Governor DeWine Orders Flags Lowered in Honor of Ohio Air National Guard Airmen

By Irina Perry

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio to be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds statewide in honor of the life and service of three members of the Ohio Air National Guard killed during Operation Epic Fury.

The flags will remain lowered until sunset on the day of their funerals.

Meanwhile the Columbus community is mourning the loss of Tyler Simmons, a 28-year-old Technical Sergeant with the Ohio Air National Guard, who died during a military mission in Iraq. Simmons was one of six U.S. service members killed in an aircraft incident while supporting American operations overseas.

Simmons served as a boom operator with the 121st Air Refueling Wing, stationed at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. In this critical role, he managed aerial refueling operations aboard the KC-135 Stratotanker, helping ensure military aircraft could safely continue their missions while deployed.

A graduate of Eastmoor Academy High School, Simmons was remembered by friends and family as someone with a generous spirit and unwavering loyalty. His kindness, leadership, and commitment to serving others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Community members, military leaders, and public officials across Ohio have expressed condolences to Simmons’ family and fellow service members.

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