The life of Maj. John “Alex” Klinner will be honored with a service on Monday in Trussville. Klinner was one of six killed in western Iraq on March 12.
Klinner’s remains were scheduled to arrive in Birmingham on Saturday in a private, dignified transfer ceremony.
Klinner, 33, was a member of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron from Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham.
A public service is scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Trussville.
“Major Klinner gave his life in service to our nation, and we will stand united to remember his courage, his commitment, and the legacy he leaves behind. This is a moment for Trussville to pause, reflect, and honor a hero,” said Trussville Mayor Ben Short.
Klinner, an Auburn University graduate and Trussville resident, left behind his wife, Libby, and the couple's three children.
Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, and Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron in Birmingham, and Ohio National Guard’s Tech Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28; Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38; and Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, were also killed in the crash.
Gov. Kay Ivey has authorized the lowering of flags statewide on Monday in honor of the service members killed.
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