about the deaths — such as whether they are attributable to accidents, illness, training or suicide — were not disclosed by the base, which said they are currently under investigation. The Air Force has, in the past, cited Pentagon and internal suicide prevention policies to Military.com as justification for not releasing more information regarding deaths at various installations.
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“The loss of any airman affects us as a team,” Col. Kenneth McGhee, 91st Missile Wing commander, said in an emailed statement. “We aim to respect the privacy and care of our members and their families in the wake of these events, and we must continue to advocate for various support systems through the Air Force and the local community to ensure that those who need to seek help are able to do so.”
Community members in Minot, North Dakota, have been…
