Widow of airman killed in Mideast is upset she was told Iran wasn’t a war while sorting out benefits

Libby Klinner, the widow of a U.S. airman killed during a combat mission in the Middle East, expressed frustration that it took a viral social media post for the Pentagon to address issues concerning her husband's benefits and pay. Maj. Alex Klinner, 33, perished in a crash involving a KC-135 refueling aircraft in western Iraq in March while supporting operations against Iran.

Klinner's husband was one of 18 U.S. service members killed since the war began more than six months ago. Initially, a military officer told her he was ineligible for hazard pay and combat-related tax breaks because "we were not at war." This claim sparked outrage, as Klinner argued that her husband's death took place in a war zone. Her post gained national attention after Vice President JD Vance promised to investigate her case after being questioned about it at a White House briefing.

In response, the Air Force clarified that Klinner was receiving all the pay and benefits her husband was entitled to, after initially providing inaccurate information. The Air Force acknowledged it had inadvertently itemized the combat-related hazard pay and tax breaks incorrectly. They confirmed that half of the monthly combat pay, which is $225, would have been included in her husband's final paycheck, as troops are paid twice per month.