Boot camp flu blamed in Lackland death
Posted : Wednesday Aug 15, 2007 12:30:54 EDT
A rare viral strain known as “boot camp flu” is to blame for a 19-year-old recruit’s death at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
Airman Paige Villers was among the 100 or so who contracted the illness between March and June. Despite a brief recovery, she relapsed into sickness and eventually died from pneumonia Aug. 7 in Wilford Hall Medical Center. Villers was buried Tuesday in her native Ohio.
The respiratory adenovirus thrives in boot camp-style conditions, where exhausted and stressed recruits bunk in close quarters. A particularly unusual strain of what’s commonly called “boot camp flu” swept through recruits’ barracks several months ago, though most who fell ill recovered quickly.
Lackland officials have acknowledged Villers’ death but have not made any announcements, citing concerns for the family’s privacy. According to an obituary published in Ohio’s Akron Beacon Journal, an Aug. 9 memorial service at Lackland was attended by Air Force leaders, including Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley.
Although Villers was on a ventilator and confined to a wheelchair, she graduated from basic training July 20. The Norton, Ohio, native leaves behind her parents, Michelle and Donald Villers; a younger brother, Corey; and a son, Landen Villers.
Leave a Comment
Most Viewed Stories
- New danger pay rules begin
- Nellis airman killed in crash was from Ill.
- The ‘Stan: An officer’s unvarnished view
- Owner of troubled uniform store arrested
- Official: U.S. misjudged al-Qaida capabilities
- Staff sgt. offered TV tryout after viral video
- Report: Air Force fires men’s basketball coach
- Space-A planning makes its way to Facebook
- Four AFSCs added to restricted list, three cut
- Guard general opposes A-10 removal at Ind. base
- DoD launches pay calculator for wounded troops
- Last known WWI veteran dies at 110
Contests and Promotions
Enter our 2012 Red Carpet Contest!
Predict who will get the statues on Hollywood's big night and win a $200 Fandango Gift Card!
Click Here To Enter.
Win Tactical Night Vision Goggles!
Enter to Win the Military Times Sweepstakes!
Click Here To Enter.
Free Stickers
Click here and we'll send you a FREE AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ, VIETNAM, or DESERT STORM sticker.
Marketplace
Mil-Mall
2011 Insider's Guide To Military BenefitsThis handbook for military life includes essential information on pay and benefits, housing, education, health care and more.
Military Discounts
Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.






