Vice President JD Vance is pledging federal help for a Trussville widow who raised concerns that her family may not be receiving all military benefits following her husband’s death while serving in Iraq.

Maj. John “Alex” Klinner, 33, was one of six airmen killed March 12 when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq while supporting Operation Epic Fury against Iran. U.S. Central Command said the aircraft was flying over friendly airspace and the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.

Klinner was an Auburn University graduate who had recently moved to Trussville with his wife, Libby, and their three young children. He served with the 99th Air Refueling Squadron in Birmingham.

Libby Klinner said publicly last weekend that a casualty assistance officer had informed her that her family was not eligible for certain additional combat-related benefits because the United States has not formally declared war on Iran.

The Air Force subsequently contacted Klinner and began an audit to ensure the family is receiving every benefit for which it qualifies. An Air Force spokesperson said officials were committed to addressing her concerns “with care and respect.”

Vance was asked about Klinner’s situation during a White House press briefing Thursday.

“We will reach out to her directly as soon as this is over and make sure she gets what she’s entitled to,” Vance said.

The vice president offered his condolences to Klinner and the families of the other airmen killed in the crash.

“We want to be as helpful as we can and ensure she gets everything she’s entitled to,” Vance said. “My message to her would be we love you, we’re grateful for the sacrifice, and we very much take very seriously our commitment to get you what you need to get.”

Klinner entered the Air Force through Auburn University’s ROTC program in 2017 and had served multiple deployments before his death.

Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].