On March 12, six US Military personnel lost their lives in a plane crash involving two KC-135 aircrafts. To honor those killed, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a directive for flags to be lowered on the day of interment of Maj. John A. Klinner, an Alabama native and Auburn graduate.
Ivey's directive includes mention of three of the personnel killed that were a part of the 99th air refueling squadron of the 117th Air Refueling Wing at Sumpter Smith Joint Air National Guard Base in Birmingham. Those three are: Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Prutt, Capt. Ariana G. Savino and Maj. John A. Klinner.
Ivey's Directive sent on March 17, 2026.
Upon announcement of his death, Sarah Rose Harrill, Klinner's sister-in-law organized a Go Fund Me page for Libby Klinner — her sister and Maj. Klinner's wife.
The description of the page has a detailed description of the life the Klinners created.
“Alex was more than a serviceman. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and the kind of person who would quietly step in to help anyone who needed it. He embodied what it means to be a servant leader. His loss has left an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew and loved him,” The description says. “Libby and Alex built a beautiful life together and were raising three precious children: their energetic two-and-a-half-year-old and their seven-month-old twins. In an instant, Libby has been left to walk through profound grief while caring for their young family.”
Since it's posting, the fund has raised over $1.3M from 12.9K donations. The goal for this fund is $2M.
Ivey's directive will be updated and put into motion once Klinner's interment date is set.
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Brychelle Brooks, senior majoring in public and professional writing with a minor in information systems, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since August 2023. She previously served as the Campus Reporter, Opinion Editor and Newsletter Editor. She is currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief.
