U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Katie Britt (R-Birmingham) introduced a resolution Tuesday honoring the sacrifice of the six Americans killed in Iraq on March 12.
Maj. John A. "Alex" Klinner, Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, Capt. Ariana G. Savino, Tech Sgt. Tyler Simmons, Capt. Seth R. Koval and Capt. Curtis J. Angst and all were killed in a KC-135 refueling aircraft crash while deployed in support of Operation Epic Fury.
Klinner, Pruitt, and Savino were part of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, part of the 6th Air Refueling Wing (MacDill AFB), based at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham.
"When you see flag-draped caskets carrying heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, it's a sobering reminder of the cost of America's freedom," said Tuberville. "Each of these service members showed generational courage, and this resolution is just a small part of ensuring their stories are never forgotten. Our prayers continue to be with their brave families and loved ones as they navigate this horrific loss."
"Our nation will be forever grateful to these American heroes for their exemplary service and ultimate sacrifice," said Britt. "While their lives were tragically cut short in devoted service to our country, we will never forget their selflessness as they bravely fought to protect and defend Americans. We are deeply proud to honor them in this resolution and continue to pray for their families and loved ones during this unthinkable time."
Sens. Jim Banks (R-Indiana), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), and Todd Young (R-Indiana) joined Tuberville and Britt in introducing the resolution. The U.S. Senate passed the resolution unanimously.
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