Governor Kim Reynolds orders the flags to be flown at half-staff on Saturday to honor a fallen Navy service member from Altoona. Machinist’s Mate Nuclear Second Class (MMN2) Petty Officer Elijah Hummel died on Nov. 8, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident while serving at the Naval Submarine Base in New London, Conn. Hummel was assigned to the USS Idaho SSN 799, where he was responsible for operation of naval nuclear propulsion plants. He was 21-years-old. His funeral service will be on Saturday, starting at 12:00 p.m. at the West Des Moines Christian Church, in West Des Moines. Burial will follow at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel. In honor of his service, flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday at the State Capitol Building and on the flag display at the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.
