Body of fallen Air Force pilot returns home to Utah

FARMINGTON – The body of 1st Lt. Kenneth “Kage” Allen, a U.S. Air Force pilot who died during a training exercise in England, returned to Utah as hundreds lined streets and participated in a procession for Allen.

Kids are often curious.

That’s why Becky Williams brought her two children to the Glovers Lane overpass in Farmington Friday afternoon.

“Do you know why they’re honking?” she asked her children. “They probably know why we’re out here.”

Sometimes, it’s better to experience something than read about it.

Williams figured her children could learn something from being in this spot.

“Something went wrong and his jet went down,” she told her children.

Williams is talking about Allen, a first lieutenant in the Air Force, who died on June 15.

Allen died when the jet he was flying crashed off the coast of England.

“We have been talking about Kage in our house all week long,” she said.

That’s because her sister married Allen’s brother.

So, when that awful phone call came last week, it hurt.

“You can already see. I’m already thinking about it and tears are already starting to come down,” said Williams.

In this case, they were happy tears.

Allen was finally home in Utah.

His body arrived Friday in Salt Lake City and would be part of a procession north to a Farmington funeral home.

Lots of people lined streets, and stood on overpasses with American flags, to welcome him home.

“This is probably the most important thing that’s going to happen today. In my opinion,” said James Hammon.

Hammon is part of the group Follow The Flag.

The group often organizes patriotic events with America flags to show patriotism and respect.

Even Air Force members borrowed some of their flags, and stood on several overpasses, so Allen’s family could see them when they went by.

“We’re all about the community and family and taking care of each other and this is a small part in doing that,” said Sgt. Justin Mollohan, a member of the U.S. Air Force.

So when the procession arrived at the Glovers Lane bridge, followed by hundreds of cars and motorcycles, many people held their hands over their hearts, saluted, and waved American flags.

It was to show support for his service and sacrifice, but also to let his family know they’re not alone.

“We do care. We care about our country and care about people’s lives, so it means a lot,” said Williams.

That may be the best lesson of all.

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