Washington National Guard airman dies in Asia

SEATTLE - The Washington National Guard is mourning the loss of on of its airmen who died while serving in Southwest Asia.

The National Guard says that Lt. Col. Flando Jackson, 45 died on August 4, 2016. The Guard says Jackson's death was not combat related and is under investigation.

Jackson, a member of the 194th Wing departed in July for a voluntary seven month deployment.

Jackson served more than 24 years in the military and was a community corrections officer for the state Department of Corrections.

Governor Jay Inslee made this statement Saturday about Jackson's death, "Trudi and I join all Washingtonians in mourning the loss of Lt. Col. Flando Jackson. Flando was a dedicated public servant who put his fellow Washingtonians first. He spent his career serving others, both as a state employee at the Department of Corrections and a member of our military. I send my condolences to Flando's family and friends, as well as his colleagues and co-workers. Our state lost a tremendous Washingtonian who will be sorely missed."