Dunn awards Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service posthumously to Major Ariana G. Linse Savino

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn on Tuesday awarded the Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service posthumously to Maj. Ariana G. Linse Savino, a United States Air Force officer who was killed in service when her KC-135 crashed in Iraq on March 12, 2026. Savino’s parents, Darren and Omayra Linse, received the award on their daughter’s behalf.

“Maj. Savino represented the very best of our community and our country,” Dunn said. “She dedicated her life to serving others, breaking barriers, mentoring young people, and leading with courage and humility. Ariana made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others and our nation, and we will forever honor her memory with deepest gratitude.”

Maj. Ariana Gabriella Linse Savino was a United States Air Force officer whose life and career embodied the values of service, justice, mentorship, and moral courage. Raised in Covington, Washington, she carried the spirit of her community into every space she served, from the classroom to the cockpit to the communities she uplifted.

Savino’s commitment to service began early through MCJROTC at Kentwood High School and continued at Central Washington University, where she joined ROTC and earned a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management. She commissioned into the U.S. Air Force in 2017 and quickly distinguished herself as a Combat Systems Officer on the E‑8C JSTARS, becoming an instructor, evaluator, and flight commander, roles earned due to her outstanding peer leadership and tactical expertise.

What defined Savino was not only her excellence, but her deep belief in lifting others as she climbed. As one of the few Latina officers in her field, she traveled to Puerto Rico on multiple occasions to speak at universities, mentor young women, and kids, and advocate for greater representation in aviation and the military. She saw leadership as a responsibility to open doors for others, especially those who rarely saw themselves reflected in positions of authority.

In 2024, Savino earned her pilot wings and became a KC‑135 pilot at the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, where she served as Chief of Current Operations. She managed a $21 million flying-hour program, coordinated global taskings, and ensured mission readiness with precision and integrity. She deployed in support of U.S. Central Command operations, flying 348 combat hours across two aircraft, a testament to her skill, discipline, and unwavering commitment to service.

Across every assignment, Savino was known for her ability to connect with people. She led with empathy, humility, and a fierce belief in the potential of others. Her peers describe her as a mentor, a bridge‑builder, and a source of strength who brought out the best in every team she touched. She championed diversity, empowered young women, and modeled the kind of leadership rooted in dignity, respect, and compassion.

Maj. Ariana G. Linse Savino lived the values Dr. King championed, service above self, courage in the face of barriers, and a relentless dedication to uplifting her community. Her legacy continues to inspire Airmen, students, and families across Covington and beyond.

This marks the 11^th year that councilmembers have each selected someone from their district whose work embodies the spirit of Dr. King’s question.