Governor Kay Ivey ordered flags lowered at half-staff in honor of the three fallen from the 99th Air Refueling Squadron of the 117th Air Refueling Wing located at Sumpter Smith Joint Air National Guard Base in Birmingham.
Maj. John A. "Alex" Klinner, Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt and Capt. Ariana G. Savino were killed on March 12 when the KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft they were on board crashed in western Iraq. The three were among six killed last week while deployed in support of Operation Epic Fury.
"To honor these brave military personnel who gave their lives in service to our country, I am directing all flags to be lowered on the day of interment of Alabama native Major John A. Klinner," Ivey said.
Klinner, an Auburn University graduate and Trussville resident, left behind his wife, Libby, and the couple's three children. Auburn University released a statement confirming Klinner graduated in 2016 with a degree in mechanical engineering.
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"His commitment to serving our nation reflects the courage, character and sense of duty demonstrated by those who choose a life of service," the university stated. "As we honor Major Klinner's life and legacy, we are reminded of Auburn's long tradition of alumni who dedicate themselves to protecting and serving others through the armed forces."
Pruitt, a native of Kentucky, was a graduate of the Community College of the Air Force in Montgomery. She left behind her husband, young daughter and stepson.
Savino was a graduate of Central Washington University and Air Force ROTC. Her family is planning a scholarship fund for women and Latino youth in her honor.
Ivey's directive did not include a date. The flag memo will be updated once Klinner's date of interment is announced.
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