509th SFS Defender Has Passed Away From A Gunshot Wound

May 10, 2015 – WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. –A Senior Airman from Whiteman Air Force Base, assigned to the 509th Security Forces Squadron, has passed away from a gunshot wound sustained Saturday, May 9, 2015.

Senior Airman John J. Bottom was shot at an off-base residence in Warrensburg, Missouri. He was taken to a Kansas City hospital and ultimately, he succumbed to his injuries.
“We have lost a valued member of Team Whiteman,” said Brig. Gen. Glen VanHerck, 509th Bomb Wing commander. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and all of Team Whiteman during this difficult time.”



The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from Whiteman Air Force Base officials.

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Jose J. Sanchez, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Defender Magazine, is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the Presidential Honor Guard, Bolling AFB, Washington DC, the 416th Security Police Squadron, Griffiss AFB, NY, and the 89th Security Forces Squadron, Andrews AFB, MD