January 1, Alarming Military Setback Shakes U.S. Presence in Volatile Middle East Region

Wyatt’s Take

• Six U.S. airmen died when their KC-135 tanker crashed over Iraq during Operation Epic Fury.
• Three hailed from Alabama’s 99th Air Refueling Squadron at Birmingham base.
• Governor orders flags half-staff to honor Major Alex Klinner and fallen comrades.

Governor Kay Ivey ordered American flags lowered to half-staff Tuesday. This honors three service members from Birmingham who died in Iraq.

The crash happened Thursday on a refueling mission supporting strikes against Iran.

Major John A. “Alex” Klinner, 33, from Trussville, Alabama, led squadron evaluations as an eight-year Air Force veteran.

He earned the Air Medal with oak leaf cluster, Aerial Achievement Medal, and Air and Space Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster.

Klinner leaves wife Libby and three young children. A GoFundMe has raised nearly $1.4 million from 13,000 donors.

“To honor these brave military personnel who gave their lives in service to our country, I am directing all flags be lowered on the day of interment of Alabama native Major John A. Klinner,” Ivey wrote.

Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, from Washington, logged over 300 combat hours after Air Force ROTC.

Technical Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, from Kentucky, flew over 900 combat hours and held two associate degrees.

Pruitt leaves husband Gregory, a young daughter, and stepson.

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Wyatt Matters

Real heroes from heartland bases remind us to back our troops and their families every day.

Full story at Fox News