Team Minot mourns loss of Airman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica McConnell
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  An Airman assigned to the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here died Sept. 5 while deployed as part of the 36th Maintenance Squadron at Andersen AFB, Guam.

Master Sgt. Philip Stoughton was found unresponsive at his residence at about 1 p.m., according to Andersen AFB officials. He was taken to the local medical facility where he was later pronounced deceased.

"The 5th Bomb Wing has lost not only a valuable member of our team, but a member of our family, and he will be missed." said Col. James Dawkins, 5th BW commander. "While we are deeply saddened, our first priority is to ensure someone is taking care of his family, comforting and assisting them in their time of need."

"We extend our sincere condolences to his family and to those who knew Sergeant Stoughton," said Colonel Dawkins.

Air Force casualty assistance officers and unit members are assisting Stoughton's family.

Stoughton entered active duty in July of 1991. He arrived to Minot AFB in May of 2007 and was assigned as load team chief and then to NCOIC of weapons maintenance. Later, Stoughton volunteered to perform first sergeant duties and was assigned to 5th Maintenance Operations Squadron and later for the 5th AMXS.

A medical examiner confirmed Stoughton's death was due to natural causes.

A memorial service for Stoughton was held on Sept. 7 at 10 a.m., at the Northern Lights Chapel on Minot AFB.

The funeral service will be held in Stoughton's hometown of Santa Ana, Calif., on Sept. 14.

A memorial fund has been established at Wells Fargo. Those wishing to send contributions can make thier checks out to the Stoughton Family Memorial Fund.

DISPOSITION OF PERSONAL EFFECTS
Capt Bryan Fanick is authorized to make disposition of the personal effects of MSgt Philip Stoughton of 5 AMXS as stated in AFI 34-511.

Any person having claims for or against the deceased please contact:
Capt Bryan Fanick at DSN 453-1600 or 701/509-4562