RAF Lakenheath: U.S. Airman 1st Class Camden Mello found dead

After an all night search for a member of RAF Lakenheath in the United kingdom the search team found the body of Airman 1st Class Camden Mello.

A devastated Col. Jason Camilletti, commander of the 48th Fighter Wing said in a video on the Wing’s Facebook page that they believe that airman Mello took his own life.

Colonel Jason A. Camilletti is the Commander of the 48th Fighter Wing at Royal Air Force Lakenheath and Royal Air Force Feltwell, England; U.S. Country Representative (USCR) to the U.K; and Bomber Task Force Commander for the European Theater. As commander of the only wing in the Air Force with an official name, the “Statue of Liberty Wing,” he is responsible for nearly 7,000 active duty personnel, British and U.S. Civilians, and 11,000 family members. Employing three combat ready fighter squadrons of F-15C Eagles and F-15E Strike Eagles, the Liberty Wing is the largest U.S. fighter operation in Europe

“Today we mourn a tragic loss within our Liberty Wing family. Rest in peace A1C Camden Mello.” he said.

For those seeking help please visit military one source

Suicide rates among active-duty military members are currently at an all-time highsince record-keeping began after 9/11 and have been increasing over the past five years at an alarmingly steady pace. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide – compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. For military families and parents, whose active duty loved one already sacrifices so much to protect our freedom, this trend is extremely troubling, USO reports.