A1C Joshua Grier, 20, an airman deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, from Minot AFB, N.D., died on April 27, announced Minot officials on Tuesday. The cause of Grier’s death remains under investigation, states the base’s April 30 release. Grier was found unresponsive and then transferred to Guam Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the release. Grier was assigned to Minot’s 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron as a B-52 assistant dedicated crew chief since September 2012. He deployed to Guam in March as part of the newest rotation of bombers to Andersen where the United States maintains a continuous bomber presence to promote stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.