Hero's Homecoming: Major Klinner's Dignified Transfer

0:00Major John Alex Cleaner lost his life along with five others in a plane crash in Western Iraq back on March 12. The 33-year-old Major served with the 99th air refueling squadron out of Sumter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham. His remains head to Birmingham this Saturday for a dignified transfer ceremony. A public memorial service goes down Monday at 11 a.m. at 1st Baptist Church in Trussville where Cleaner lived. Here this week, plans came together to give him a proper hometown send-off. Cleaner leaves behind his wife Libby and their three young kids. An Auburn University grad, he embodied that deep commitment to service that hits home for so many families here. The crash also claimed two more from his squadron, Tech Sergeant Ashley Pruitt and Captain Arianna Savino, plus three Ohio National Guard members. Meanwhile, Trussville's mayor called at a time for the community to unite, reflect on Cleaner's courage and celebrate his legacy as a true hero.

1:00Folks across the area are feeling the weight of this loss. Governor Kay Ivy ordered flags lowered statewide on Monday to honor all six service members. It's a statewide nod to their sacrifice that keeps the story alive in our hearts. Stay informed with Birmingham News Today, AI-powered updates. I'm Corey with the story.