03/30/2026
Thank you, Military.com for sharing about the 121st ARW airmen lost in Operation Epic Fury, and for highlighting the memorial fund established by our organization.
https://www.military.com/feature/2026/03/23/ohio-non-profit-raises-thousands-families-of-fallen-soldiers-killed-iraq.html
Donations are still being accepted: https://ricmilfam.org/memorial/
03/28/2026
Don't forget the Easter Egg Hunt, tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. in Westerville! This special event is for active duty military & veterans and their families. Hosted by the American Legion Post 171.
03/25/2026
Easter Egg Hunt for veterans, active duty, and their families - THIS WEEKEND at the American Legion Post 171 in Westerville at 12:30 p.m.!
03/24/2026
Thank you, Spectrum News 1 Ohio for taking time to learn about our organization and sharing our efforts in establishing a memorial fund for our fallen airmen.
Donations pour in for families of 3 fallen Ohio airmen
It’s been more than 10 days since Captain Curtis Angst, Captain Seth Koval and Master Sergeant Tyler Simmons died after their refueling jet crashed in Iraq. An Ohio group is finding new ways to support the families of the fallen during this tragic time.
03/23/2026
We appreciate WSYX ABC 6 for taking time to interview LtCol. Reed (Ret.), secretary of our organization, to learn about what we do and the memorial fund we established for families of fallen airmen from the 121st ARW.
https://youtu.be/izxm37TJd20?si=Srs-EqTkyKu3fR1E
To donate to the fund: https://ricmilfam.org/memorial/
Support pours out for Air National Guardsmen killed in Iraq crash
Support continues to pour in for three Columbus-based service members killed in a refueling accident in the Middle East. Since the March 12 incident, members...
03/23/2026
An Ohio pilot created a mid-air tribute over the Buckeye State’s skies on Thursday to honor three Ohio National Guard airmen who died in a crash in Iraq.
Pilot creates mid-air tribute for fallen Ohio airmen
During the over four-hour flight, the pilot drew three crosses and the silhouette of a soldier saluting before landing back at Bowling Green right before 8 p.m.
03/20/2026
Thank you - WBNS for sharing our efforts to support the families of our fallen Airmen, and for taking time to interview a member of our organization.
To contribute to the fund, click HERE: https://ricmilfam.org/memorial/
https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/columbus-military-charity-support-families-service-members-killed-operation-epic-fury-plane-crash/530-4170075e-a99c-40d9-ab0e-23cd44bbba53
Columbus military charity rallies to support families of 3 service members killed in Operation Epic Fury
Rickenbacker Military Families, a charity founded in 2009 to support active service members and their families, has mobilized on behalf of the three Ohio airmen.
03/18/2026
Our quarterly newsletter is published. We have included information & a link to the memorial fund for the fallen airmen from the 121st ARW.
Memorial Fund: www.ricmilfam.org/memorial
Newsletter: https://ricmilfam.org/2026/03/18/newsletter-march-2026/
03/17/2026
The Board of the Rickenbacker Military Family extends our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and fellow Airmen affected by the tragic loss of three airmen of the 121st Air Refueling Wing.
To support the families during this difficult time, RMF has established a Memorial Fund. Donations may be directed to a specific family or to the shared fund, which will be held by RMF and used to assist the three families as needs arise.
RMF will cover all processing fees so 100% of every donation goes directly to the families.
Please see the pinned comment below for additional information and the donation link which can also be found on the home page of our organization’s website.
It is with a heavy heart that we share the tragic news of the passing of three Airmen from the 121st Air Refueling Wing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and fellow Airmen who mourn their loss. On March 12, 2026, they were among the six Airmen on a KC-135 Stratotanker that went down in western Iraq while flying a combat mission in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. The incident occurred in friendly airspace involving two aircraft during Operation Epic Fury. We share in the sorrow of their loved ones, and we must not forget the valuable contributions these Airmen made to their country and the impact they have left on our organization. Additionally, we ask that you respect the family's wishes and provide them with space to mourn their loved ones during this difficult time.
01/03/2026
We have published our newest issue of FLIGHT LINE...the official newsletter of Rickenbacker Military Families. Click for a 2025 year in review and an update on our plans for 2026! https://ricmilfam.org/2025/12/30/newsletter-december-2025/
11/30/2025
Franklin County Veterans Service Commission is dedicated to serving the Veterans of Franklin County, their dependents and surviving spouses. They provide temporary financial support and VA benefits assistance, staffed and led by Veterans and their families. If there is anything you need this holiday season, or any time of the year, a contact form and information can be found at their website: https://vets.franklincountyohio.gov/home
Not in Franklin County? Click here to find the veteran's service office closest to you: https://osavsc.org/
11/28/2025
Sunny 95 - Columbus, OH will soon become SANTA 95, with All Christmas Music programming. They’re asking family members and friends of military members to record a message to those who may not be making it home for Christmas this year. Messages will be played between songs during their broadcasts.
Sunny 95’s free app can be downloaded from the app store on your phone by searching Sunny 95 WSNY. If you are not able to use Open Mic on the app, you can record something on your phone and email it to Tony Bristol: [email protected]
If you have any questions, you may reach out to Tony, also.
Here’s an example of what to say:
“Hi this is Melissa sending love to my son Cpl. Steven Smith of Gahanna serving our country with the 4th Marine Battalion stationed in Greece. Merry Christmas Steve. We’ll miss you this year. Stay safe & Merry Christmas.”
https://sunny95.com/2025/11/03/download-the-sunny-95-app-is-now-available-for-all-phones/