‘Deeply heartbroken’: 3 Birmingham airmen among 6 killed in Iraq crash

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (WBRC) - Three members of the 117th Air Refueling Wing in Birmingham have died after a refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq.

The United States Air Force says on March 12, a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury, killing all six members on board.

Officials say search and rescue efforts for all six members, three active-duty airmen of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron and three airmen from the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing, concluded March 13.

“Alex, Ashley, and Ariana are, and always will be members of the 117th family,” said Col. Mike Adams, 117th Air Refueling Wing commander. “Even though they were not members of the Air National Guard, to us they will always be remembered as Vulcan refuelers and Alabamians.”

The United States Department of War has identified the three other victims as Captain Seth R.Koval, Captain Curtis J. Angst, and Technical Sargent Tyler H. Simmons.

Klinner was an Auburn graduate and Trussville resident.

Trussville Mayor Ben Short said Major Klinner had only recently moved to the area with his family.

“While his time here was short, the loss we feel is no less significant,” Short said. “He was a husband, a father to three young children, and a man who chose a life of service to his country. His commitment to protecting others and serving something greater than himself represents the very best of our nation.”

Klinner graduated from the University of Auburn in 2016 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

“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 said in a statement released on social media.

Klinner was one of the six crewman aboard a KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in Iraq Thursday while supporting operations against Iran.

Pentagon officials said Friday that the crash followed an incident involving another aircraft in western Iraq.

The other plane landed safely.

In total, six airmen died, the Pentagon confirmed.

“Today, our hearts break for the families who now face an unimaginable loss,” Mayor Short said. “Spouses, children, parents, and loved ones are grieving the loss of those who meant the world to them. No words can fully ease the pain they are experiencing, but they will not face it alone.”

Trussville community members also reacting to the news. Danell Green, who has family in law enforcement, knows firsthand how much service members’ families sacrifice. She said the community will rally behind this family and support them in whatever way possible.

“Men and women serving our country, serving the community and the city means a whole lot. They’re here to protect and help us out. And so to know that he’s passed, I’m sure it’s going to have a mighty impact on the community as a whole and probably the state too,” Green said. “I don’t want to imagine it being in her shoes, but I can. My heart goes out for her and the family.”

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey released a statement Saturday night, saying the loss of the service members will never be forgotten.

Senator Tommy Tuberville says the state of Alabama is deeply grieving the loss of Klinner.

Senator Katie Britt released a statement Saturday after learning the news of Klinner’s passing.

Gen. Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, says all six members killed are heros.

GoFundMe’s have been created to help support the families. You can donate to the Klinner by clicking or tapping here. You can donate to the Pruitt family by clicking or tapping here. The Savino family can be supported through a GoFundMe here.

Col. Adams says the 117th Air Refueling Wing has established a Family Assistance Center to support all who are effected by the loss. Officials say counseling services and chaplains are always available to service members, civilian employees, and families at Sumpter Smith JNGB.

Officials say “the circumstances of the incident are under investigation, and more information will be released as it becomes available.”

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