FRIENDS IN BARCELONA LAST WEEK DURING SPRING BREAK ON CAPITOL HILL. THE SENATE HAS UNANIMOUSLY PASSED A RESOLUTION TO HONOR SIX FALLEN U.S. SERVICE MEMBERS, INCLUDING SOME THAT WERE BASED HERE IN ALABAMA. MAJOR ALEX KLINGER, MAJOR ARIANA SABINO AND TECHNICAL SERGEANT ASHLEY PRUITT WERE MEMBERS OF THE 99TH AIR REFUELING SQUADRON AT THE 117TH AIR REFUELING WING. IT’S LOCATED AT SUMPTER SMITH JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE IN BIRMINGHAM. CAPTAIN SETH KOVAL, CAPTAIN CURTIS AND MAGE MASTER SERGEANT TYLER SIMMONS WERE ALL BASED IN COLUMBUS, OHIO. THEY WERE KILLED EA
Sen. Britt’s resolution honoring 6 airmen killed in Iraq crash unanimously passes Senate
Updated: 8:03 PM CDT Mar 24, 2026
The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved a resolution recognizing six service members, 3 of whom have ties to Alabama, who died when a KC-135 refueling aircraft was lost over western Iraq while supporting Operation Epic Fury.The resolution, introduced by Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., honors Major Alex Klinner of Auburn, Alabama; Major Ariana G. Savino of Covington, Washington; and Technical Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt of Bardstown, Kentucky, of the 117th Air Refueling Wing in Birmingham, Alabama.It also honors Capt. Seth R. Koval of Mooresville, Indiana; Capt. Curtis J. Angst of Wilmington, Ohio; and Master Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons of Columbus, Ohio, of the 121st Air Refueling Wing 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,” Britt said.Senators Tommy Tuberville, Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) cosponsored the resolution.“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 Tuberville.Last week, Britt and Tuberville joined President Trump and other lawmakers at Dover Air Force Base for the dignified transfer of the service members.
WASHINGTON —
The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved a resolution recognizing six service members, 3 of whom have ties to Alabama, who died when a KC-135 refueling aircraft was lost over western Iraq while supporting Operation Epic Fury.
The resolution, introduced by Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., honors Major Alex Klinner of Auburn, Alabama; Major Ariana G. Savino of Covington, Washington; and Technical Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt of Bardstown, Kentucky, of the 117th Air Refueling Wing in Birmingham, Alabama.
It also honors Capt. Seth R. Koval of Mooresville, Indiana; Capt. Curtis J. Angst of Wilmington, Ohio; and Master Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons of Columbus, Ohio, of the 121st Air Refueling Wing 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,” Britt said.
Senators Tommy Tuberville, Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) cosponsored the resolution.
“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 Tuberville.
Last week, Britt and Tuberville joined President Trump and other lawmakers at Dover Air Force Base for the dignified transfer of the service members.