Diane S. Sykes: “last week, our Nation lost six American servicemembers in a tragic aircraft crash over Iraq. They are among the 13 who…”

“last week, our Nation lost six American servicemembers in a tragic aircraft crash over Iraq. They are among the 13 who have lost their lives to date after Trump waged war in Iran. Among them are three Ohioans serving in the Ohio National Guard: Captain Seth Koval, Captain Curtis Angst, and Technical Sergeant Tyler Simmons. These were brave men who answered the call to serve their country. Technical Sergeant Tyler Simmons was only 28 years old. He had what his family called his dream job in the Air Force. His cousin said that he had a million-dollar smile that could light up a room and that he loved flying and serving his country. Captain Curtis Angst, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, spent a decade serving his country as a pilot. Captain Seth Koval, who served nearly 20 years in uniform, had dedicated much of his life to flying missions that kept other aircraft in the sky and other servicemembers safe. These men flew one of the most demanding and dangerous missions in the Air Force: refueling other aircraft midair so that they could complete their missions and return home safely. Yet, these airmen never made it home. Each of these men have families, friends, and communities that will carry this loss forever. Today, my heart breaks for them. To those families and the families of other servicemembers who we have lost, please know that the people of Ohio are grieving with you.”