The Hanscom community is mourning the loss of a 66th Security Forces Squadron Airman who was killed in a non-combat related accident while serving overseas September 12.
Senior Airman Jason “Khai” Phan was deployed to Kuwait with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing’s SFS in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Hanscom defenders describe him as epitomizing the Air Force core values by emulating excellence in every task.
“He came to this country with big dreams and aspirations and truly worked to obtain all of his goals,” said Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Souheaver, a 66 SFS defender, who served directly with Phan. “He never stopped believing and pushing to achieve what a lot of people never attempt to do.”
Phan immigrated to Anaheim, California, from Vietnam when he was 18 years old to attend school as a computer scientist, and enlisted to help financially support his family. With English as his second language, he worked through elementary school textbooks on his off time to improve his speech.
“The reason he wanted to improve so badly was so he could better do his job, but more importantly, so he could express himself to his friends and loved ones,” said Senior Airman Joel Bell, also a 66 SFS defender, and a good friend of Phan’s.
“I am broken by the loss of one of my closest friends, but I’m inspired by him to pursue a life that would make him proud,” said Bell.
Phan found an outlet in volunteering at the K9 kennels here, taking a break from what Bell described as Phan’s constant devotion to his job and from studying English to learn all there was to know about being a military working dog (MWD) handler.
According to the 66 SFS officials, Phan had recently been accepted to the 341st Training Squadron MWD Handler course at Joint Base Lackland, Texas, and was slated to attend following his deployment.
In a standing memorial, officials from the schoolhouse announced that Phan will be posthumously recognized as a graduate of the course. Additionally, two MWDs have been named in his honor; MWD Kkhai and MWD Pphan will go on to serve across the Department of Defense.
The typical spelling of MWD names bred through the DOD “Puppy Program” includes a double first letter.
Maj. Shane Watts, 66 SFS commander, said defenders could be vulnerable around Phan without fear of judgment; and their weaknesses turned to strength through his calm reassurance.
“He was the type of Airman, defender, man, and friend so profound that I felt an overwhelming obligation to live up to the expectations he deserved in a commander,” said Watts. “I’m still not sure if I’ve done that, but he’s left an impression on me that I will share with my family and commit to fulfilling in my lifetime.”
Chief Master Sgt. William Hebb, installation command chief, said “Phan was an absolutely amazing Airman and defender. He made an impact on everyone he knew through his can-do attitude and friendship.”
In an email to Hanscom’s workforce, Col. Katrina Stephens, installation commander, called Phan “truly an extraordinary Airman,” and encouraged the community to be there for one another.
“Senior Airman Phan represented the best of the Air Force and understood what it meant to be a true wingman,” she said.
Flowers and messages cover Senior Airman Jason Phan’s vehicle in the long-term parking lot at Hanscom Air Force Base on September 16. Phan, a 66th Security Forces Squadron entry controller, was killed in a non-combat related accident while serving overseas, September 12. Click to view each full-sized image.
Senior Airman Phan’s Memory to be Honored at October 2 Ruck March
The Security Forces Squadron has scheduled a 6.2-mile memorial ruck march for October 2 to honor the memory of Phan and other fallen 66 SFS defenders.
Participants will step off from the 66 SFS warehouse, building 1445, at 4:15 p.m.
For more information about the ruck march, contact Tech. Sgt. Kile Barrett at [email protected] or Cpl. Bernardino Coehlo at [email protected].
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