Reps. Taylor, Balderson, Carey introduce resolution honoring fallen Ohio service members

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Dave Taylor (OH-02), Troy Balderson (OH-12), and Mike Carey (OH-15) introduced a resolution on March 20 honoring the lives, service and sacrifice of six U.S. service members who were killed on March 12. These crew members lost their lives during an air refueling mission over western Iraq while supporting U.S. efforts in Operation Epic Fury, three of whom had been stationed at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, 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 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.”

“Our nation is forever grateful to Capt. Koval, Capt. Angst, and Tech. Sgt. Simmons for their commitment to defending freedom,” said Congressman Balderson. “They answered the call to serve—and did so with courage and selflessness. We grieve alongside their families, stand with their fellow service members, 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,” said Congressman Carey. “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 of Wilmington, Ohio, Technical Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons of Columbus, Ohio, and Captain Seth R. Koval of Stoutsville, Ohio, served in the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio. 

The other three fallen service members were identified as Major John A. Klinner, Captain Ariana G. Savino, and Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, who were part of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Congressman Dave Taylor represents Ohio’s Second Congressional District, which includes Clermont, Clinton, Pike, Adams, Brown, Highland, Ross, Scioto, Pickaway, Hocking, Vinton, Jackson, Lawrence, Gallia, and Meigs counties, as well as part of Fayette County. Taylor serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the House Agriculture Committee. Prior to serving in Congress, Taylor worked as an assistant prosecutor for Clermont County before joining his family’s concrete business, where he ultimately served as president. Please visit taylor.house.gov for more information.

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