Crew of fatal US military crash included Alabama father and several from Ohio
An Alabama pilot had just been promoted to the rank of major in January and had been deployed less than a week earlier when he was on the refueling plane. crashed in Iraq He killed her and five other people this week, his brother-in-law said Saturday.
Alex Klinner, 33, leaves behind three young children: 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son, his brother-in-law James Harrill said in confirming his death on Saturday.
“It’s kind of heartbreaking to say this: He was a really good father and he really loved his family, a lot,” Harrill said. he said.
Also on board was a man from Ohio whose loved ones remembered him with his smile, his family said.
The Pentagon has not yet identified the six people, but families began announcing who died on Saturday.
The aircraft was in “friendly” airspace and supporting counter operations. Iranianwhen an unspecified incident occurred involving another aircraft, according to U.S. Central Command. U.S. military officials said the other plane landed safely.
Three of the dead were airmen serving with the Columbus-based unit, the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing said in a Facebook post late Friday.
“We share the pain of their loved ones and must not forget the valuable contributions these Airmen made to their country and the impact they left on our organization,” according to the 121st Aerial Refueling Wing’s post.
A new father and a new major
Klinner, an eight-year U.S. Air Force veteran from Birmingham, Alabama, has moved into a new home with his family, his wife, Libby Klinner, said in an Instagram post mourning his death.
An outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, Klinner was also ready to help others. The last time Harrill saw him was in January, when Klinner shoveled Harrill’s vehicle out of the snow during a family wedding.
“Alex was one of those guys who constantly held his own,” said Harrill, who helped set up a GoFundMe site for Klinner’s family. “He was truly one of the most kind and helpful people.”
Libby Klinner said in a post that she was heartbroken for her children who will grow up without knowing their father.
“They won’t get to see firsthand how he jumped in to help where he could,” she wrote. “They won’t see how goofy and funny he is. They won’t witness his selflessness, how he thinks of everyone before him. They won’t get to feel the deep love he has for them.”
A man with a ready smile
Sergeant. Tyler Simmons of Columbus, Ohio, was among six service members killed in the KC-135 Stratotanker crash Thursday, his mother, Cheryl Simmons, confirmed Saturday. Cheryl Simmons said she was making funeral plans for her son.
In a statement obtained by WCMH-TV in Columbus, Tyler Simmons’ family said they were heartbroken to hear about the fatal crash.
“Tyler’s smile could light up any room, his powerful presence could fill any room. His parents, grandparents, family and friends are deeply saddened by his loss of life,” they said.
Refueling planes are a mainstay of the US military
US Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, announced that the accident occurred. on a combat mission but it was over “friendly” territory in western Iraq. Military officials said the incident was under investigation and “was not due to enemy or friendly fire.”
The KC-135 aircraft refuels other aircraft in the air, allowing them to fly longer distances and continue operations without landing. The aircraft can also be used to transport injured personnel and conduct surveillance missions, according to military experts.
The Congressional Research Service said last year the Air Force had 376 KC-135s, with 151 on active duty, 163 in the Air National Guard and 62 in the Air Force Reserve. It has been serving for over 60 years.
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Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri; Scolforo reported from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Walker from New York.
