Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Troy Balderson (OH-12), Mike Carey (OH-15), and Dave Taylor (OH-2) introduced a resolution honoring the lives, service, and sacrifice of six servicemembers killed during a March 12 air refueling mission over western Iraq in support of Operation Epic Fury. Three of those servicemembers were part of the Ohio Air National Guard.

“Our nation is forever grateful to Capt. Koval, Capt. Angst, and Tech. Sgt. Simmons for their commitment to defending freedom,” said Balderson. “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.”

“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,” said Carey.

“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. My heart is with their families as they grieve this unthinkable loss, and 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,” said Taylor.

Servicemembers from the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, OH, were Capt. Seth R. Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst, and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons.

From the 99th Air Refueling Squadron in Birmingham, AL, were Maj. John A. Klinner, Capt. Ariana G. Savino, and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt.

Full text of the resolution can be found HERE.