HONORING CURTIS ANGST

HONORING CURTIS ANGST

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)] [House] [Page H2679] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING CURTIS ANGST (Mr. Taylor of Ohio was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to solemnly honor the life of an American hero who gave his life in service to his country. On Thursday, March 12, 2026, while deployed as part of Operation Epic Fury, six crewmembers were killed when the U.S. Air Force KC-135 aerial refueling tanker crashed in Iraq's airspace. Two crewmembers were from our Buckeye State, and one was from my district: Captain Curtis Angst of Wilmington. Curtis was a standout student, earning honors from both Wilmington High School, where he graduated in 2014, and at the University of Cincinnati, where he earned a degree in aerospace engineering. Curtis had a great love for aviation, which began in his childhood. Curtis' mother, Lisa, remembers how Curtis would play with toy airplanes outside of his family's home. Curtis' father, Matt, was a private pilot and took Curtis up in the air for the first time when he was just a toddler. Lisa worked as a flight attendant for airlines, so Curtis seemed destined to take flight when he got older. Captain Angst was only 30 years old when he made the ultimate sacrifice. During his final mission, he was serving as a pilot for the 166th Air Refueling Squadron at the 121st Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus. With a decade of service, Captain Angst had completed 880 flight hours and 67 combat hours, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service and a deep commitment to protecting our Nation. Earlier in his career, Captain Angst had also deployed in 2015 in Operation Spartan Shield and was responsible for flying worldwide for air refueling, aeromedical services, cargo transport, and passenger operations. Captain Angst leaves behind a loving wife, Mary. My heart goes out to her and the rest of Curtis' family as they navigate this unthinkable loss. This tragedy is a solemn reminder that freedom is not free and that we owe a debt of gratitude to Curtis and the other servicemembers who have given their lives in service to this country. I continue to stand resolutely behind our courageous servicemembers and their families as they prove time after time that America is the land of the free because of the brave. Captain Angst's service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. I salute Captain Angst for his courage and speak on behalf of southern Ohio when I say that he will be remembered as an American hero. My prayers and deepest condolences will continue to be with Captain Angst and his family in the months ahead. ____________________