Representatives Dave Taylor, Troy Balderson, and Mike Carey introduced a resolution on March 20 honoring six U.S. servicemembers who died during an air refueling mission over western Iraq on March 12. The servicemembers were supporting Operation Epic Fury, with three of them stationed at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.
The resolution aims to recognize the lives, service, and sacrifice of these individuals. The deaths have had a significant impact on their families and communities in Ohio.
“Captain Curtis Angst, Technical Sergeant Tyler Simmons, and Captain Seth Koval made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, and we owe a debt of gratitude to heroes like them,” said Congressman Dave Taylor. “My heart is with their families as they grieve this unthinkable loss. I will continue to stand resolutely behind our courageous service members as they prove time after time that America is the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
Congressman Troy Balderson said: “Our nation is forever grateful to Capt. Koval, Capt. Angst, and Tech. Sgt. Simmons for their commitment to defending freedom. They answered the call to serve—and did so with courage and selflessness. We grieve alongside their families, stand with their fellow servicemembers, and remain forever indebted for their sacrifice.” Congressman Mike Carey added: “The tragic deaths of six Airmen during a combat mission in the Middle East is a devastating loss for our country and our communities here in Ohio. My prayers are with the Gold Star families grieving their loved ones. America is protected by brave heroes who volunteer to serve, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
Captain Curtis J. Angst (Wilmington), Technical Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons (Columbus), and Captain Seth R. Koval (Stoutsville) served in Ohio’s 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base; Major John A. Klinner, Captain Ariana G. Savino, and Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt were part of Alabama’s 99th Air Refueling Squadron.
