3 Airmen from Birmingham Base Die in Iraq Crash

0:00This is Birmingham News Today, powered by AI and presented by the Daily News Now. Three airmen from a Birmingham Air National Guard Base died when their refueling plane crashed in Iraq. They were Captain Arianna Savino, 31 from Covington, Washington, Tech Sergeant Ashley Pruitt, 34 from Bardstown, Kentucky, and Major. John Alex Klinner, 33 from Trussville, Alabama, all served with the 99th air refueling squadron. The KC-135 Strato tanker went down on March 12, 2026 in Western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury. Officials say it happened in friendly airspace after an incident with another plane that landed safely. Six crew members were aboard at the time. Major Klinner had just been promoted in January and deployed less than a week before the crash. He leaves behind a wife, a two-year-old son, and seven-month-old twins. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey called the loss heartbreaking and ordered flags lower to

1:00half-staff for his internment. Communities are stepping up with support. GoFundMe campaigns for the three families have raised $1,600,000 so far. Friends are also collecting care packages to an address in Trussville, Alabama, where unspecified donations get split equally. Meanwhile, a dignified transfer for the airmen is set for Wednesday afternoon. Organizers encourage donations to help the families during this tough time. The Daily News Now is made possible with support from our sponsor. No need to switch positions. The sound is already where your head is. S-O-L-I-SOLYPILO.COM