An Ohio Air National Guardsman with a “million dollar smile” has been identified as the first of six soldiers killed when an Air Force refueling plane crashed in Iraq.
Technology. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, of Columbus, was aboard the ill-fated U.S. Air Force K-135 Stratotanker before it collided with another K-135 over “friendly airspace” as part of Operation Epic Fury, his family announced Friday.
Simmons, 28, spoke to his mother the day before his tragic death, updating her on his deployment to the Middle East.
“He called me on Wednesday, and we were able to talk to him,” Cheryl Simmons said He told WSYX. “I was here, and we actually had a nice conversation. I was like, Tyler, how are you doing? He said I’m good. I’m good, but my mom knows. He was having some challenges, you know, he told me they got shot, but he was okay.”
Simmons was assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio before being deployed to the Middle East as part of military operations around Iran.
The unit stationed in Columbus revealed that three of its pilots were killed in the accident that occurred in western Iraq.
“We share in their loved ones’ grief, and we must not forget the invaluable contributions these Airmen made to their country and the impact they had on our organization,” 121st Air Refueling Wing. He said in a statement Next to a picture of a KC-135 with Ohio decals.
“In addition, we ask that you respect the family’s wishes and provide them with the space to mourn their loved ones during this difficult time.”
Simmons, a boom operator on the plane, was remembered by the family for his personality and love of his job.
“He had a million-dollar smile. When people saw my cousin, they’d be like, ‘That smile is going to take him places and it took him to his dream job,'” Tracy Bix, Simmons’ cousin. He told WBNS.
“He was a really great guy, and to do this job as an air refueler is a special guy. You have to be kind of smart to do it. He was loving. He loved his dog Grayson, he loved his family and his friends, and Sheena, you know, he’s just that guy. He would do anything for you.” She added.
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Tributes from local leaders, including Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, and Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) poured in for Simmons after his relatives recognized him.
“I have been informed by the Adjutant General of Ohio that three of the six service members killed during an air refueling mission in Iraq were Ohioans deployed to the 121st Air Refueling Wing of the Ohio National Guard.” Written on X. “Fran and I are deeply saddened by this news and offer our sincere condolences to their families.”
A local restaurateur honored a fallen Air National Guard member by renaming a menu item for Simmons, after the TCU graduate ate at the establishment once a week.
“We at Latham’s Kitchen will truly miss your energy and smiles, as we change our Grippo Sticky Wings to ‘TYLER’S GRIPPO STICK.’ Thank you for your service, you are a true hero,” Sean Latham he wrote on Facebook.
The identities of the remaining crew members were not revealed because the army withheld their names for 24 hours after notifying their relatives.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the dead as heroes during a news conference at the Pentagon on Friday.
“War is hell,” he said. “War is chaos.” “As we saw yesterday with the tragic accident of our KC-135 tanker, bad things can happen. American heroes, all of them.”