[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 58 (Friday, March 27, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E282]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





          RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF MAJOR JOHN ``ALEX'' KLINNER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 27, 2026

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
life of Major John ``Alex'' Klinner. Major Klinner was deployed in 
support of Operation Epic Fury when his KC-135 crashed in Western Iraq 
on March 12, 2026. Major Klinner was one of six airmen killed, and one 
of three members of the 6th Air Refueling Wing performing duties for 
the 99th Air Refueling Squadron of Birmingham, Alabama.
  Major Klinner grew up in Auburn, Alabama, with parents, Johnny and 
Mary Ellen Klinner. He graduated from Auburn High School in 2011 and 
Auburn University in 2016 with a degree in mechanical engineering. For 
many years, he served as a counselor at Camp Mac in Munford. He was 
also a leader in many student organizations.
  Major Klinner joined the Air Force in 2017 through the Reserve 
Officer Training Corps program and completed pilot training in November 
2018. He was a combat veteran many times over, logging 543 hours of 
combat and combat support hours. At the time of his passing, he had 
recently been promoted to Major.
  Many in the Auburn and Birmingham communities knew Alex to be kind, 
devoted servant-leader to those around him. He is survived by his wife, 
Libby, and their three young children, as well as his parents, along 
with two sisters and their families. My prayers are with his family and 
friends as they face this tragic loss.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the life and service of Major 
John ``Alex'' Klinner and extending our deepest condolences to his 
family. We remain grateful for his service.

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