JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- An Airman assigned to the 647th Security Forces Squadron here died Dec. 7 in the Philippines.
Master Sgt. Michael A. Lee, a security forces flight chief and native of Rocky Mount, Va., died from an apparent heart attack after collapsing while on leave in Manila, Philippines.
The incident is under investigation.
Col. Rusty Baumgardner, the 647th Air Base Group commander, spoke highly of Sergeant Lee.
"Our base team is tremendously saddened by the loss of Sergeant Lee," Colonel Baumgardner said. "Yet we carry an enduring joy in remembering his service to the nation and (his) leadership of Airmen. He lived and freely gave of a special and unique purpose as a defender. We will never forget him, and we will continue to do our utmost in supporting his family and friends. Our heart and deepest prayers are with them."
Lt. Col. Michael Gimbrone, the 647th SFS commander, echoed Colonel Baumgardner's comments and added that Sergeant Lee's loss will be felt by his friends and colleagues.
"The news of Sergeant Lee's passing came as a significant shock to everyone who knew him," Colonel Gimbrone said. "He was a true leader and caring mentor within the unit, but beyond that he was a friend and a fellow defender in arms. During his 20 years of service, he gave selflessly of himself time and again to ensure the needs of his Airmen were met. He helped bring out the best in every life he touched, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends."