Kansas Air National Guard Veteran Dies During Air France Flight

Barbara DiPoli, 53, suffered a fatal medical episode while returning to the U.S. after celebrating her retirement in Scotland.

Barbara DiPoli, a retired Kansas Air National Guard Chief Master Sergeant, died during an Air France flight from Paris to Boston on January 14, 2025.
Massachusetts State Police described her death as resulting from a sudden medical episode, with the exact cause still under investigation by the Chief Medical Examiner's Office.
DiPoli had recently retired in September 2024 after 21 years of service, including two deployments to Iraq, where she developed PTSD and an eating disorder, according to her father.
A doctor on board the flight attempted to provide emergency medical assistance, but efforts to save her were unsuccessful.
DiPoli’s family plans to have her cremated and buried at Arlington National Cemetery, honoring her extensive military service.