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News > Basic trainee succumbs to illness
Basic trainee succumbs to illness

Posted 7/1/2011 Email story   Print story

    

7/1/2011 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas (AFNS) -- Air Force officials at Lackland Air Force Base have announced the death of Basic Trainee Megan J. Victory, who died at Brooke Army Medical Center June 30.

"The entire Air Force family and every member of Lackland AFB send their condolences to the family and friends of Airman Victory," said Col. Eric Axelbank, the 37th Training Wing commander.

"Losing a family member is very difficult," he said. "The Victory family and the Air Force family are both grieving this very tragic loss. Our hearts go out to her family, friends and colleagues."

Victory fell ill the morning of June 23 and was transported by ambulance to Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland AFB then to Brooke Army Medical Center at nearby Fort Sam Houston for a higher level of care due to the seriousness of her illness. The 22-year-old Airman was from Albers, Ill, and arrived at Lackland AFB for basic military training May 16. Her family was by her side when she died.



tabComments
7/10/2011 8:06:36 PM ET
Sending prayers to her family.
Tsgt Flores, Cary NC
 
7/7/2011 12:54:50 AM ET
So Sorry for the family and their sudden loss. Prayers and Wishes go out to them.
TSgt Summer Kelly, Al Udeid AB
 
7/6/2011 8:53:11 PM ET
Such a tragedy, and the news can only report about don't ask don't tell. So we worry so much about who can stick a piece of their anatomy into someone else but no recognition for this Airman in the media? Unbelievable.
Michael , Denver
 
7/6/2011 8:32:34 PM ET
My deepest sympathy to Megan's family. My sons are A1Cs and know how prowd the young Airmen and Trainees are. I also know how hard it is for parents to see them make the decision to serve our country in such an unselfish manner. I am so sorry that Megan's life was cut short and that her family has this terrible void left in their lives...
Carol Fairchild, Ohio
 
7/5/2011 9:54:39 PM ET
Thank you for all the condolences and kind words on behalf of myself and the rest of the family. Megan was my cousin and she was very proud to join our AF team and I was very proud to have someone so close to join in with me. It's an extremly tragic loss and we still can't believe that she is gone but her memories will be with us forever.
TSgt Jamie T. Shirley, Scott AFB IL
 
7/5/2011 4:29:40 PM ET
It is never easy losing a fellow family member. Her family is in our prayers.
Major Alex Schwan, 433rd AES lackalnd AFB
 
7/5/2011 2:09:14 PM ET
My heart-felt condolences to Airman Victory's family. Even though it was brief, thank you in allowing her into our Air Force family. Thoughts and prayers go to you all.
CMSgt Jerry Delebreau, Sather AB Iraq
 
7/4/2011 12:40:07 PM ET
Having been an MTI earlier in my career I can sympathize with her family, the Air Force, her TI and her basic training flight. Training instructors are keenly aware that each and every trainee is America's son or daughter and we are entrusted with their care and development. I salute her for her service no matter how brief it was.
CMSgt T. Servati, Camp Lemonnier Djibouti
 
7/4/2011 11:02:11 AM ET
Prayers to her family. She will always be a part of the AF family. Hopefully they honor her and her family at graduation and the coin ceremony.
favtex5, Texas
 
7/4/2011 10:46:08 AM ET
I am so sorry for the loss of such a young person. God Bless her family, friends and military family during this time. God Bless Megan
Jennifer Brady, McGuire AFB
 
7/3/2011 7:17:41 PM ET
Airman Victory is definitely part of the Air Force family forever. My condolences to all who knew her. -AF Security Forces
Dustin, Jeddah Saudi Arabia
 
7/3/2011 5:30:22 PM ET
Our condolences go out to the Victory family and friends. You and yours are in our prayers. My youngest grandson is in week 2 of BMT.
John Clemmer, Fort Walton Beach Fl.
 
7/3/2011 11:45:20 AM ET
Our condolences to Airman Victory's family and Friends. Youngest grandson is there now at Lackland for BMT. You are and yours are in our prayers.
John Clemmer, Fort Walton Beach Fl.
 
7/3/2011 5:53:09 AM ET
So sorry for this family. My daughter also arrived at Lackland May 16th. Such devastating news.
Wendy Griffin, Rosamond Ca
 
7/3/2011 12:50:39 AM ET
Our prayers to the Victory family. May God be with you during this difficult time
Raul Pelaez, Sacramento CA
 
7/3/2011 12:00:49 AM ET
Victory family and friends, know that Megan's fellow AF veterans mourn with you. You are in our prayers.
Daryl Scott Sellers , Huntsville AL
 
7/2/2011 6:41:26 PM ET
My heart is with the family of Megan and with all involved in the AF. My son graduated June 3rd. My heart aches for your loss. God Bless you. Be at peace Megan.
Terri Beernink, Tieton WA
 
7/2/2011 3:49:00 PM ET
Deepest condolences to the family and friends of Airman Victory and Lackland Air Force Base. Prayers and Love going out to all during this very difficult time.
Kellie Malo, Douglas MA
 
7/2/2011 2:33:38 PM ET
Our heart-felt condolences to her family. Thank you for her service and dedication in training to help serve our country. For those who would like more information on this very uncommon illness there is good and thorough info at Web MD: Encephalitis; Topic: Overview
Karen, Northern Cali.
 
7/2/2011 2:00:30 PM ET
Sending prayers to all involved. Can't imagine how hard this is on everyone to loose her.
Beverly Patterson, Navarre FL
 
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