Airman from Richmond dies in non-combat incident in Qatar

In a news release Saturday, the department announced that Staff Sgt. Albert Miller, 24, died Friday at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in a non-combat-related incident. The incident is under investigation, the release says.

Miller graduated from Monadnock Regional High School in 2013.

He was assigned to the 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, according to the release. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, it states, which provides assistance to Afghanistan’s security forces and continues counterterrorism efforts against “the remnants of Al-Qaeda,” according to the Department of Defense.

In a statement, Col. Joel Safranek, 436th Airlift Wing Commander, noted Miller’s contributions to his unit.

“The 436th Airlift Wing extends its deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the Miller family, friends and fellow Airmen,” Safranek said in the statement. “Staff Sergeant Albert Miller’s passing is a true loss for Dover Air Force Base and the Air Force.”

According to Safranek’s statement, Miller was a C-17 Globemaster III Crew Chief for more than four years, a role in which he was responsible for the maintenance, inspections and flightworthiness of C-17 aircraft.

“He was a positive force in his unit and made valuable contributions to multiple contingency and humanitarian operations around the world,” Safranek said. “He will be missed by all.”

In a post on social media, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said, “Heartbreaking to learn of the death of Staff Sergeant Albert Miller of Richmond, NH while serving our nation overseas. His family is in my thoughts. NH joins with them in their grief & is grateful for their sacrifice.”

Gov. Chris Sununu posted, “Staff Sgt. Albert J. Miller selflessly sacrificed his life for the protection and well-being of the United States. All of New Hampshire mourns his loss and honors his service. Our prayers are with his family.”