A resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of the Ohio Air National Guard airmen who were killed in the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crash in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 663 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 663

   Honoring the service and sacrifice of the Ohio Air National Guard 
airmen who were killed in the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crash in Iraq 
                      during Operation Epic Fury.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 26, 2026

    Mr. Moreno (for himself and Mr. Husted) submitted the following 
   resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
   Honoring the service and sacrifice of the Ohio Air National Guard 
airmen who were killed in the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crash in Iraq 
                      during Operation Epic Fury.

Whereas, on March 12, 2026, a United States Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker 
        crashed in western Iraq during a refueling mission conducted as part of 
        Operation Epic Fury;
Whereas all 6 servicemembers who were aboard the aircraft were killed in the 
        crash;
Whereas Captain Seth R. Koval, Captain Curtis J. Angst, and Master Sergeant 
        Tyler H. Simmons from the Ohio Air National Guard's 121st Air Refueling 
        Wing were among those who lost their lives in the incident;
Whereas the people of Ohio are devastated by the loss of these brave airmen and 
        mourn alongside their families, friends, and fellow servicemembers;
Whereas the 121st Air Refueling Wing maintains an exceptionally high operational 
        tempo and has long been recognized for its readiness, professionalism, 
        and ability to deploy rapidly in support of United States military 
        operations around the world;
Whereas the 121st Air Refueling Wing was recently awarded the National Guard 
        Association of the United States Distinguished Flying Unit plaque in 
        recognition of its combat readiness, flying safety, and outstanding 
        operational effectiveness;
Whereas the airmen of the 121st Air Refueling Wing were selected to be forward 
        deployed in support of operations in the Middle East because their unit 
        consistently demonstrates the highest levels of readiness and 
        reliability;
Whereas the KC-135 plays a vital role in United States military operations by 
        conducting mid-air refueling missions that allow fighter aircraft, 
        bombers, and other military platforms to remain in the air longer and 
        conduct missions across vast distances;
Whereas mid-air refueling is one of the most technically demanding and dangerous 
        tasks performed in the United States Air Force, requiring extraordinary 
        skill, discipline, and trust among pilots, boom operators, and their 
        crews;
Whereas the boom operator aboard the KC-135 is responsible for carefully guiding 
        the refueling boom to connect with another aircraft in flight and safely 
        transfer thousands of pounds of aviation fuel, often operating with 
        little margin for error;
Whereas the brave airmen aboard the KC-135 were performing this critical mission 
        in support of ongoing United States military operations designed to 
        defend United States interests at home and abroad;
Whereas these servicemembers gave their lives in defense of the freedoms and 
        liberties of all Americans;
Whereas the servicemembers aboard the KC-135 were serving their country 
        honorably and courageously in support of these operations when they made 
        the ultimate sacrifice;
Whereas these airmen are patriotic American heroes who answered the call to 
        serve and willingly placed themselves in harm's way to defend the United 
        States and its allies;
Whereas the entire Nation mourns the loss of these airmen and stands united in 
        prayer for their families, loved ones, and fellow airmen during this 
        time of grief; and
Whereas the sacrifice of these brave airmen will never be forgotten by the 
        people of Ohio or by a grateful Nation: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) honors the lives, service, and sacrifice of the Ohio 
        Air National Guard airmen from the 121st Air Refueling Wing who 
        were killed in the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crash in Iraq 
        during Operation Epic Fury;
            (2) expresses its deepest condolences to the families, 
        friends, and fellow servicemembers mourning their loss;
            (3) recognizes the critical role of the 121st Air Refueling 
        Wing and all Air Force tanker crews who perform the difficult 
        and dangerous mission of mid-air refueling in defense of the 
        United States; and
            (4) affirms that the people of the United States will 
        always remember these brave airmen and remain grateful for 
        their sacrifice in service to their Nation.
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