💔 Heartbreaking Loss: Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt Among Six U.S. Service Members Killed in Iraq
In a devastating incident, six U.S. service members, including Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, lost their lives last week when a military refueling plane crashed in western Iraq. The crash occurred while the aircraft was supporting operations against Iran in “friendly” airspace. The cause of the crash is under investigation by U.S. Central Command.
Pruitt, a mother of two from Bardstown, Kentucky, had served with the 99th Air Refueling Squadron at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama. Described as “radiant” by her husband, Gregory Pruitt, she was proud of her military career, having accumulated nearly 900 combat flight hours. Her loss has left her family heartbroken, with her husband calling her “the light in the room.”
💔 A Career Defined by Service and Family
Pruitt’s journey in the military began nine years ago, and she had been deployed overseas three times. Most recently, she served as an assistant flight chief and instructor on the KC-135, which refuels other planes in midair. Her dedication to service, and her role as a loving mother to her 3-year-old daughter and stepson, made her loss even more heartbreaking for her family.
“Life can change in the blink of an eye,” said Gregory, reflecting on the sudden loss of his wife. “She was everything to us, and now we’re left with a lifetime of memories.”
🇺🇸 Remembering the Fallen Heroes
The crash also claimed the lives of five other service members, including Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, a KC-135 instructor pilot, and Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, a KC-135 pilot. All six members of the crew were connected to air refueling squadrons across the U.S., including bases in Alabama, Ohio, and Florida.
Koval, a veteran of 19 years with more than 2,000 flight hours, was remembered by his wife as an amazing husband, father, and airman. His family described him as “a loving, generous ‘fixer of all things.'” Angst, a beloved member of the Ohio Air National Guard, was remembered for his service, generosity, and “a genuine love for people.” His family described him as someone who brought joy and kindness wherever he went.
Other victims included Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, who had just been promoted to major and left behind three young children. Tyler Simmons, 28, a refueling specialist, was remembered for his infectious smile and strong presence. Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, a pilot with the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, was praised for her dedication to her work and her service to her country.
💔 A Family’s Unfathomable Grief
The death of these service members has left their families devastated, with loved ones recalling their contributions to both their military duties and their personal lives. They will be remembered not just for their service but for the deep love they shared with their families and their unwavering commitment to their country.
The U.S. military community has expressed grief over the loss, with Col. Ed Szczepanik, commander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, calling it “excruciatingly painful.” The loss is particularly hard for those who knew them as family members—sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, spouses, and parents.
🇺🇸 Honoring Their Legacy
As investigations continue into the crash, the families and communities of these fallen heroes are left to mourn their loss. The bravery and dedication these service members demonstrated throughout their careers will be remembered as a testament to their commitment to serving their country and their families.
The tragic accident serves as a reminder of the risks that service members face every day in the line of duty, and the families who support them will carry their legacy forward.
