A woman raising two children was among six U.S. service members killed last week when a military refueling plane crashed in western Iraq.
Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, originally from Bardstown, Kentucky, was remembered by her husband Gregory Pruitt as someone who was radiant and proud of her military career.
The couple had a 3-year-old daughter and Sgt. Pruitt's stepson. She joined the military nine years ago, accumulating nearly 900 combat flight hours.
Most recently, she served with the 99th Air Refueling Squadron from Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama.
A crash in friendly airspace
The crash reportedly occurred while the aircraft was involved in operations against Iran during an unspecified incident involving another plane, which landed safely.
The identities of the victims were released later, with three connected to the Sumpter Smith base and the others from an Ohio Air National Guard base.
Remembering the victims
Maj. Gen. Matthew S. Woodruff, the Ohio adjutant general, expressed condolences for the “remarkable Airmen” who were lost. The servicemen included Capt. Seth R. Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst, and Maj. John A. Klinner, each remembered by their families as devoted individuals dedicated to their duty.
Capt. Koval's wife described him as a loving husband and father, and Capt. Angst’s family shared that he was known for his kindness and passion for service. Maj. Klinner, who had just welcomed his third child, was noted for his generosity and support for others.
Sgt. Tyler Simmons and Capt. Ariana G. Savino also lost their lives in the crash, both celebrated for their service and commitment to their missions.
The U.S. Air Force has been operating the KC-135 for over 60 years.
