Misawa's top defender passes away

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Maj. Scott Sanford, 37, died Friday at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii after battling cancer for more than 90 days.

He was the commander of the 35th Security Forces Squadron from June 2007 until July 2008. He joined the service in 1988 as an enlisted policeman and was commissioned in 1993 upon graduation from Mississippi State University Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Program.

"The news of Scott's death is especially hard to take after he'd been released from the hospital six weeks ago with a hopeful outlook. The Misawa family has lost one of its own," said Col. David Stilwell, 35th Fighter Wing commander. "Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Major Sanford."

Major Sanford held a variety of squadron and wing-level positions while assigned to Italy, Kuwait, Alaska and Florida. During his tour as operations officer at Patrick Air Force Base, FL., his unit was awarded Best Medium Security Forces Space Command for three years in a row and also earned recognition as Best Medium Security Forces Unit in the Air Force.

He deployed several times to different locations in support of air expeditionary combat operations including Uphold Democracy in Haiti, Southern Watch in Kuwait, Joint Forge and Allied Force in the former Yugoslavia and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Recently, Major Sanford was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions while deployed to Afghanistan.

"We were fortunate enough to have Major Sanford as our commander for a year and value everything he has done for our defenders, Misawa, the Air Force and our great country," said Capt. Jeffery Day, 35th SFS commander. "We're all saddened by his passing."

While stationed here, Major Sanford worked side-by-side with the Misawa police chief and Hachinohe customs officials. He said in an interview one year ago, "any opportunity to work with our Japanese law enforcement partners is invaluable because it strengthens relationships."

Major Sanford was a native of Jonesboro, Ark. A memorial service is scheduled Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Mokuteki Ballroom.