Senate passes Tuberville, Britt resolution honoring fallen U.S. servicemembers
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Special to the News
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) in introducing a resolution honoring the sacrifice and service of six American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft over western Iraq while supporting Operation Epic Fury. This resolution unanimously passed the Senate Monday night.
The resolution honors three members of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron part of the 6TH Air Refueling Wing (MacDill AFB) based at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Ala.: Major Alex Klinner, Major Ariana G. Savino and Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, along with Captain Seth R. Koval, Captain Curtis J. Angst and Master Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons, who were members of the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base based in Columbus, Ohio.
“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 Sen. Tuberville.
“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,” said Sen. Britt.
“We continue to mourn the loss of Hoosier Captain Seth Koval and the Airmen who perished while bravely answering the call to serve. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice these American heroes made and will continue to pray for their loved ones,” said Sen. Young.
“Our nation is grateful for the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We will never forget their courage and selfless service. Please join Amanda and I in praying for Captain Seth Koval’s family and all the families impacted,” said Sen. Banks.
“America is indebted to Curtis Angst, Tyler Simmons, and Seth Koval for their service and sacrifice to protect our freedoms. Their loss is devastating for our country, and I join all Ohioans in praying for their loved ones,” said Sen. Moreno.
“As our nation mourns these heroes, it is vital that we honor their legacy of service and sacrifice. This resolution is one way to do just that. The families and loved ones of Capt. Koval, Capt. Angst and Master Sgt. Simmons of the Ohio National Guard, as well as Maj. Klinner, Maj. Savino and Tech. Sgt. Pruitt, remain in Tina’s and my prayers. These brave servicemembers carried out dangerous and critical missions in defense of our country, and we will be forever grateful for their sacrifice,” said Sen. Husted.
“As somebody who lost friends in combat, it is always devastating to hear of the loss of a fellow servicemember who put their life on the line to fight for our nation. The brave Americans we are recognizing today were supporting a righteous mission and must be honored for their service and sacrifice. As we keep the families of the fallen in our prayers, let us also renew our commitment to supporting the men and women who protect America and our way of life,” said Sen. Sheehy.
Joining Sens. Tuberville and Britt in introducing the legislation are Sens. Jim Banks (R-IN), Jon Husted (R-OH), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Todd Young (R-IN).