On March 12, 2026, a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq, while flying a combat mission supporting Operation Epic Fury. Six Airmen were killed in the crash. Three of the six, Maj. John A. Klinner, Maj. Ariana G. Savino, and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, lived in the Birmingham area, and worked at the 117th Air Refueling Wing, while assigned to the 99th Air Refueling Squadron in Birmingham.

We are requesting urgent financial support to establish a Local Assistance Fund for the unit members to support the families of the Airmen lost in this tragedy.

Funds will be used for the following:

*Travel expenses for unit members to attend services held in Kentucky and Puerto Rico

*Travel expenses for the families of the fallen to attend the ZEUS 95 Memorial Service in Birmingham

*Memorial for ZEUS 95

*Any other expenses associated with this tragic loss that will ease the financial burden of all of those involved