Gov. Reynolds Asks Iowa to Lower Flags to Remember a Brave Pilot

What Is This All About?

The Office of the Governor of Iowa (that’s the team led by the state’s main leader, Governor Kim Reynolds, and her helper, Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer) shared an important message on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

They want everyone to know that Governor Reynolds has asked for flags (the cloth symbols of our state and country) to be lowered to "half-staff" (which means halfway down the flagpole) to honor and remember a brave pilot named U.S. Air Force Maj. Brad Hovey.

Note for news reporters: If journalists have questions, they can call or email Heather Nahas at (515) 415-8303 or heather.nahas@governor.iowa.gov.

Who Was Maj. Brad Hovey?

Maj. Brad Hovey was born in Iowa (so he’s an "Iowa native"—meaning Iowa is his home state). He was a pilot (someone who flies airplanes) for a group called the 419th Flight Test Squadron, which is based at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

Sadly, he died on June 15, 2026, while doing a test flight (a practice or safety check flight) in a big military airplane called a B-52.

Governor Reynolds shared some heartfelt words:

"Maj. Brad Hovey lived and served with honor and distinction, and we are forever grateful for his service. My family’s prayers remain with Maj. Hovey’s wife and children, parents, brothers, and in-laws, as they prepare to lay their loved one to rest. As a state, we grieve his loss together, and we stand united in our support of his family."

When and Where Should Flags Be Lowered?

Important Point: Flags must be lowered from sunrise on Friday, July 10, 2026, until sunset on Friday, July 17, 2026. That’s a full week of showing respect!

Here are the places where flags will officially be at half-staff:

• The State Capitol Building (the main government building in Iowa).
• All flag displays in the Capitol Complex (the area around the main building).
• Every public building, ground, and facility all over the state of Iowa.

How Can Everyone Help Show Respect?

Even if you don’t work for the government, you can join in! The Governor’s office encourages (which means they really hope you will) the following groups to lower their flags too:

1. Regular people (individuals)
2. Businesses (like shops or offices)
3. Schools
4. Cities and towns (municipalities)
5. Counties
6. Other government subdivisions

They should keep their flags at half-staff for the same amount of time (July 10 to July 17) as a kind sign of respect for Maj. Hovey and his family.

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(This message was sent by a company called Granicus on behalf of the State of Iowa, located at 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319. You can read the original message here.)

Summary

To wrap it up: Governor Kim Reynolds has asked all of Iowa to lower their flags to half-staff from July 10 to July 17, 2026. This is to honor Maj. Brad Hovey, an Iowan and Air Force pilot who lost his life during a test flight on June 15, 2026. Everyone—from government buildings to schools and regular folks—is invited to show respect for his family and his service.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What does "half-staff" mean?
"Half-staff" means lowering a flag halfway down the flagpole instead of all the way to the top. It’s like giving a quiet bow with the flag to show we are sad and thinking about someone important.

2. Who was Maj. Brad Hovey?
He was a pilot from Iowa who worked for the U.S. Air Force. He flew big planes to test them and sadly passed away during a training flight in June 2026.

3. Do I have to lower my flag at home?
You don’t have to, but the Governor’s office says it would be really nice if individuals, schools, and businesses lowered their flags as a kind sign of respect.

4. Why are the flags lowered for a whole week?
The Governor ordered the flags to stay down from sunrise on July 10 until sunset on July 17, 2026, to give everyone plenty of time to honor and remember Maj. Hovey and support his family.