U.S. Air Force staff sergeant from Oregon dies in Syria

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – A U.S. Airman from Oregon died Tuesday in Syria while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren, 25, was a native of Umatilla, Oregon.

He died in northern Syria on March 28 in a non-combat-related incident, the Department of Defense said Thursday. Air Force officials said they believe he died of natural causes.

Sgt. Bieren was assigned to the 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado.

“Staff Sgt. Bieren was a valuable and beloved member of our team and will be sorely missed,” said Col. Douglas Schiess, 21st Space Wing commander. “His dedication to his country was evident in his actions – he was a superb Airman.”

The Air Force said it will announce details of a memorial service once it has been scheduled.