Seymour Johnson Airman shot to death on post-deployment leave

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SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (AFPN) --  A security forces Airmen from here was shot to death while on post-deployment leave in Galveston, Texas.

The death of Airman 1st Class Phillip Ovalle has been ruled a homicide by the Houston Police Department, and an active-duty Marine has been charged with the murder, according to a base spokesman here.

Airman Ovalle recently returned from a six-month deployment to Ali Base, Iraq, where he served as an installation entry controller and response-force member for the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. The 21-year-old was member of the 4th Security Forces Squadron here.

“This is a tragic loss of a valued member of Team Seymour,” said Col. Mike Holmes, commander of the 4th Fighter Wing here. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Airman Ovalle’s family.”

In addition to his primary job in Iraq, Airmen Ovalle contributed to Operation Reach Out by handing out clothing, toys, food and water to needy families near Ali Base.

Airman Ovalle entered the Air Force in March 2004 and had been assigned at Seymour Johnson since November 2004.

The incident is under investigation by the Houston Police Department.