COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus City Council on Monday, March 30, 2026, approved a resolution honoring Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, killed March 12 in western Iraq.
According to the city, Simmons served as a boom operator with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.
Authorities said the air tanker was supporting Operation Epic Fury when it went down on March 12, killing all 6 crew members.
Officials said the resolution followed Simmons' return to Rickenbacker on Sunday, March 29, when a public procession also honored fellow fallen crew members Capt. Seth Koval and Capt. Curtis Angst.
Council Member Nancy Day-Achauer said Simmons' family expressed gratitude for the recognition. Simmons' family was not present Monday; council members said they plan to present the resolution at the funeral.
The city said a larger tribute is planned during Columbus' Memorial Day events.