Mooresville Declares Capt. Seth Koval Day After Airman Was Killed in Iraq

Hundreds of people turned out in the community of Mooresville, Indiana, for a memorial service in honor of fallen Air Force Capt. Seth Koval. The 38-year-old was among six airmen killed in a plane crash in March in Iraq, and his death has left his hometown in suburban Indianapolis in mourning over the local military hero.

“He was such a magnet to anybody and everybody that came around him. A very gentle soul that was just definitely a gift from God,” said Kim Porlier in remarks posted online. Porlier is a former neighbor of Koval, who now lives in Wisconsin, and drove back to Mooresville with her husband to pay respects.

“I’m grateful that someone was willing to do what they did so we can have a life we have and share with our family that we brought here today, and our prayers will be with their family always,” said Kim’s husband, Mark.

Capt. Koval and five fellow crew members all died on March 12, 2026, when their KC-135 plane crashed in the Iraqi desert while on a refueling mission in support of the war in Iran.

On March 12, during Operation Epic Fury, Seth entered into the presence of God and received a crown of righteousness from a righteous God, said Larry Floyd, Koval’s childhood pastor during the service at Mooresville High School.

Siblings Remember Koval for Setting Loving Example

Koval’s siblings also spoke at the memorial service, including his younger brother, Master Sgt. Caleb Koval, who followed in his brother’s footsteps into military service.

“Older siblings play a massive part in influencing the choices made by those who follow just by leading an example,” said Caleb Koval. “I consider myself lucky and grateful to have such a high standard-bearer and example as my brother Seth.”

Koval’s older sister, Hayley, is also a member of the Armed Forces. As a commander in the U.S. Coast Guard, she said her brother’s best quality was how loving and peaceful he stayed throughout his life.

“Seth was a peace-loving guy who did not seek out an argument,” she said. “Seth loved guns but only as a source of entertainment and protection, not from a love of combat or dominance.”

Of all the remarks, it was Koval’s wife, Heather, who caught the most attention in the room, as she recalled their own loving relationship that spanned two decades.

“These past 20 years have been filled with love, joy, laughter, sadness, hard times, comfort, safety, adventures and a best friend who was everything to me,” Heather Koval said. “I am beyond grateful to Seth for protecting me, our son and this great nation and dying a true American hero.”

Career Military Service Member Died Serving Our Country

Koval’s Air Force biography notes his military career started when he first enlisted in 2006 as a machinist with the Indiana National Guard’s 122nd Fighter Wing. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in aviation operations from Purdue University in 2011 and transferred in 2017 to the Ohio Air National Guard. He completed pilot training in January 2020 and became an instructor pilot in 2024.

I will remember the way he made people feel safe, said Koval’s widow Heather. I will remember his steady presence in difficult moments and the comfort knowing I never had to face life alone.

By all accounts, Koval’s first priority was his family.

“One of his greatest desires and joys was being a daddy,” said Koval’s sister Hayley. “We were overjoyed at the arrival of their son.”

Sunday was declared Capt. Seth Koval Day in Mooresville, and a stretch of North Indiana Street outside the high school was renamed in the fallen Airman’s honor.