9A9F1Eb7 3158 4C6B 9967 913603F004Af — Left to right, Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34; Maj. John A. (Alex) Klinner, 33, of Auburn; and Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31. (U.S. Dept. of War)

Alabama is coming together to honor the memory of three local service members following a tragic military aircraft accident in Iraq. Six U.S. airmen were lost in the crash, and three of them were stationed at Birmingham’s Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base.

Remembering our neighbors

Cockpit View Of Military Aircraft Crew. — U.S. Air Force Capt. Kyle Weinell, left, and Capt. Ariana Savino fly a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, July 24, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jennifer Nesbitt)

The U.S. Department of War identified the three airmen stationed in Birmingham as:

Major John “Alex” Klinner, 33: A pilot from Auburn, husband + father of three
Captain Ariana G. Savino, 31: A pilot from Covington, Washington
Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, 34: An assistant flight chief from Bardstown, Kentucky, wife + mother of two

Though these airmen were part of a Florida-based wing at MacDill Air Force Base, they lived and worked full-time in Birmingham. They were part of an active-duty associate unit that partners directly with Birmingham’s own 117th Air Refueling Wing.

“They were not only outstanding Airmen. They were our neighbors — our fellow Alabamians. May their service and that of their families never be forgotten.”
Gov. Kay Ivey via Facebook

Auburn alum among those lost

Kilnner was a 2016 graduate of Auburn University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He was also a 2011 graduate of Auburn High School.

The university released a statement after he was named among the airmen lost in the accident.

“His commitment to serving our nation reflects the courage, character and sense of duty demonstrated by those who choose a life of service. As we honor Major Kilnner’s life and legacy, we are reminded of Auburn’s long tradition of alumni who dedicate themselves to protecting and serving others through the armed forces.”
Auburn University via Facebook

The mayor of Auburn, Ron Anders, also put out a statement in honor of Kilnner. .

“On behalf of the Auburn community, I share heartfelt condolences with his family and friends and extend sincere gratitude for his service to our country. Alex will be fondly and respectfully remembered by all of us in Auburn.”
Mayor Ron Anders via Facebook

How the community is rallying

In true Alabama fashion, the community has already begun showing overwhelming support for the families left behind:

The Klinner Family: A verified GoFundMe has been established to assist Libby Klinner and her children. It has raised $1.3 million as of Monday, March 16 at 11AM.
The Savino Family: Ariana’s coworkers also organized a GoFundMe for her family. A portion of the funds raised will go toward establishing a scholarship fund supporting Latina women in aviation. It’s raised $58,083 at time of publication.
The Pruitt Family: A third GoFundMe was created for Ashley’s husband Greg and two children, Emilia and Oliver. It has raised $120,150 at time of publication.
Community tribute: Local leaders, including Mayor Ben Short of Trussville, have encouraged Alabamians to keep all three families in their prayers as the investigation into the accident continues.

To stay updated on Alabama news, sign up for our FREE newsletter and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn + Instagram.