Remains of Ohio Airmen Killed in Refueling Mission to Return Home

The three National Guardsmen died in a midair incident near the Jordan-Iraq border during Operation Epic Fury.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:48am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The remains of three Ohio National Guardsmen killed during a refueling mission in Iraq as part of Operation Epic Fury will be returned to Columbus on Sunday. Capt. Curtis Angst, Capt. Seth Koval, and Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons were aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker when a midair incident occurred near the Jordan-Iraq border, resulting in their deaths.

Why it matters

The loss of these three Ohio airmen is a tragic event that has deeply impacted the local community and the state's National Guard. Their return home will allow for proper honoring and mourning of their sacrifice in service to their country.

The details

The three airmen were part of the 121st Air Refueling Wing stationed at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus. The wing will conduct a dignified arrival ceremony for the remains on Sunday afternoon. One of the servicemembers' remains will then be transported to a private funeral home event for friends and family.

  • The airmen were killed on March 12 during the refueling mission.
  • Their remains will be returned to Columbus on Sunday, March 29.

The players

Capt. Curtis Angst

An Ohio National Guardsman originally from Wilmington who earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Cincinnati and joined the Air Force in 2015.

Capt. Seth Koval

An Ohio National Guardsman who was killed in the refueling mission incident.

Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons

An Ohio National Guardsman who was killed in the refueling mission incident.

121st Air Refueling Wing

The Ohio National Guard unit stationed at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus that the three airmen were a part of.

Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base

The military base in Columbus, Ohio where the 121st Air Refueling Wing is stationed.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The 121st Air Refueling Wing will conduct a dignified arrival ceremony for the remains of the three airmen at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base on Sunday afternoon. One of the servicemembers' remains will then be transported to a private funeral home event for friends and family.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the risks and sacrifices made by members of the Ohio National Guard and other military personnel serving their country. The community will come together to honor the memory of these three brave airmen and support their families during this difficult time.