Ohio Flags Lowered to Honor Fallen Air National Guard Members

Three Ohio airmen killed during Operation Epic Fury

Mar. 14, 2026 at 6:03pm

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Governor Mike DeWine has ordered flags across Ohio to be flown at half-staff to honor three members of the Ohio Air National Guard who were killed during Operation Epic Fury. The identities of the fallen airmen have not yet been released, as the U.S. Department of War is still completing next-of-kin notifications.

Why it matters

This flag-lowering order is a solemn recognition of the sacrifice made by these Ohio service members who lost their lives in the line of duty. It underscores the ongoing military engagement of Operation Epic Fury and the impact it is having on Ohio-based units.

The details

The proclamation issued by Governor DeWine applies to all public buildings and grounds throughout Ohio. Both the U.S. and Ohio flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of the airmen's funerals. One of the fallen has been identified as Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus, who was an in-flight refueling specialist with the 121st Air Refueling Wing based at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.

  • Governor DeWine issued the flag-lowering order on March 14, 2026.
  • The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of the airmen's funerals.

The players

Gov. Mike DeWine

The governor of Ohio who issued the order to fly flags at half-staff to honor the fallen Ohio Air National Guard members.

Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons

A 28-year-old Columbus resident and in-flight refueling specialist with the 121st Air Refueling Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard who was one of the three service members killed during Operation Epic Fury.

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What they’re saying

“In honor of the life and service of three members of the Ohio Air National Guard killed during Operation Epic Fury, I hereby proclaim... that the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff.”

— Gov. Mike DeWine (cwcolumbus.com)

What’s next

The U.S. Department of War is expected to provide official confirmation of the names of the two other Ohio airmen killed, at which point the flag-lowering order will be updated.

The takeaway

This tragic loss of life underscores the ongoing sacrifices made by members of the Ohio Air National Guard in service of their country. The lowering of flags is a solemn tribute that honors their memory and the continued commitment of Ohio's service members.