Ohio Airman Killed in Iraq Refueling Mission Honored at Funeral

Captain Curtis Angst, 30, was one of six crew members who died when their plane went down over western Iraq.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 5:08am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vintage military aircraft silhouetted against a warm, golden sunset sky, bathed in soft, diagonal light and deep shadows, conceptually representing the somber loss of a fallen service member.The solemn procession and funeral for Captain Curtis Angst, an Ohio airman killed in a refueling mission over Iraq, reflect the heavy toll of ongoing military conflicts.Wilmington Today

Burial services were held on Friday for Captain Curtis Angst, a 30-year-old Ohio Air National Guard airman who was killed in a plane crash during a refueling mission over Iraq as part of Operation Epic Fury. Angst, who grew up in a family with deep roots in aviation, was remembered for his passion for flying and service to his country.

Why it matters

Angst's death is part of a larger toll, as 13 U.S. service members have been killed in the 34 days since the U.S. launched its war against Iran. His funeral and the community's outpouring of grief highlight the human cost of ongoing military conflicts.

The details

Captain Curtis Angst, 30, was one of six crew members killed when their KC-135 refueling plane went down over western Iraq on March 12. The crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, but CENTCOM is investigating the cause. Angst had nearly 900 hours of experience in the cockpit and was known for his passion for aviation, having followed in the footsteps of his father, a private pilot and mechanic, and mother, a flight attendant.

  • Angst's burial services took place on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • The plane crash occurred on March 12, 2026.

The players

Captain Curtis Angst

A 30-year-old Ohio Air National Guard airman who was killed in a plane crash during a refueling mission over Iraq as part of Operation Epic Fury.

Mindy McCarty-Stewart

Angst's mother-in-law, who serves as superintendent at Kettering City Schools.

Patrick Haley

The mayor of Wilmington, Ohio, Angst's hometown, who expressed the community's grief over his death.

President Donald Trump

The U.S. president who honored the sacrifice of American service members, including Angst, in his recent national address on the war with Iran.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Curtis was doing what he loved most—flying and serving alongside the men and women he cared so deeply about. His life was defined by service, generosity, and a genuine love for people.'”

— Kettering City School District

“'It's so painful when you think about it because you can relate to your own families, and it could have been anybody, but unfortunately, it was Curtis, and our hearts are just broken for him.'”

— Patrick Haley, Wilmington Mayor

“'I'm pleased to say that these core strategic objectives are nearing completion. As we celebrate this progress, we think especially of the 13 American warriors who have laid down their lives in this fight to prevent our children from ever having to face a nuclear Iran.'”

— President Donald Trump

What’s next

CENTCOM is investigating the cause of the plane crash that killed Captain Angst and five other crew members.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Captain Curtis Angst, a dedicated Ohio airman, is a sobering reminder of the human cost of ongoing military conflicts. His funeral and the outpouring of grief from his community highlight the sacrifices made by service members and their families to protect the nation.