AN award-winning airman based in Suffolk has been killed by an “improvised explosive device” while serving in Afghanistan.

Dave Gooderham

AN award-winning airman based in Suffolk has been killed by an “improvised explosive device” while serving in Afghanistan.

Glowing tributes have been paid to 30-year-old staff sergeant, Phillip Myers, who died in the blast in the Helmand Province on Saturday.

Staff Sgt Myers, who was based at RAF Lakenheath, was last year named as the Air Force Civil Engineering Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.

In a statement to base personnel today, Col Jay Silveria, commander of the 48th Fighter Wing, said: “It is with great sadness that I inform you of the loss of a talented Liberty Wing airman.

“Sgt Myers was an exceptional NCO, dedicated warrior and valued patriot who died in an effort to protect his comrades. His family, squadron wingmen here and in Afghanistan, and countless friends in the United Kingdom and across the United States Air Force will mourn his death.”

Base chiefs confirmed that a memorial will be held on Thursday morning in honour of Staff Sgt Myers, who was part of the Operation Enduring Freedom campaign in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt Myers, who came from Virginia, was an Air Force explosive ordnance disposal craftsman assigned to the 755th Air Expeditionary Group, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, at Kandahar Airfield.

He is survived by his wife, two children, his mother, father and brother.

Click here for more coverage of the story and video footage of Staff Sgt Myers' repatriationClick here for more on the story and video footage of Staff Sgt Myers' repatriation