A resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of the Ohio Air National Guard airmen who were killed in the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crash in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 663
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-26: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services. (text: CR S1674)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-03T05:33:39Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 663) honors the service and sacrifice of three Ohio Air National Guard airmen—Captain Seth R. Koval, Captain Curtis J. Angst, and Master Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons—from the 121st Air Refueling Wing who died in a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crash in Iraq on March 12, 2026, during a refueling mission in Operation Epic Fury. It expresses national gratitude and condolences following the loss of all six crew members aboard.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes background "Whereas" clauses detailing the crash, the unit's excellence (e.g., recent award for readiness and safety), the dangers of mid-air refueling, and the airmen's heroism. It resolves that the Senate will:
- Honor the lives, service, and sacrifice of the Ohio airmen.
- Extend deepest condolences to their families, friends, and fellow servicemembers.
- Recognize the vital role of the 121st Air Refueling Wing and all Air Force tanker crews in national defense.
- Affirm that the nation will always remember and remain grateful for their sacrifice.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a simple resolution (S. Res.), which expresses the Senate's opinion and has no legal force or binding effect on law.
Potential Impacts
- Symbolic and morale-boosting: Provides public recognition to boost support for military families, the Air National Guard, and refueling units; fosters national unity in mourning.
- No direct effects on government funding, operations, or policies, as it is non-binding.
- Minimal impact on citizens or international relations, though it highlights U.S. military commitments in the Middle East.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Families, friends, and fellow servicemembers of the deceased airmen (primary focus for condolences).
- 121st Air Refueling Wing (Ohio Air National Guard) and broader Air Force tanker crews (recognized for excellence).
- Ohio residents and the state (emphasized devastation and pride).
- U.S. military and nation (affirms ongoing gratitude and remembrance).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant; simple resolutions require only a Senate majority vote, do not need House or presidential approval, and carry no enforceable obligations.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan Senate support (introduced by Sens. Moreno and Husted) for honoring military sacrifices; referred to the Armed Services Committee, potentially aiding unit morale or future funding discussions without mandating action.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-26: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services. (text: CR S1674)
- 2026-03-26: Submitted in Senate
Bill Versions
- Honoring the service and sacrifice of the Ohio Air National Guard airmen who were killed in the Boeing KC–135 Stratotanker crash in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury. — issued 2026-03-26 — PDF (4 pages)