RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF MAJOR JOHN "ALEX" KLINNER

RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF MAJOR JOHN "ALEX" KLINNER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 58 (Friday, March 27, 2026) [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. ____________________