Alabama Airmen Honored with Half-Staff Flags

0:00Hey, it's Cory with the story, with Birmingham News Today. Your city, your news, every day. Governor Kay Ivey has ordered state agencies in Alabama to fly flags at half-staff. This honors the airmen killed in a refueling plane crash in Iraq last week. Six service members died, and three served with the 99th air refueling squadron out of Birmingham. The Alabama natives include 33-year-old Major John Alex Cleaner from Trustville. He was an eight-year Air Force veteran and Auburn University graduate. Also from the unit, 31-year-old Captain Ariana Savino from Washington State, and 34-year-old Technical Sergeant Ashley Pruitt from Kentucky. These airmen held key roles like Chief of Operations and Standardization Evaluations. Captain Savino logged over 300 combat hours, while Sergeant Pruitt had more than 900. Their dedication to service touched many in the Gar community. Officials are grieving deeply.

1:00Major Cleaner leaves behind his wife, Livy, and three young children. Sergeant Pruitt is survived by her husband Gregory, a young daughter and stepson. Their loss has shattered loved ones. Officials will update the flag order once Major Cleaner's internment date is set. This gesture remembers their sacrifice for the country. The Daily News Now is powered by our sponsor. Some travel miles to find peace. I just climb into bed and listen. O-L-I-SOLYPILO.com Made in AI