6 Service Members Die in Iraq Plane Crash

0:00On March 14, six U.S. service members died this week, when a KC-135 Shradotanker refueling plane crashed in Western Iraq during a combat, support mission. The incident happened in friendly airspace while the aircraft was helping operations against Iran, an official say was not caused by enemy fire. The other plane involved landed safely. Among those killed was 33-year-old Major Alex Cleaner from Alabama, who had just been promoted in January and deployed less than a week. Earlier, Cleaner, an eight-year Air Force veteran and Auburn University grad, left behind three young children, including seven-month-old twins and a two-year-old son. Also, loss was Sergeant Tyler Simmons from Columbus, Ohio, along with three others from the Ohio Air National Guard's 121st Air Refueling Wing. Families are sharing their grief over these sudden losses. Cleaner's wife described him as a devoted dad who loved the outdoors and helping others, noting their kids will grow up without him.

1:01Simmons' loved ones remembered his bright smile and strong presence that lit up any room as they make funeral arrangements. The Pentagon has not officially released all names yet, but relatives began confirming identity Saturday, the crash is under investigation, with no further details on the cause released so far. This tragedy highlights the risks of these vital mid-air refueling missions, which keep aircraft flying longer without landing in the Ohio Guard unit, is mourning the contributions of their airmen as the story continues to unfold.