Alabama gov orders flags at half-staff ‘to honor’ Maj Alex Klinner after KC-135 crash in Iraq

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA: Alabama Gov Kay Ivey ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor fallen service members after a deadly aircraft crash in Iraq on Saturday, March 14. 

The incident involved a US Air Force refueling aircraft during operations linked to the war with Iran. Among those who lost their lives was Maj John A “Alex” Klinner, an Alabama native. The tragedy has prompted both official tributes and widespread public support for the victims’ families.

Alabama honors Maj Alex Klinner after Iraq crash

Ivey directed that American flags be lowered on the day of interment for Klinner, recognizing his service and sacrifice. She stated, “To honor these brave military personnel who gave their lives in service to our country,” all flags would be lowered in tribute.

The date of Klinner’s interment has not yet been announced. Officials confirmed that six service members died in the crash involving a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft operating over western Iraq in support of Operation Epic Fury.

Three of those airmen were stationed in Birmingham, Alabama, serving in the 99th Air Refueling Squadron of the 117th Air Refueling Wing at Sumpter Smith Joint Air National Guard Base.

Klinner was a graduate of Auburn University and served as chief of squadron standardization and evaluations. He was also an eight-year Air Force veteran. His military honors included the Air Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Aerial Achievement Medal, and the Air and Space Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster.

He is survived by his wife, Libby, and their three young children.

Gen Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters at the Pentagon that the crash occurred “over friendly territory in western Iraq, while the crew was on a combat mission” and reiterated that hostile or friendly fire was not the cause.

Crash details emerge as support grows for Klinner’s family

Two other service members from the same Alabama-based squadron also died. They were identified as Capt Ariana G Savino, 31, and Technical Sgt Ashley B Pruitt, 34. Savino was a graduate of Central Washington University and Air Force ROTC, with over 300 combat hours.

Pruitt had earned two associate’s degrees from the Community College of the Air Force and logged more than 900 combat flight hours. Pruitt is survived by her husband, Gregory, along with a young daughter and a stepson.

In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was also launched to support Klinner’s family. As of March 17, the fundraiser had raised nearly $1.4 million from approximately 13,000 donors, reflecting widespread support and recognition of his service and sacrifice.

The crash brings the US death toll in Iran operation to at least 13 service members, with the seven others killed in combat. About 140 US service members have been injured, including eight severely, the Pentagon said earlier this week.