Auburn launches scholarship for Air Force cadets in memory of Maj. Alex Klinner

Auburn University has created a permanent endowed scholarship to support students who pursue mechanical engineering and the Air Force ROTC program, honoring the memory of Maj. Alex Klinner. Awards under the Major Alex Klinner Memorial Endowed Scholarship will begin in 2027 and will continue indefinitely through the endowment.

Klinner, a 2016 Auburn mechanical engineering graduate, died on March 12 when a U.S. military KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury. Five other crew members were killed in the incident.

The scholarship is housed in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. It was established by members of the Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board, including John Prunkl, a 1990 Auburn mechanical engineering graduate. Prunkl said Klinner worked hard to become an Auburn Mechanical Engineer and followed his dreams of being a U.S. Air Force pilot.

“He worked hard to become an Auburn Mechanical Engineer, followed his dreams of being a U.S. Air Force pilot and was a third-generation Auburn graduate we can all be proud of and should never forget,” Prunkl said. “The Maj. Alex Klinner Scholarship will keep his spirit alive and inspire future generations for years to come.”

Klinner was born and raised in Auburn and was a third-generation Auburn graduate. He served as an Air Force pilot and instructor. His parents, Johnny and Mary Ellen Klinner, still live in Auburn. His wife, Libby Klinner, and their three children live in the Birmingham area, where he was stationed at the time of his death.

Libby Klinner described her husband as a person who would do anything for other people. She said he was hardworking and applied that effort in every area of his life, including being a father. “He was the type of person who would do anything for other people, that made him a great partner and a great parent. He was really hardworking, and he applied that in every area of his life, including being a dad,” she said.

Johnny Klinner recalled his son as a good kid and a fantastic father. He described Alex as a strong Christian, a hard worker, and someone who never gave up. “He was a good kid and a fantastic father. We couldn’t have asked for anything more,” Johnny said. “He was a strong Christian. A hard worker. He never gave up, he was very driven. He liked everybody and he wanted to help everybody.”

The scholarship adds to a series of tributes offered since Klinner’s death. Governor Kay Ivey directed that flags across Alabama be lowered on the day of his interment. Alabama’s congressional delegation honored the fallen airmen on the House floor, and the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution recognizing all six crew members. A community fundraiser for Libby Klinner and the children surpassed $1 million by March 17.

Mary Ellen Klinner offered advice to future recipients of the scholarship based on her son’s life. “Persevere. Work hard. Don’t quit,” she said. Libby Klinner said her husband served as a role model she wanted her children to watch, emphasizing the importance of putting others first. The university is currently inviting contributions to support the endowment.