11/17/09

The Magic Valley welcomed home the body of a fallen soldier Tuesday. Just after 11 am this morning, a chartered airplane bearing the body of 29 year old Mathew C. Heffelfinger of Kimberly touched down at Magic Valley Regional Airport. A small crowd of onlookers was on hand to honor Heffelfinger's return.

American Legion Post #6 Commander Walt Mueller said,
“We're supporting the family. They're the losers here. Their young man has given the ultimate price, and we're in their support.”

Chief Warrant Officer Mathew Heffelfinger, 29, joined the U.S. Army nine and a half years ago. He died when his helicopter crashed on Sunday, November 8th in Tikrit, Iraq.

Veterans Service Officer Cheryl Ringenberg says, “It's a very tragic feeling, and it not only affects the family. But it affects everyone involved. It affects his unit; it affects the people that try to greet the body when they come home.”

The Legion Riders and Patriot Riders motorcyclists escorted Heffelfinger's body as it was transported from Joslin Field to White Mortuary in Twin Falls.

Heffelfinger's funeral will be held at 11 am Friday, November 20th, at the LDS Kimberly Stake Center, followed by his burial at Sunset Memorial Park.

Bob Hillman, American Legion Post #7 says, “We'll continue to work to support our servicemen and their families when they need it.”

A memorial fund has been set up on behalf of Mathew Heffelfinger's Heffelfinger's surviving family members. You can make a donation to the account at any Wells Fargo Bank Branch Office