Former 35th Security Forces Squadron commander Maj. J. Scott Sanford died Friday at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii while battling cancer.

He was 37.

Misawa Air Base will hold a memorial service at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Mokuteki Community Center ballroom, base officials said Monday.

Sanford led Misawa security forces from June 2007 until August.

"The men and women of the 35th Security Forces Squadron wish to extend their deepest sympathy to Major Sanford’s friends and family," stated Capt. Jeffery Day, 35th Security Forces commander, who worked for Sanford at Misawa. "We were fortunate to have him as our commander for a year and value everything he has done for our defenders, Misawa, the Air Force and our great country."

A native of Jonesboro, Ark., Sanford spent 19 years in the Air Force.

In December he was awarded the Bronze Star for his leadership while deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, from Feb. 17, 2006 to Aug. 22, 2006.

He was recognized for leading a team of 19 security forces airmen in thwarting a Taliban-supported suicide bomber and an accomplice.

During his career, he also deployed to Haiti, Kuwait and the former Yugoslavia.

Sanford is survived by his son, Ryan; mother, Susan Geise; father, John Sanford; and sister, Amy.