MOORESVILLE — The war has come home.
A Mooresville native is one of six U.S. service members who were killed in a refueling tanker crash over Iraq last week after an incident involving another plane that was able to land safely. It’s not yet clear what the incident entailed, but U.S. Central Command has stated that the crash was “not the result of enemy or friendly fire.”
What is all too clear is that six Americans made the ultimate sacrifice last week as part of the U.S. war effort against Iran, including Capt. Seth Koval, a Mooresville native whose family has deep roots in the area.
Koval, 38, was a husband and a father to a young son.
“Seth was a man whose life I could never confine to a single statement and whose loss will echo in my heart forever,” Koval’s family wrote in a statement posted on social media. “Seth was exceptional in everything he did. He was truly the most amazing husband, father, son, brother, friend, and Airman.
“He loved what he did, and he was proud to put his uniform on and serve others. He grew up dreaming about becoming a pilot and to stand beside him as he made his dreams come true was an honor.
“I will see him in the smile of our son and carry him with me in every moment,” the statement continued. “I have overwhelming hope and peace because he is with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Koval enlisted in the Air Force out of high school as a machinist with the Indiana National Guard’s 122nd Fighter Wing in 2006. Koval later earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation operations from Purdue University in 2011, and was deployed for the first time in 2014. In 2017, Koval transferred out of Indiana to the Ohio Air National Guard.
In 2018, Koval was selected for a commission with the 121st Air Refueling Wing, and he completed his pilot training at the beginning of 2020. Koval then went on to become an instructor pilot in 2024.
Five times Koval was deployed abroad, first in 2014 and then again in 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2026. During his deployments he supported the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and in the Pacific, and he was involved with Operations Enduring Freedom, Spartan Shield and Epic Fury in the Middle East.
Koval flew 443 combat hours and 2,076 total hours.
His death brought forth a flurry of support from the military, political officials and the American people he sought to defend.
“Capt. ‘Badger’ Koval served with honor, dedication, and selflessness, leaving a lasting impact on this unit, our mission and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” read a statement from the 121st Air Refueling Wing. “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, Capt. Koval was known for being a man of many talents, a true jack-of-all-trades who mastered everything he touched,” the statement continued. “While we knew him as one of our 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.”
The 121st Air Refueling Wing noted that Koval was “most proud of his family and his sound faith.”
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun also paid tribute to Koval on social media.
“Maureen and I are praying for the family and loved ones of Capt. Seth R. Koval of Mooresville, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation in uniform,” Braun said. “Capt. Koval answered the call to defend our freedoms, and his courage and service will never be forgotten. All Hoosiers join in honoring his life and keeping his family, fellow Airmen, and the Mooresville community in our prayers.”
Koval and his family received an outpouring of support back home in Mooresville, as well. Flags were lowered to half-mast at Mooresville Schools, and the electronic sign outside of Northwood Elementary School read, “Our hearts are with the Koval family.”
Northwood’s Facebook page also posted a message of support for the Koval family.
“This morning we lowered our school flag to half-staff and changed our school sign to show our support of the Koval family and our dear former teacher, Mrs. Koval,” the statement read, alluding to Koval’s wife.
Several other locales around Mooresville followed suit, with lowered flags visible at the Veterans Memorial near Newby Elementary, the Mooresville Public Library, the American Legion, Citizens Bank on Main Street, and several homes and apartment complexes in the area.
Koval is the 40th Mooresville resident to die in war since World War I, according to the Veterans Memorial at Newby.
On social media, longtime friends of the Koval family expressed heartbreak and shock at Koval’s death, and total strangers offered their prayers.
A GoFundMe was set up for Koval’s wife and son by Gregory Wlazowski, who said in his GoFundMe post that he met Koval during their shared time in the Air Force.
“Seth was one of the most generous and kind men we have ever met,” Wlazowski said. “He was the ultimate husband and dad. Both his wife and son adored him, and he loved them both so well. Seth loved Jesus and lived a life that displayed that faith.”
The GoFundMe was created over the weekend, and in just three days, more than $167,000 had been raised for the Koval family, as of presstime. More than a thousand people donated to the fund.
Koval’s death, and those of the other five service members who were killed in the plane crash, is still under investigation.
The Koval family made their way to Dover Air Force Base earlier this week in anticipation of the dignified transfer.
As of presstime, 13 American troops have died in the conflict against Iran, and American embassies throughout the region have been evacuated.
