Biography  ~  High-resolution photo

Capt. Seth “Badger” Koval, a valued member of the 121st Air Refueling Wing and 166th Air Refueling Squadron, gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

Koval served with honor, dedication and selflessness, leaving a lasting impact on his wing, its mission and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His commitment to service reflected the very best of what it means to wear the uniform.

Through his time with the 166th ARS, Koval was known for being a man of many talents, a true jack-of-all-trades who mastered everything he touched. While he was known as one of the wing’s 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 121st 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 military duty, 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.

His legacy is honored by not only remembering his service, but also the person he was to this team, his family and his community. His memory will remain a part of the 121st Air Refueling Wing family forever.

Biography  ~  High-resolution photo

Capt. Curtis “Rabbit” Angst, a dedicated member of the 121st Air Refueling Wing and 166th Air Refueling Squadron, gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. His service was a testament of honor and selflessness, leaving a permanent mark on the wing, its mission, and all who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

Koval served with honor, dedication and selflessness, leaving a lasting impact on his wing, its mission and all who had the privilege of knowing him. 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, 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 military duty, Angst will be remembered for his continued commitment to his fellow Airmen. He never stopped being part of the 123rd 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 he 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, 123rd ACS commander.

His legacy is honored by remembering 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.

Biography  ~  High-resolution photo

Master Sgt. Tyler “Pepe” Simmons, a distinguished member of the 121st Air Refueling Wing and 166th Air Refueling Squadron, made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. Simmons served with unwavering dedication and selflessness, leaving a lasting impact on his wing, its 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 the 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.

Through his time with the 166th ARS, Koval was known for being a man of many talents, a true jack-of-all-trades who mastered everything he touched. While he was known as one of the wing’s 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.

Beyond his duty, he was an avid roller-skater, a die-hard Cincinnati Bengals and Texas Christian University 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.

His legacy is honored by remembering both his service and the incredible person he was to the team, his family and the community. His memory will forever remain a part of the 121st Air Refueling Wing family.