March 23, 2026
Mrs. Britt (for herself, Mr. Tuberville, Mr. Banks, Mr. Young, Mr. Moreno, Mr. Husted, and Mr. Sheehy) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
Honoring the service and sacrifice of Air Force Major John A. Klinner, Air Force Major Ariana G. Savino, Air Force Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, Air Force Captain Seth R. Koval, Air Force Captain Curtis J. Angst, and Air Force Master Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons.
Whereas the men and women who perished during an accident involving a KC–135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft operating over western Iraq while in support of Operation Epic Fury on March 12, 2026, represent the best of the United States of America;
Whereas Major John A. Klinner of Auburn, Alabama, Major Ariana G. Savino of Covington, Washington, and Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt of Bardstown, Kentucky, served in the 99th Air Refueling Squadron located at Sumpter Smith Joint Air National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama;
Whereas Captain Seth R. Koval of Mooresville, Indiana, Captain Curtis J. Angst of Wilmington, Ohio, and Master Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons of Columbus, Ohio were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio;
Whereas the people of the United States will remember the bravery of these fallen service members who made the ultimate sacrifice while supporting operations overseas;
Whereas their service secures the blessings of liberty and freedom for the United States of America; and
Whereas their sacrifice on March 12, 2026, was not made in vain, and so long as their grateful Nation lives, their faithful service shall not be forgotten: Now therefore, be it
That the Senate—
(1)
honors the memory, service, and sacrifice of Air Force Major John A. Klinner, Air Force Major Ariana G. Savino, Air Force Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, Air Force Captain Seth R. Koval, Air Force Captain Curtis J. Angst, and Air Force Master Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons;
(2)
expresses its deepest condolences and gratitude to the Gold Star Families and loved ones of the fallen; and
(3)
respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to—
(A)
the 99th Air Refueling Squadron located at Sumpter Smith Joint Air National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama; and
(B)
the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.