Tyler H Simmons - Operation Epic Fury -- OurWarHeroes.org

Tyler H Simmons

Columbus, Ohio

March 12, 2026

Age	Military	Rank	Unit/Location
28	Air Force	Sgt	121st Air Refueling Wing Rickenbacker ANG Base Columbus, Ohio

Airmen died on March 12, 2026, in the crash of a KC-135 in western Iraq.

From 10 WBNS TV 10tv.com 03/14/26

All 3 Ohio crew members have been identified in the deadly Iraq plane crash.
Here's who they were
The Pentagon has identified Capts. Seth Koval and Curtis Angst as well as Tech Sgt. Tyler Simmons, who died in the Thursday crash.

Author: 10TV Web Staff, Associated Press
Published: 10:28 PM EDT March 14, 2026
Updated: 10:28 PM EDT March 14, 2026
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COLUMBUS, Ohio — The crew members from Ohio killed in a U.S. refueling aircraft crash in Iraq were formally identified Saturday.

The U.S. Department of Defense identified Capts. Seth Koval and Curtis Angst as well as Tech Sgt. Tyler Simmons, who died in the Thursday crash during Operation Epic Fury, according to a release from the Ohio Adjutant General. Three other crew members died in the crash and were also identified.

DeWine said in a post on X on Friday that the three Ohioans were deployed with the Ohio Air National Guard's 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus.

Koval, 38, was an aircraft commander from Stoutsville with 19 years of service. Angst, 30, was a KC-135 pilot from Columbus with 10 years of service. Simmons, an Eastmoor Academy High School graduate, was a 28-year-old boom operator with eight years of service.

U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, said the crash followed an unspecified incident involving two aircraft in “friendly airspace" and that the other plane landed safely.

DeWine has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Angst, Koval and Simmons.

United States and State of Ohio flags are to be lowered at all public buildings and grounds statewide. The flags will remains lowered until sunset on the day of their funerals.

“Today we mourn the loss of three remarkable Airmen whose service and commitment embodied the very best of our Ohio National Guard. Their impact on their teammates and our mission will not be forgotten," said Maj. Gen. Matthew Woodruff. "Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and fellow service members, and our entire Guard family stands with them as we grieve together during this difficult time."

The following biographies are provided by the United States Air Force:
Capt. Seth R. Koval was a KC-135R Stratotanker Instructor Pilot for the 166th Air Refueling Squadron attached to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus. He was responsible for training pilots in worldwide air refueling, aeromedical, cargo and passenger operations.

Koval enlisted into the Air Force in 2006 as a machinist with the Indiana National Guard’s 122nd Fighter Wing. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in aviation operations from Purdue University in 2011 before transferring to the Ohio Air National Guard in 2017.

He was selected for a commission in 2018 with the 121st Air Refueling Wing, completed pilot training in January 2020 and completed instructor pilot upgrade in 2024, while assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing.

Koval deployed in 2014, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2026 in support of U.S. Air Force in Europe, United States Central Command and United States Pacific Command for operations Enduring Freedom, Spartan Shield and Epic Fury, flying 443 combat hours and 2,076 total hours.

"Seth was a man whose life I could never confine to a single statement and whose loss will echo in my heart forever," said Heather Nichole on behalf of the Koval family. "He was truly the most amazing husband, father, son, brother, friend, and Airman. He loved what he did, and he was proud to put his uniform on and serve others. He grew up dreaming about becoming a pilot and to stand beside him as he made his dreams come true was an honor."

Capt. Curtis J. Angst served as a KC-135R pilot for the 166th Air Refueling Squadron at the 121st Air Refueling Wing. He was responsible for flying worldwide air refueling, aeromedical, cargo and passenger operations.

Before commissioning, Angst attended the University of Cincinnati, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering.

He initially enlisted in the Ohio Air National Guard on May 6, 2015, as a Vehicle Maintenance Technician with the 123rd Air Control Squadron.

Angst went on to earn a commission in 2021 and attended undergraduate pilot training in 2022, followed by the KC-135R Pilot Initial Qualification in 2024.

He deployed in 2015 and 2026 in support of operations Spartan Shield and Epic Fury. During his time with the 166th Air Refueling Squadron, Angst flew a total of 880 flight hours with 67 combat hours.

Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons was a KC-135R Boom Operator at the 166th Air Refueling Squadron at the 121st Air Refueling Wing. He was responsible for conducting worldwide air refueling and transferring fuel from the tanker to receiver aircraft, along with aeromedical, cargo and passenger operations.

Simmons entered the Air Force in 2017 through Air Force Basic Military Training. He completed security forces technical training school in May 2018.

He became an Inflight Refueling Specialist in April 2022, followed by becoming a Mobility Force Aviator in 2023 with the 166th Air Refueling Squadron at the 121st Air Refueling Wing.

Simmons deployed in 2018, 2023 and 2026 in support of U.S. Central Command, supporting operations Freedom Sentinel, Spartan Shield and Epic Fury, flying 230 combat hours.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

From Channel 2 Now channel2now.com 03/14/26

Ohio Air National Guard Airman Tyler Simmons Killed in KC-135 Refueling Aircraft Crash in Iraq

Published March 13, 2026
By Channel2 NOW Staff

Mike DeWine announced Friday that three of the six U.S. servicemembers killed in a military aircraft crash during a refueling mission in Iraq were members of the Ohio Air National Guard assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing.

Among those killed was Technical Sergeant Tyler Simmons, whose death has deeply affected the local community in Columbus.

The servicemembers were killed on March 12 when a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crashed while supporting operational missions in the Middle East.

The aircraft was conducting an aerial refueling mission when the incident occurred. Military officials have not yet released additional details about the cause of the crash, and an investigation remains ongoing.

Technical Sergeant Simmons was a graduate of Eastmoor Academy and later joined the Ohio Air National Guard, where he served as a boom operator with the 121st Air Refueling Wing stationed at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.

In his role, Simmons was responsible for operating the refueling system that transfers fuel from tanker aircraft to other military aircraft during flight—an essential function that allows U.S. and allied forces to extend the range and duration of operations around the world.

Officials noted that the work performed by boom operators and refueling crews often occurs behind the scenes but is critical to sustaining military missions and protecting personnel deployed far from home.

Leaders and community members in Columbus expressed profound sadness over the loss. Simmons was remembered not only as a dedicated servicemember but also as a valued member of his local community.

“Behind every uniform is a son, a friend, a teammate, and a member of a community whose life leaves a lasting impact,” community leaders said in statements honoring his memory.

They also highlighted the pride Simmons brought to the Eastmoor community through his service and commitment to the nation.

Governor DeWine and Ohio’s military leadership extended condolences to the families of the fallen servicemembers.

“Fran and I are deeply saddened by this news and offer our sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives,” DeWine said in a statement.

The governor confirmed that three of the six servicemembers killed in the crash were Ohioans deployed with the 121st Air Refueling Wing, emphasizing the significant loss felt across the state.

Community members and military officials have asked the public to keep Simmons’ family, his fellow airmen, and the broader Columbus and Eastmoor communities in their thoughts during this difficult time.

As tributes continue to pour in, those who knew him say his dedication to service and commitment to protecting others will not be forgotten.

“We will remember his service,” one statement read. “We will remember his sacrifice.”