Team Offutt members mourn loss of Airman Published July 19, 2011 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The members of Team Offutt are mourning the loss of one of their own after a weekend tragedy left one of their fellow Airman dead. Staff Sgt. James Sheard, a 28 year-old dental technician with the 55th Dental Squadron, died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on July 16, in Bellevue, Ne. "My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and fellow Airmen who served with him," said Brig. Gen. Donald Bacon, 55th Wing commander. "The Air Force is a close-knit family and the loss of one of our own affects all of us." Sheard enlisted in the Air Force on May 23, 2001, and arrived at Offutt in March 2007. His co-workers say he was a good friend and a valuable member of the 55th Medical Group. "James was a well-liked and important member of our team," said Col. Doug Risk, 55th DS commander. "This is going to be a very difficult time, but we will get through this and continue to take care of our business." "The members of the dental squadron have really pulled together as a family, supporting each other," Risk continued. "We appreciate all the support from the 55th Wing as well. This has been an event that has affected us all." Sheard was a native of Albany, Ga. He leaves behind his wife, Kim, and four children. "We must not forget the contributions James made to his country and the impact he had on the Air Force," Bacon said. "He will be sorely missed."