Base officials identify Airman killed in vehicle accident

  • Published
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Senior Airman James S. Campbell IV, 23, was killed in a motorcycle accident involving another vehicle near the Yokota Community Center at Yokota Air Base Jan. 13.

First responders provided immediate medical attention and transported Campbell to a local emergency medical center where he was pronounced dead. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Campbell, a native of Indianapolis, Ind., was assigned to Yokota's 374th Medical Support Squadron as a medical material technician. He arrived at Yokota in June 2010 after completing technical training school at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.

During his time at Yokota, Campbell aided the 374th Airlift Wing by providing medical logistics support through numerous exercises and real-world operations in support of U.S. Pacific Command.

During Operation Tomodachi, the Department of Defense's humanitarian response to Japan's Great Eastern Earthquake, Campbell helped expand Yokota's hospital capacity with the addition of 25 inpatient beds.

Later, his efforts to facilitate the base hospital's medical resupply program and his management of internal customer service helped earn his unit's distinction as the 2012 Pacific Air Forces' Large Medical Logistics Account Team of the Year.

"Senior Airman Campbell was an eternal optimist who saw every challenge as an opportunity. He excelled at his job with an intense pride and dedication," said Col Eveline Yao, 374th Medical Group commander. "He possessed an incredible strength of character and cultivated deep friendships here at Yokota. It was an honor to serve alongside him."

Base memorial services for Campbell are planned for Jan. 17 at 8 a.m., at the Yokota Main Chapel.

"Team Yokota is united in support of Senior Airman Campbell's family and friends," said Col. Clarence Lukes, 374th Airlift Wing vice commander. "We stand together during this time of mourning; we cherish our memories of him and will continue to honor his service."