Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) honored three Ohio Air National Guard members who died in a KC-135 crash in Iraq during remarks delivered on the Senate floor on March 18. The servicemembers—Capt. Seth Koval, Capt. Curtis Angst, and Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons—were serving with the 121st Air Refueling Wing based at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.
The recognition comes after the fatal crash of an American KC-135 refueling aircraft in western Iraq on March 12, which claimed the lives of six crew members. Husted called for a pause in political discourse to reflect on their service and sacrifice.
“I would like to take a moment of the Senate’s time this evening to honor three of Ohio’s favorite sons, the airmen who were serving in the Ohio National Guard with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus,” Husted said.
He spoke about each individual, beginning with Captain Curtis J. Angst: “He was 30 years old from Wilmington, Ohio with ten years of military experience.” Husted shared words from Angst’s family: “Those who knew Curtis remember his steady kindness and the joy he carried with him everywhere he went.”
Master Sergeant Tyler Simmons was remembered as “28 years old from Columbus, Ohio.” According to his father, “Sergeant Simmons loved airplanes and always had plans for joining the Air Force.” His mother said he loved serving in the military and that “he was born for it.” Husted added, “We mourn today alongside Master Sergeant Simmons’ entire family.”
Captain Seth Koval was described as “38 years old from Mooresville, Indiana,” known for his faith and devotion to family. “He was described as loving, generous, selfless, kindhearted, smart, devoted, and a fixer of all things and a real outdoorsman,” Husted said.
“These service members, alongside their three other brothers and sisters in arms, gave the last full measure of devotion to their country last week,” Husted concluded. “I thank my colleagues for hearing their stories this evening, for honoring their service, for celebrating their lives and for mourning their loss alongside a grateful nation.”
