Recognizing and honoring the fallen members of the 121st Air Refueling Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1129
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-20: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-31T20:35:58Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1129) aims to formally recognize and honor six members of the U.S. Air National Guard who died in a plane crash while serving in Iraq. It expresses gratitude for their service and offers condolences to their families, serving as a ceremonial tribute rather than enacting new laws.
Key Provisions
- Background Details: The resolution describes the incident on March 12, 2026, during a refueling mission in support of Operation Epic Fury (a military operation), where a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft crashed over western Iraq, killing all six crew members. The fallen are identified as Maj. John A. Klinner, Maj. Ariana G. Savino, Capt. Seth R. Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst, Master Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt. They served with the 121st Air Refueling Wing (based in Columbus, Ohio) and the 99th Air Refueling Squadron (based in Birmingham, Alabama).
- Individual Highlights: It notes the service records of select members, such as Capt. Koval (enlisted in 2006, commissioned in 2018, KC-135 instructor pilot), Master Sgt. Simmons (over 8 years in security forces and as a boom operator), and Capt. Angst (enlisted in 2015, commissioned in 2021, completed KC-135 training in 2024).
- Core Actions:
- Honors the lives, service, and sacrifice of the fallen members.
- Pledges, on behalf of the nation, that their sacrifice will not be forgotten.
- Extends deepest condolences to the families and loved ones, with ongoing prayers for their support.
The resolution embodies the Air Force motto: Integrity first, Service before self, Excellence in all we do.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. As a non-binding resolution, it does not amend, repeal, or create any laws; it is purely symbolic and expressive.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May foster morale within the Air National Guard and Air Force by publicly acknowledging service members' sacrifices, potentially aiding recruitment or retention efforts.
- On Citizens: Provides emotional support and recognition to military families and communities in Ohio and Alabama, reinforcing national appreciation for service members.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it underscores U.S. military commitment in ongoing operations like Operation Epic Fury, which could indirectly signal resolve to allies and adversaries in the Middle East.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Families and Loved Ones: Primary beneficiaries, receiving formal condolences and national recognition.
- Military Personnel and Units: The 121st Air Refueling Wing (Ohio Air National Guard) and 99th Air Refueling Squadron, whose members are honored, along with broader Air Force and National Guard communities.
- Legislators and Congress: Introduced by Reps. Balderson, Taylor, and Carey; referred to the House Committee on Armed Services, highlighting bipartisan support for military tributes.
- Local Communities: Residents near Rickenbacker Air Force Base (Columbus, Ohio) and Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base (Birmingham, Alabama), who are connected to the units.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No implications, as resolutions like this are not enforceable and do not require presidential approval or affect constitutional rights; they fall under Congress's power to express sentiments (Article I).
- Political: Demonstrates congressional unity in honoring military service, potentially building goodwill across party lines. It may encourage similar tributes for other fallen service members, reinforcing the political tradition of supporting the armed forces without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12]
Cosponsors (10)
Rep. Taylor, David J. [R-OH-2], Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15], Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5], Rep. Jordan, Jim [R-OH-4], Rep. Miller, Max L. [R-OH-7], Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6], Rep. Davidson, Warren [R-OH-8], Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-20: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2026-03-20: Submitted in House
- 2026-03-20: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing and honoring the fallen members of the 121st Air Refueling Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard. — issued 2026-03-20 — PDF (3 pages)