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Air Force instructor Ian Patterson, a 15-year veteran, dies after stadium rappelling accident
Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson died after a rappelling accident before a University of Texas at San Antonio football game, the Air Force said. He was an instructor assigned to a Joint Base San Antonio unit and was recognized as the Air Force’s top special warfare enlisted instructor in 2022.
Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, an Air Force instructor with 15 years of service, died after a rappelling accident before a University of Texas at San Antonio football game, Air Force officials said Sunday.
Patterson was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, at Joint Base San Antonio, where he served as a Tactical Air Control Party instructor. He was from Fort Stewart, Georgia.
In 2022, Patterson was named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the headquarters level. His decorations included the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, along with Army and Air Force achievement and commendation medals.
Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, commander of Nellis’ 57th Wing, said Patterson’s death was deeply felt across the wing and by those who served with him. Mills said the wing’s focus was supporting Patterson’s family, friends and fellow airmen, and thanked the San Antonio community and Joint Base San Antonio partners for their support.
The circumstances of the rappelling accident are under investigation. Officials have not released further details.