A new initiative aims to commemorate U.S. Air Force Captain Ariana Savino and her crew, who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash in Iraq. Proposed by Washington lawmakers, this bill seeks to establish a memorial honoring their sacrifice, underscoring the importance of recognizing service members’ contributions.
Details of the Memorial Proposal
On September 24, U.S. Representative Kim Schrier, along with Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, revealed the Zeus 95 Memorial Act. The proposal seeks to place a monument for Captain Savino and the five other crew members who died during the conflict against Iran. The names of the fallen include Maj. John A. Klinner, Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, Capt. Seth R. Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst, and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons. The crash occurred on March 12 while the Zeus 95 crew was conducting refueling operations over Iraq as part of Operation Epic Fury.
A Tribute to a Hero
Captain Ariana Savino, a Covington native, was a proud graduate of Kentwood High School and an enthusiastic participant in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Following her education, she completed the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Central Washington University and earned her commission in 2017. By the time of her passing, she had accumulated over 300 combat flight hours and had been promoted to captain in 2021. Representative Schrier expressed her deep sorrow and gratitude for the bravery exhibited by Captain Savino and her fellow airmen, noting, “I will continue my efforts to honor their bravery and sacrifice.”
Support from Lawmakers and Community
The bill has garnered support from multiple members of Congress, emphasizing the need for immediate action. Senator Murray stated, “We must honor our service members not only with words but through our actions and commitment to their families.” The community of Covington and Washington state at large regard Savino as an inspiring figure, particularly for women and young individuals aspiring to pursue careers in aviation.
In addition to the primary sponsors, the Zeus 95 Memorial Act has received cosponsorship from several other representatives, demonstrating a bipartisan commitment to honoring these service members.
Regulatory Challenges and Next Steps
However, the legislation faces some statutory hurdles. Current federal law prohibits the placement of monuments in Arlington National Cemetery unless specific criteria are met, including a waiting period of 25 years from the event being commemorated. Given that the Zeus 95 crash occurred relatively recently, lawmakers are actively working to waive this waiting period to fulfill the wishes of the families involved.
As efforts to pass the Zeus 95 Memorial Act gather momentum, it reflects a broader commitment to ensure that the sacrifices of Captain Savino and her crew are never forgotten. This initiative not only honors their lives but also reinforces the values of courage, service, and dedication to duty that all military members embody.