King, Tresse Zanette

Chief Master Sergeant Tresse Zanette King was a senior enlisted leader in the U.S. Air Force, assigned to the 96th Force Support Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. A native of Raeford, North Carolina, she was 54 years old at the time of her deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

King died on August 3, 2021, at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. According to the Department of Defense, she was killed in action. The Air Force stated she died from wounds sustained in a 'non-combat related vehicle incident' while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. The incident remains under investigation.

Operation Inherent Resolve is the U.S.-led coalition campaign against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria, which began in August 2014. Following the territorial defeat of the ISIS caliphate in 2019, the mission shifted to an advise-and-assist role, with coalition forces supporting local partners in counter-insurgency operations. U.S. personnel continued to face risks from indirect fire and accidents at bases across the region.

In the aftermath of her death, the Air Force and her home base at Eglin released statements honoring her service. She was posthumously promoted from Senior Master Sergeant to Chief Master Sergeant, a rank she had been selected for prior to her deployment. Her remains were returned to the United States.

King's legacy is noted in official records as a dedicated senior non-commissioned officer. She is memorialized on the Air Force's roll of honor for those killed in support of contingency operations.

Chief Master Sergeant Tresse Zanette King was killed during Operation Inherent Resolve (ongoing since August 2014). See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Villotcarrasco, Yeshabel, Spears, Jordan Lee, Walker, Jonathan Doyle, Neal, Sean Patrick.

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