Hero's Homecoming: Air Force Members Honored

0:00Local headlines in two minutes or less. You're tuned in to Birmingham News today. The remains of six U.S. Air Force members, including Alabama native major Alex Cleaner, arrived at Dover Air Force Base this week for a dignified, transfer ceremony. They died last week when their KC-135 refueling plane crashed in Western Iraq during a support mission. Cleaner's wife Livy attended the solemn event with her young children and family members. High profile figures joined the ceremony, including President Trump, Senators Tommy Tuberville, and Katie Britt from Alabama, Defense Secretary Pete, Hexf, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The airmen were part of refueling squadrons linked to bases in Florida and Birmingham, Alabama. Livy's sister described her as showing remarkable strength amid deep grief, especially as a mother to a two-and-a-half-year-old son, on 7-month-old twins. The family had just settled into a new home and trust bill before the tragedy. Alex and Livy shared a strong partnership, built on mutual support, and faith.

1:04Major Cleaner, a 2016 Auburn University graduate, served as chief of standardization and evaluations for his squadron. He joined the Air Force in 2017, flew hundreds of combat hours on multiple deployments, and ensured his team's safety and readiness. The fundraising campaign for the family has raised nearly $1.5 million, drawing support from across the U.S. and beyond. Funeral plans are still pending as the community rallies around Livy and the children. This episode is supported by our sponsor, See Details in the Description. Your favorite podcasts, music, or sleep sounds coming from your pillow, no earbuds, no distractions, just listen and relax. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com