(Grand Rapids, MI) – U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Keon Talik, who died in June amid an influenza outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas was from Grand Rapids. The 25-year-old’s death was due to the flu according to Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro, but the Air Force’s notice of his death did not mention influenza and said Talik “experienced a medical emergency” and died at a hospital.
The flu outbreak that hit Lackland Air Force Base happened after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ended the mandatory flu vaccine for service members earlier this year. Castro blames that for the outbreak and Talik’s death.
U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) released a statement on the death of Airman First Class Keon Talik McDaniel of Grand Rapids, who died during the influenza outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas:
The outbreak in Texas has now sickened nearly 300 trainees at Lackland. It followed a decision earlier this year by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to make the flu vaccine optional for U.S. service members rather than required. In light of the outbreak, the Pentagon reversed the policy and reinstated the vaccine requirement last month.
“I am heartbroken by the loss of Airman First Class Keon Talik McDaniel of Grand Rapids,” said Congresswoman Hillary Scholten. “A proud West Michigander, Keon answered the call to serve his country with courage. The brave men and women who wear our nation’s uniform risk everything to protect us. We owe Keon, and every service member, our nation’s very best to safeguard their health and well-being. My prayers are with his family, loved ones, and fellow Airmen, especially those who have also been infected by the flu outbreak. I am calling for a full investigation into this outbreak. Keon’s family deserves the truth, and our military deserves leadership that puts their health above politics.”
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