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Iowa airman honored during hometown procession and state mourning

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Des Moines: Major Brad Hovey, a 35-year-old Iowa native and U.S. Air Force pilot, returned this week to his hometown of Adel following a mid‑June B‑52 test flight crash at Edwards Air Force Base in California that killed eight people. Hovey, assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron, was identified among the fatalities from the flight test mission. On Friday, Hovey’s remains arrived in Iowa for a procession scheduled to leave the Des Moines airport between noon and 12:30 p.m., travel west on Interstate 80 and proceed north through Dallas Center, arriving at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Adel between 1 and 2 p.m. Governor Kim Reynolds ordered state flags at half‑staff from sunrise Friday until sunset July 17 as an official sign of respect.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Mid‑June 2024: B‑52 on a test mission from Edwards AFB crashed, killing eight people.
Within days: authorities and media identified Maj. Brad Hovey among the deceased.
Funeral arrangements arranged; remains scheduled for return to Iowa for services.
Friday: procession route from Des Moines airport to Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Adel executed.
Governor Kim Reynolds ordered flags at half‑staff statewide from sunrise Friday until sunset July 17.

Why This Matters to You

Major Hovey's tragic loss is a reminder of the risks our military personnel face, even during training. It's a time for community solidarity and respect for those who serve. If you're in the area, consider joining the procession or paying your respects at the funeral home.

The Bottom Line

This is a time of mourning for Iowa and the nation. Major Hovey's sacrifice underscores the dangers inherent in military service. As the state honors his memory, take a moment to reflect on the bravery of our service members. Worth forwarding if you know someone with military ties.