Congress Honors 6 Killed in Iraq Refueling Plane Crash

Lawmakers pay tribute to the 'selfless sacrifice' of the crew members from Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Washington state.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:53pm

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U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala. led his colleagues in the House of Representatives in a moment of silence to honor the six crew members of a KC-135 Air Force refueling aircraft who were killed in a plane crash over western Iraq last week. The fallen service members were from Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Washington state.

Why it matters

The commemoration on the House floor highlights the ongoing sacrifices made by U.S. service members deployed overseas, as well as the bipartisan support in Congress for honoring those who have lost their lives in service to the country.

The details

The crash killed three people assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida and three others assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio. Gov. Kay Ivey has ordered flags in Alabama to be flown at half-staff on the day of Maj. John A. 'Alex' Klinner's funeral.

  • The moment of silence occurred at 10:33 a.m. EDT on the House floor on March 19, 2026.
  • The plane crash occurred one week prior to the congressional tribute.

The players

Rep. Mike Rogers

A Republican congressman from Alabama who led the moment of silence on the House floor.

Maj. John A. 'Alex' Klinner

A 33-year-old service member from Trussville, Alabama who was killed in the plane crash.

Capt. Ariana Savino

A 31-year-old service member from Covington, Washington who was killed in the plane crash.

Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt

A 34-year-old service member from Bardstown, Kentucky who was killed in the plane crash.

Capt. Seth Koval

A 38-year-old service member from Stoutsville, Ohio who was killed in the plane crash.

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What they’re saying

“I would also like to acknowledge the total of 13 service members who have lost their lives during this conflict. We commend their selfless sacrifice and service to our country, and pray for their loved ones.”

— Rep. Mike Rogers

What’s next

Gov. Kay Ivey has ordered flags in Alabama to be flown at half-staff on the day of Maj. John A. 'Alex' Klinner's funeral.

The takeaway

This congressional tribute highlights the ongoing sacrifices made by U.S. service members deployed overseas, and the bipartisan support in Congress for honoring those who have lost their lives in service to the country.