Just past the fence surrounding Joslin Field, Magic Valley Regional Airport, an American flag fluttered in a gentle breeze as veterans and others quietly stood at attention for Army Chief Warrant Officer Mathew C. Heffelfinger.

Heffelfinger’s body arrived at the airport at about 11 a.m. Tuesday. The 29-year-old soldier from Kimberly died in an OH-5D “Kiowa” helicopter crash near Tikrit, Iraq, on Nov. 8 that also took the life of Chief Warrant Officer Earl R. Scott, of Jacksonville, Fla. The crash was not combat-related.

A 42-degree wind blew across the field as several dozen people gathered past Joslin Field to wait for the procession.

“You wish that they could all come back alive and well,” said Bob Hillman of Twin Falls, a Coast Guard veteran who represented American Legion Post 7 of Twin Falls.

Cres Dealba and Bill Lineberry with the Marine Corps League’s Magic Valley detachment grasped an American flag and Marine Corps flag as they waited for the procession.

“I don’t know him,” Lineberry said. “I don’t know his family. But he’s a brother.”

Dealba echoed that theme.

“We’re all a big family,” he said.

An Idaho State Police patrol car slowly wound its way past a line of people.

Then the white hearse came through. Veterans saluted. Others placed their hands over their hearts.

The low rumble of motorcycles ridden by 20 members of the Patriot Guard Riders followed.

As the procession drove toward White Mortuary in Twin Falls, vehicles pulled over and pedestrians stopped to pay their respects.

Outside the mortuary, an honor guard of soldiers with the Idaho Army National Guard carried Heffelfinger’s casket inside, walking between two rows of flags held by Patriot Guard Riders.

Heffelfinger’s funeral service is scheduled for Friday at the Kimberly LDS Stake Center, with burial in Sunset Memorial Park in Twin Falls. Heffelfinger was based out of Hawaii and served in the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

Ben Botkin may be reached at bbotkin@magicvalley.com or 208-735-3238.