DoW Identifies KC-135 Air Force Casualties
14 March 2026
The Department of War announced the death of six Air Force Airmen who were supporting Operation Epic Fury.
The six Airmen died on March 12, 2026, in the crash of a KC-135 in western Iraq. The incident is under investigation. On March 14 the Pentagon identified the deceased as:
Maj John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, AL
Capt Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, WA
TSgt Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, KY
were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, FL
Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, IN
Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, OH
TSgt Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, OH
were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio.
TSgt Tyler Simmons, a boom operator for the aircraft and one of the six Airmen who were aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker that crashed in western Iraq on 12 March 2026, was a prior Defender.
Defender Nation,
Today, 6 March 2026, is my last day as your Director of Security Forces. This position has been one of the highlights of my professional life!
As the Director, I witnessed Security Forces Airmen doing amazing things in every environment imaginable. We should be incredibly proud of the work we do every day, all day, in all weather, and in all threat environments. We have stood post and Defended fellow Americans, Allies, Partners, and resources vital to national security. Thank you for everything you do and will continue to do.
Defender Nation,
It is with immense pride that we recognize the promotion of Mr. Timothy A. Gerald to the position of Assistant Director of Staff, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. Mr. Gerald’s promotion is a historic achievement for the entire Security Forces family; he is the first Defender to be selected for this critical leadership role, a testament to his character, expertise, and dedication cultivated within our career field.
Mr. Gerald's journey to this point is a remarkable story of service. He began his career by enlisting in 1985, serving 22 distinguished years on active duty in a variety of key Security Forces positions and special duties, including deployments in support of critical global operations. Since his military retirement, he has continued his service in the public and private sectors and has been serving as our own Deputy Director of Security Forces for the last 5 years.
His selection as the Assistant Director of the Air Force Staff is a direct reflection of the caliber of professionals within the Security Forces career field and the strategic impact we deliver to the Air Force mission every day. It showcases a clear path of progression and proves that Defenders can and do rise to the highest levels of leadership in the Department of the Air Force.
Please join us in extending our sincerest congratulations to Mr. Gerald on this incredible and well-deserved accomplishment.
Mr. Gerald has left some big shoes to fill. I am honored to step into the role to continue to contribute to Defender Nation until the DAF can identify and place an SES into the Deputy Director position.
V/r,
JASON M. KNUDSEN, GS-15, DAF
Director (Acting)
HQ USAF Security Forces, AF/A4S
DCS/ Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection
2025 Headquarters Air Force Security Forces Individual Award Winners
Chief Gallagher and I are pleased to announce the 2025 Headquarters Air Force Security Forces Individual Award winners. These Defender awards recognize individuals whose exceptional dedication and professionalism have made a significant impact on the Security Forces Enterprise and their respective duty stations. Their contributions exemplify the highest standards of service and commitment, inspiring us all to strive for excellence. We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees who participated. Your dedication and excellence are truly commendable!
Reference: DAFMAN 36-2806, Military Awards Criteria and Procedures. The Air and Space Recognition Ribbon are awarded to individuals and members of small teams selected as overall winners of a HAF or functional community award.
AWARD WINNERS BY RESPECTIVE CATEGORIES:
Colonel Billy Jack Carter:
MSgt Byron T. Taylor Sr., 6th Security Forces Squadron, MacDill AFB, FL (AMC)
Airman First Class Elizabeth N. Jacobsen Award for Expeditionary Excellence:
SSgt Katy M. Kyllonen, 96th Security Forces Squadron, Eglin AFB, FL (AFMC)
Staff Sergeant ‘TJ’ Lobraico Award for Excellence:
TSgt Matthew F. Plizga, 911th Security Forces Squadron, Pittsburgh IAP ARS, PA (AFRC)
Security Forces Company Grade Officer of the Year Award:
Capt Arthur T. Yencho, 91st Security Forces Group, Minot AFB, ND (AFGSC)
Security Forces Operations Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Award:
MSgt Harold L. Snider, 374th Security Forces Squadron, Yokota AB, Japan (PACAF)
Security Forces Operations Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Award:
TSgt Damion J. Johnson, 90th Security Forces Group, F.E. Warren AFB, WY (AFGSC)
The USA TODAY YEAR IN DEFENSE Special Edition is available now for free on newsstands and via the link. Look for the AFSFA advertisement on page 85!
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