Deployed Peterson Airman passes away Published March 30, 2017 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A 21st Space Wing Airman died in a non-combat related incident while deployed in support of combat operations March 28, 2017.Staff Sgt. Austin L. Bieren, 25, a security forces Airman, died from suspected natural causes while deployed to northern Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.“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.”Bieren, of Umatilla, Oregon, entered the Air Force in November 2010, and had been stationed at Peterson since June 2014.His awards and decorations include the Aerial Achievement Medal with one device, Air Force Achievement Medal with two devices, Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one device, National Defense Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with one device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with one device, Air Force Longevity Service, U. S. Air Force NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one device, and the Air Force Training Ribbon.A memorial service for Bieren will be announced once scheduled.For information, contact the 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office at 719-556-5185.