Maj. Eric V. Spendlove D.O.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Eric “Doc” V. Spendlove D.O., 36, was a native of St. George, Utah. Eric received his commission through the Health Professions Scholarship Program at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine and entered active duty on July 1, 2017. He served as a Special Operations Flight Surgeon and Medical Operations Flight Commander assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan.

Eric graduated with a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2016. He completed the Aerospace Medicine Primary Course in 2017 and then the 3-year Family Medicine Residency Program at Saint Louis University in 2022.

As the Medical Operations Flight Commander, Eric directed his medical team in orchestrating a highly successful medical readiness line that improved squadron readiness by 94% and Wing readiness by 25%. Additionally, he led medical coverage for 120 geographically separated wing personnel during the largest joint combined exercise with the Republic of Korea in 5 years.

“Eric exemplified the definition of a quiet professional with steadfast devotion to his family and profession,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Pellegrino, 1st Special Operations Squadron commander. “Eric was an incredible son, husband, brother, and father. He motivated others with enthusiastic energy in moments of exhaustion, yet was always a calm voice of reason during times of uncertainty. His sense of humor could lighten the darkest of times. Eric’s incredible attributes live on through his children and form his honored legacy in remembrance for those who knew him.”

Before his assignment at Kadena Air Base, Eric was assigned to the 375th Medical Group, Scott AFB, Illinois, as a Family Medical Resident. Preceding his residency, he was designated as a Flight Surgeon at the 348th Air Refueling Squadron, 92d Operations Group, 92d Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. In that assignment, Eric operated as a crew member aboard the KC-135 and UH-1 aircraft.

While assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command, Eric deployed to several places throughout the Indo-Pacific, including Korea, the Philippines, Australia, and Guam, to support special operations activities.

During his career, Eric was recognized with the Air and Space Commendation Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.