Story perspectives

Ohio Airman Tyler Simmons Dies in Iraq Crash, Posthumously Promoted

3/23/2026

Center

Simmons' Heroic Legacy

Master Sergeant Tyler Simmons, an Ohio airman, died in a KC-135 crash in Iraq on March 12.
He was posthumously promoted to master sergeant.
Charles Simmons, his father, said he did not instruct Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to continue military action.
He expressed frustration over media interpretations of their conversation.
Tyler Simmons, who enlisted in 2018, completed three deployments and logged 230 combat flight hours.

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Hegseth's Controversial Stance

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said families urged him to continue military action in the Iran war.
Charles Simmons, father of a fallen soldier, contradicted Hegseth, saying their discussion did not urge continued action.
Critics argue Hegseth's rhetoric promotes a dangerous glorification of violence and likens it to fascist ideologies.
A federal judge blocked a Pentagon policy restricting press access, underscoring the importance of a free press in reporting military actions.

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Simmons' Heroic Legacy

Master Sergeant Tyler Simmons, an Ohio airman, died in a KC-135 crash in Iraq on March 12.
He was posthumously promoted to master sergeant.
Charles Simmons, his father, said he did not instruct Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to continue military action.
He expressed frustration over media interpretations of their conversation.
Tyler Simmons, who enlisted in 2018, completed three deployments and logged 230 combat flight hours.

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