Ohio National Guard

Today, we solemnly honor and remember Master Sgt. Tyler “Pepe” Simmons, a distinguished member of the 121st Air Refueling Wing and 166th Air Refueling Squadron, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Simmons served with unwavering dedication and selflessness, leaving a lasting impact on his unit, our mission, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His profound commitment to service reflected the very best of what it means to wear the uniform.

Through his time with the 121st Air Refueling Wing, Simmons began his guard career as a defender in our own 121st Security Forces Squadron, where his infectious positive attitude made an immediate and lasting impact on everyone around him. He was famous for never having a bad day and for eagerly volunteering for any tough assignment, especially if it involved talking to people. His natural leadership made him one of the youngest flight sergeants in the 121st SFS, and he was so valued that when he decided to become a boom operator, security forces leadership tried everything to keep him. Ultimately, his love for aviation won out. In the air, call sign “Pepe” was a delight to fly with and a consummate professional crew member. His ultimate dream was to become an officer and a pilot, and he would no doubt have excelled at both.

Beyond his duty, Tyler was an avid roller-skater, a die-hard Bengals and TCU fan, and had a famous love for Spiderman and Flamin' Hot Cheetos. More than anything, he was a loving son to his mom, Cheryl, and his father, Charles.

We honor the legacy of Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons by remembering both his service and the incredible person he was to our team, his family, and the community. His memory will forever remain a part of the 121st Air Refueling Wing family. We ask that you keep his loved ones and fellow service members in your thoughts as we mourn his loss.

Today, we honor the memory and ultimate sacrifice of Captain Curtis “Rabbit” Angst of the 121st Air Refueling Wing and the 166th Air Refueling Squadron. His service was a testament of honor and selflessness, leaving a permanent mark on our unit, our mission, and all who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

Through his time with the 166th Air Refueling Squadron, Capt Angst was known for his infectious positivity and proactive spirit. He began as a universally liked Airman in vehicle maintenance at the 123rd Air Control Squadron in Blue Ash, Ohio, where he always wore a smile. As a strong pilot and leader, he was among the first operators to actively participate in the company-grade officer council. His outstanding attitude and capabilities led to him being personally requested to serve as the executive officer for the 121st Mission Support Group.

Beyond his duty, Capt Angst will be remembered for his continued commitment to his fellow Airmen. Curtis never stopped being part of the 123 ACS. Even after moving on, he would show up during annual training to spend time with the unit and drive hours to meet the convoys at fuel stops as they traveled to exercises, simply to see his friends and brothers in that squadron. That was who Curtis was, completely selfless and always willing to go out of his way for others.

“Curtis will be remembered for the relationships he built and the positive impact he had on the people around him. He made an indelible mark on this squadron and on many of us personally…truly a man for others,” said Lt Col Ryan Ormond, Commander 123rd Air Control Squadron.

As we honor Capt Angst's legacy, we remember the man behind the uniform—a friend, a leader, and a pillar of his community. His spirit will forever remain woven into the fabric of the 121st Air Refueling Wing family.

Please hold the Angst family, his friends, and his brothers and sisters in arms in your hearts as they navigate this time of immense grief.

Today, we pause to honor and remember Capt Seth “Badger” Koval, a valued member of the 121st Air Refueling Wing and 166th Air Refueling Squadron, who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving our country.

Capt Koval served with honor, dedication, and selflessness, leaving a lasting impact on this unit, our mission and all who had the privilege of knowing them. His commitment to service reflected the very best of what it means to wear the uniform.

Through his time with the 166th Air Refueling Squadron, Capt Koval was known for being a man of many talents, a true jack-of-all-trades who mastered everything he touched. While we knew him as one of our best and brightest young KC-135 Instructor Pilots, his skills extended far beyond the cockpit. He was a machinist, a Master Carpenter, and a fearless dirt bike rider.

He made a difference when his service began on the ground, in the Maintenance Group Fabrication Shop, where his natural talents helped keep the F-16s of Indiana flying. An avid outdoorsman, "Badger" loved camping and skiing. His can-do attitude was infectious; with unwavering positivity and a strong will, he tackled projects that others deemed impossible.

Beyond his duty, Capt Koval was most proud of his family and his sound faith. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Heather, and a loving father to their son.

We honor Capt Seth “Badger” Koval’s legacy by remembering not only his service, but the person he was to this team, his family, and his community. Capt Koval’s memory will remain a part of the 121st Air Refueling Wing family forever.

Please keep the Koval family, friends and fellow service members in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

A KC-135 Stratotanker crew refueled an F-16 Fighting Falcon, both from the Ohio National Guard, over the skies of Canada. The F-16 Fighting Falcon can fly more than 500 miles, but the KC-135 can extend its radius beyond that, delivering airpower anywhere, anytime, globally.

Call to duty 🇺🇸

Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 174th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, are honored during a call to duty ceremony at Morgan High School in McConnelsville, Ohio, June 2, 2026. The 2-174th will deploy to the Washington, D.C., area to support the National Capital Region Integrated Air Defense System mission.

We wish the 2-174th a safe and successful deployment!

📸: Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Moeger

174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade | The National Guard | Ohio Assistant Adjutant General for Army | Director of the Army National Guard | Chief of the National Guard Bureau | U.S. Army

Call to duty! 🇺🇸🫡

About 220 members of the Ohio Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 174th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, based in McConnelsville, Ohio, are deploying to the Washington, D.C., area to support the National Capital Region Integrated Air Defense System mission. The public is invited to attend a call to duty ceremony honoring the Soldiers at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Morgan High School, 800 Raider Drive, McConnelsville, OH 43756.

ICYMI: Power in motion ⚡️

For the first time, the Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing conducted an F-16 “Elephant Walk” mass taxi formation during a Combat Readiness Inspection in Swanton, Ohio, showcasing readiness and airpower.

📸: Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker

180th Fighter Wing | Air National Guard

23 Years Later

Two Soldiers. One bond forged through service.

From left, retired Sgt. 1st Class Larry Davidson, a 2026 Ohio Military Hall of Fame inductee, and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Chadd Kuhn, a force integration readiness officer with the Ohio Army National Guard, stand for a photograph before an induction ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, May 1, 2026. More than two decades after first serving together, the pair reunited as Davidson was honored for heroic actions during a 2009 ambush in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, where, despite being wounded, he provided covering fire to ensure the safe evacuation of his team and a wounded interpreter.

The photos, taken roughly 23 years apart, reflect the lasting bonds formed through military service and sacrifice.

16th Engineer Brigade | 73rd Troop Command | Joint Force Headquarters, Ohio Army National Guard | Ohio Assistant Adjutant General for Army | Director of the Army National Guard | The National Guard | U.S. Army

From Service to Success 🎓

Congratulations to Judah Musacchio of the Ohio Army National Guard and Staff Sgts. Bailey Richey, Brandon Warburton and Keaton Smith of the Ohio Air National Guard on graduating from Bowling Green State University this semester. The four Guardsmen were among 23 Ohio National Guard members who earned degrees this semester while using the Ohio National Guard Scholarship to support their education and military service commitments.

The OHNGSP helps Soldiers and Airmen pursue higher education while continuing to serve their state and nation, creating opportunities for academic, professional and military success.

📸: Staff Sgt. Thomas Moeger

121st Air Refueling Wing | 180th Fighter Wing | 16th Engineer Brigade | BGSU Student Veterans of America | The National Guard | Ohio Assistant Adjutant General for Army | Ohio Air National Guard State Command Chief