We toast our hearty comrades who have fallen from the sky, and were gently caught by God's own hands to be with him on high.
To dwell among the soaring clouds they have known so well before, from victory roll to tail chase at heavens very door.
And as we fly among them there, we're sure to hear their plea: Take care, my friend, watch your six, and do one more roll for me.
The Department of War announced the death of six Air Force Airmen who were supporting Operation Epic Fury.
Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Ala.; Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Wash.; and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Ky., were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. and Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Ind.; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio.
The six Airmen died on March 12, 2026, in the crash of a KC-135 in western Iraq. The incident is under investigation.
For information regarding Maj. John A. Klinner, Capt. Ariana G. Savino, and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, members of the media may contact the 6th Air Refueling Wing, Public Affairs, at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., at (813) 828-2217 or by email at [email protected].
For information regarding Capt. Seth R. Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, members of the media may contact the Ohio Air National Guard Public Affairs office at (614) 506-3490 or by email at [email protected] or [email protected].
Thank you, Father, for bringing these six beautiful men Home and bless their fellow soldiers, friends, and families with your presence in unimaginable ways today and always. In Jesus's mighty name, Amen.