City of Montgomery, AL
03/26/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/26/2026 11:25
Alabama Lowers Flags to Half‑Staff to Honor Major John Alex Klinner
MONTGOMERY, ALA. - The state of Alabama will honor the life and sacrifice of Maj. John Alex Klinner by lowering flags to half-staff on the day of his interment, a solemn gesture recognizing the profound loss of an Alabama native who gave his life in service to the nation.
Maj. Klinner, 33, was one of six American service members killed on March 12, 2026, in support of Operation Epic Fury when a KC-135 crashed in Iraq. A devoted husband and father of three, including a two-and-a-half-year-old and seven-month-old twins, he had been deployed for only about a week when the tragedy occurred. A 2016 Auburn University graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering, Klinner had recently been promoted to major, reflecting his exceptional dedication and leadership.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey ordered flags flown at half-staff on the day of his funeral, Monday, March 30, as communities across the state join Trussville in honoring his life and sacrifice. The lowering of flags serves as a powerful visual tribute, an expression of collective mourning and respect for a man whose service exemplified courage, devotion, and love of country.
The funeral service for Major Klinner will be held Monday, March 30 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church Trussville, where citizens are invited to gather in solidarity and remembrance.
Klinner's wife, Libby, described him as "an incredible person and husband, but he was the best dad." Her words echo the profound personal loss felt across the community and beyond.
Trussville Mayor Ben Short encouraged the public to attend the service.
"Let us come together to show our gratitude, our respect, and our unwavering support for Major Klinner and his family. His sacrifice will never be forgotten," Mayor Short said.
With flags lowered across Alabama, the state stands united in remembering an American hero whose legacy will endure for generations.
City of Montgomery, AL published this content on March 26, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 26, 2026 at 17:25 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]