MICHEL MARTIN, BYLINE: Since the U.S. went to war with Iran, more than 200 American service members have been injured and 13 have lost their lives. Among the fallen is Major John "Alex" Klinner, known as Alex. He was an airman from Alabama. He was among six service members killed on March 12 when his refueling plane crashed in western Iraq. He was also a husband and the father of three young children. Sarah Rose Harrill is Major Klinner's sister-in-law, and she is with us now to tell us a little bit about him. Miss Harrill, thank you so much for talking with us. We are so sorry for your loss.
SARAH ROSE HARRILL: Thank you.
MARTIN: So what are the first three words that come to mind when you think about your brother-in-law?
HARRILL: Oh, it's hard to narrow it to three. Let's say selfless, goofy...
(LAUGHTER)
HARRILL: ...And generous.
MARTIN: Ah.
HARRILL: He was an incredible person.
MARTIN: So - well, say more about that. What made him incredible?
HARRILL: He had such an eagerness and a willingness to serve others before himself. He really was just a God-fearing man who raced to any opportunity to serve those around him.
MARTIN: Your sister Libby is Alex's wife and the mom of their three littles - a 2 1/2-year-old son and...
HARRILL: Yes.
MARTIN: ...Seven-month-old twins. May I ask, how is she doing?
HARRILL: She is obviously shattered and heartbroken and still processing everything, but she is incredibly strong. And as a mother, you know that you have to be. You have to continue on.
MARTIN: Of course, of course. You know, I know Major Klinner's military career started early. I mean, he was an ROTC when he was in Auburn, where he was a student. Do you know why Alex wanted to become an airman?
HARRILL: It just seemed like a life in service was so inevitable, just because he was so eager and willing to jump up and help whoever might need help. So I think it just naturally aligned with his God-given gifts.
MARTIN: I know this was his fourth deployment. I just wondered, by the fourth deployment, do you sleep easier or not?
HARRILL: I think it's actually harder. You know, this was the first deployment he had since they had children. And that adds just another layer of complexity. He did not want to go on this deployment, and yet he had a duty to fulfill and he did.
MARTIN: You started a fundraiser online for Libby and the three young children. You've set a goal of 2 million and you've already...
HARRILL: Yeah.
MARTIN: ...Raised almost three-quarters of that. And I just wondered why you think it is that so many people have stepped up to show their support of this family - people who've never met them.
HARRILL: I think that he and Libby have built a beautiful life and legacy, and I think it's very moving for people to hear about their story. Those of us that are fortunate enough to be parents know the joys and challenges of this season of life when children are very young.
MARTIN: Yeah.
HARRILL: So we have been so moved by the outpouring of support.
MARTIN: Sarah Rose Harrill, we thank your family for their service. We know that Alex can never be replaced, but we thank you for sharing these memories with us. And we want you to know we're keeping Libby and her children and all of your family in our thoughts.
HARRILL: Thank you for allowing us the chance to speak to who he was. The videos Libby had shared of him vacuuming while wearing a baby...
MARTIN: (Laughter).
HARRILL: ...And chasing their toddler around and, like, meal-prepping - that almost speaks more to who he was than any words I say could ever do. But I am so grateful that we have been able to speak to who he was as a person and bring some humanity to the conversation we're all having.
MARTIN: Well, thank you. We appreciate you.
HARRILL: Yeah.
MARTIN: Take care.
HARRILL: Thank you.
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