U.S. Senator Katie Britt, Colleagues’ Resolution Honoring Six Fallen U.S. Servicemembers Unanimously Passes Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) recentlyintroduced a resolutionhonoring the sacrifice and service of six American heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft over western Iraq while supporting Operation Epic Fury. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) cosponsored the resolution, which unanimously passed the Senate.
The resolution honors Major Alex Klinner of Auburn, Alabama, Major Ariana G. Savino of Covington, Washington, and Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt of Bardstown, Kentucky, who were members of the 99th Refueling Squadron of the 117th Air Refueling Wing located at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama and Captain Seth R. Koval of Mooresville, Indiana, Captain Curtis J. Angst of Wilmington, Ohio, and Master Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons of Columbus, Ohio, who were members of the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base based in Columbus, Ohio.
“Our nation will be forever grateful to these American heroes for their exemplary service and ultimate sacrifice. While their lives were tragically cut short in devoted service to our country, we will never forget their selflessness as they bravely fought to protect and defend Americans. We are deeply proud to honor them in this resolution and continue to pray for their families and loved ones during this unthinkable time,”said Senator Britt.
“When you see flag-draped caskets carrying heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, it’s a sobering reminder of the cost of America’s freedom. Each of these service members showed generational courage, and this resolution is just a small part of ensuring their stories are never forgotten. Our prayers continue to be with their brave families and loved ones as they navigate this horrific loss,”said Senator Tuberville.
“We continue to mourn the loss of Hoosier Captain Seth Koval and the Airmen who perished while bravely answering the call to serve. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice these American heroes made and will continue to pray for their loved ones,”said Senator Young.
“Our nation is grateful for the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We will never forget their courage and selfless service. Please join Amanda and I in praying for Captain Seth Koval’s family and all the families impacted,”said Senator Banks.
“America is indebted to Curtis Angst, Tyler Simmons, and Seth Koval for their service and sacrifice to protect our freedoms,”said Senator Moreno. “Their loss is devastating for our country, and I join all Ohioans in praying for their loved ones.”
“As our nation mourns these heroes, it is vital that we honor their legacy of service and sacrifice. This resolution is one way to do just that. The families and loved ones of Capt. Koval, Capt. Angst and Master Sgt. Simmons of the Ohio National Guard, as well as Maj. Klinner, Maj. Savino and Tech. Sgt. Pruitt, remain in Tina’s and my prayers. These brave servicemembers carried out dangerous and critical missions in defense of our country, and we will be forever grateful for their sacrifice,”said Senator Husted.
“As somebody who lost friends in combat, it is always devastating to hear of the loss of a fellow servicemember who put their life on the line to fight for our nation. The brave Americans we are recognizing today were supporting a righteous mission and must be honored for their service and sacrifice. As we keep the families of the fallen in our prayers, let us also renew our commitment to supporting the men and women who protect America and our way of life,”said Senator Sheehy.
Last week, Senator Britt joined President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General John D. Caine, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.), and Senators Tuberville, Banks, Young, Moreno, Husted, and Sheehy at Dover Air Force Base for the dignified transfer of the servicemembers.
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