The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday honoring six airmen killed when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed over western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury earlier this month.
The resolution was introduced by U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), along with Sens. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).
The resolution honors three members of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron based at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham — Maj. Alex Klinner, Maj. Ariana G. Savino, and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt — along with Capt. Seth R. Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst, and Master Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons of the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base 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,” Tuberville said. “Each of these service members showed generational courage, and this resolution is just a small part of ensuring their stories are never forgotten.”
Britt said the nation owes a permanent debt to the fallen airmen.
“Our nation will be forever grateful to these American heroes for their exemplary service and ultimate sacrifice,” Britt said. “We will never forget their selflessness as they bravely fought to protect and defend Americans.”
Last week, members of the Alabama delegation in the House led a floor tribute for the airmen killed in Iraq.
Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].
