[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2535-H2536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING AIRMEN LOST IN KC-135 CRASH

  (Ms. Sewell of Alabama was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor six heroic Americans 
who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in defense of the 
United States.
  On March 12, 2026, six American airmen were tragically killed when a 
KC-

[[Page H2536]]

135 refueling aircraft supporting U.S. military operations in Iran 
crashed in western Iraq.
  Today, we remember them by name: Major John ``Alex'' Klinner, Captain 
Ariana Savino, Captain Seth Koval, Captain Curtis Angst, Technical 
Sergeant Ashley Pruitt, and Technical Sergeant Tyler Simmons.
  Three of these brave airmen were members of the 99th Air Refueling 
Squadron, which operates in Birmingham, Alabama, in my district.
  I will take a moment to talk about the lives and legacies of these 
three airmen.
  Major Alex Klinner was 33 years old, a native of Auburn, Alabama. He 
entered the Air Force through the ROTC program at Auburn University in 
2017.
  Major Klinner deployed in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2026, and he served 
as chief of the squadron's standardization and evaluation at the 99th 
Air Refueling Squadron since 2024. He was promoted to major in January.
  A devoted husband and father, Major Klinner is survived by his wife, 
Libby, their 2-year-old son, and a 7-year-old set of twins.
  Captain Ariana Savino was 31 years old. Captain Savino was a native 
of Covington, Washington. She entered the Air Force through the ROTC 
program at Central Washington University in 2017. Captain Savino 
deployed in 2020 and in 2026 and had served as the chief current 
operations pilot at the 99th Air Refueling Squadron since 2024.
  Captain Savino was passionate about serving and supporting Latin 
women in aviation.
  A dedicated friend and sister, she is survived by her parents, 
siblings, and pets.
  Technical Sergeant Ashley Brooke Pruitt was 34 years old and a native 
of Bardstown, Kentucky. She entered the Air Force in 2017, deploying 
overseas three times and serving as an assistant flight chief of 
operations at the 99th Air Refueling Squadron.
  Technical Sergeant Pruitt is remembered as a selfless servant and a 
radiant mother by those in her community. She is survived by her 
husband, Gregory, 3-year-old daughter, and a stepson.
  The loss of all six of these brave American patriots is devastating, 
and my prayers are with their families as they grieve.
  I know I speak for all of us in expressing our deep sorrow and 
immense gratitude for their service to the United States.
  On behalf of Alabama's Seventh Congressional District and a grateful 
nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the lives of six 
airmen who paid the ultimate price. May they rest in peace, and may we 
never ever forget their sacrifice.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence.

                          ____________________