GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Airman First Class Natasha Raye Aposhian, 21, assigned to the 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron, was killed during a fatal shooting incident in a dormitory here on June 1st.
Also deceased in the incident is Airman First Class Julian Carlos Torres, 20, assigned to the 319th Security Forces Squadron. He was rushed to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving.
“This is heartbreaking,” said Col. Cameron Pringle, 319th Reconnaissance Wing commander. “I cannot begin to express the sorrow and pain I feel on behalf of these units and the families affected by this tragedy.”
Natasha Aposhian, a native of Arizona, was assigned to Grand Forks Air Force Base in April of this year where she worked as an Aircraft Parts Store Apprentice.
Julian Torres, a native of Texas, was assigned to Grand Forks Air Force Base in December of 2019, where he worked as an Installation Entry Controller and an Internal Security Response Team Member.
This was the first duty station for both members, and neither had deployed.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and is expected to continue for the coming weeks.
Immediately after the incident, 21 Airmen were moved out of the affected dormitory. The disaster mental health team, an emergency response service, was mobilized to provide support for Airmen in the dormitory as well as everyone else who may be affected by this tragic event.
“There will be a wide range of responses to an event like this,” said Maj. Lateasa Reed-Jackson, Mental Health Flight commander. “This may trigger some other negative memories or be multiplied by other life stressors. Mental health is available for non-documented counseling and support for our Airmen in distress.”
“We are focused on caring for the Airmen and families affected by this, now is the time to redouble our efforts on reconnecting,” Pringle said.
Both the Chaplain Corps and Mental Health are ready to support those who need assistance. Please call 701-747-4460 to speak with a mental health professional. Additionally, the Chaplain Corps can be reached at 701-747-5673 during duty hours, or after hours call the command post at 701-747-6711 to reach the on-call chaplain.
“With the recent event on base, please be assured that your Chaplain Corps is here to support you,” said Capt. Juan Reyes, 319th Reconnaissance Wing chaplain. “If you need a listening ear, or someone to walk with you, we are here for you. To the Warriors of the North, please know that you are always on our hearts, in our prayers, and loved.”
Further media queries may be directed to the 319th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs office at 319ABW.PA@us.af.mil or (701) 747-5023.