C1C Riley Hoven (USAFA '24)
June 11, 1997 - May 19, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Riley Hoven, Cadet First Class (C1C), Retired United States Air Force Academy, Class of 2024, a beloved son, friend, Airman, and cadet, whose strength, kindness, and courage touched all who knew him.
Riley was born on June 11, 1997, at RAF Lakenheath in England, where his journey began as part of a proud military family. From the very beginning, Riley embodied the values of service and resilience that would define his life.
He was a proud graduate of Bishop Neumann High School in Wahoo, Nebraska, where he was known for his character, determination, and quiet leadership. His time there laid the foundation for a life of integrity and purpose.
After completing advanced training, Riley was assigned to Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, where he served aboard the RC-135 Rivet Joint, an airborne command and electronic intelligence aircraft affectionately known as "The RJ." As a Senior Airman, Riley quickly distinguished himself, volunteering for deployments and logging over 783 flight hours on the RJ, Combat Sent and Cobra Ball, directly contributing to the targeting of five high-value threats. His performance reflected not only technical skill, but an unwavering commitment to duty.
In 2019, Riley was selected as one of just 85 enlisted members-out of more than 10,000 applicants-to attend the United States Air Force Academy. There, he was known as a wise, welcoming, and selfless cadet whose door was always open-both literally and in spirit. Whether classmates needed advice, encouragement, or simply a listening ear, Riley was there. His sincerity and compassion earned him lasting respect and deep friendships.
In May 2022, Riley was diagnosed with a serious medical condition that required surgery and immunotherapy. Throughout the challenging times, he held onto a line from Masters of the Air: "We're gonna sit here and take it," This inspiration from World War II Airmen became a quiet reminder of his determination to face whatever came next. That steady resilience carried him through, and in May 2024, he graduated from the United States Air Force Academy.
Outside of his military and academic achievements, Riley had a passion for life's simple joys. He loved playing golf, cooking exquisite meals for friends and family, and was an avid fan of college baseball and Nebraska Husker football. These interests brought him happiness and a sense of connection to family, community, and tradition.
Throughout his life, Riley remained a source of strength and integrity. In recognition of his impact, his fellow cadets created the "Open-Door Award," which reads: "Your open door isn't just a physical entryway; it's a symbol of your welcoming spirit and genuine kindness." A fitting tribute to a man who lived in service to others.
Riley leaves behind a legacy of honor, humility, and compassion. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow Airmen, and Academy classmates.
Riley's legacy will be carried on by mother and stepfather, Linda and Andrew Trainer; father: Arthur Hoven; siblings: Alec and Shanna Hoven, Kori Woolford and Blaire Hoven (niece); stepsiblings: Mary, John, Stephen, Julia and Paul Trainer; grandparents: Mary and Gerald Specht; his extended family, friends he considered family, 38th/45th squadron mates, and Academy Classmates.
Riley was greeted in heaven by great-grandparents: Agnes and Chester Knuth, Wilma and Gordon Specht, Tillie Short, Arthur Hoven, and Clara Wilkinson; and great aunt: Linda Specht.
June 11, 1997 - May 19, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Riley Hoven, Cadet First Class (C1C), Retired United States Air Force Academy, Class of 2024, a beloved son, friend, Airman, and cadet, whose strength, kindness, and courage touched all who knew him.
Riley was born on June 11, 1997, at RAF Lakenheath in England, where his journey began as part of a proud military family. From the very beginning, Riley embodied the values of service and resilience that would define his life.
He was a proud graduate of Bishop Neumann High School in Wahoo, Nebraska, where he was known for his character, determination, and quiet leadership. His time there laid the foundation for a life of integrity and purpose.
After completing advanced training, Riley was assigned to Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, where he served aboard the RC-135 Rivet Joint, an airborne command and electronic intelligence aircraft affectionately known as "The RJ." As a Senior Airman, Riley quickly distinguished himself, volunteering for deployments and logging over 783 flight hours on the RJ, Combat Sent and Cobra Ball, directly contributing to the targeting of five high-value threats. His performance reflected not only technical skill, but an unwavering commitment to duty.
In 2019, Riley was selected as one of just 85 enlisted members-out of more than 10,000 applicants-to attend the United States Air Force Academy. There, he was known as a wise, welcoming, and selfless cadet whose door was always open-both literally and in spirit. Whether classmates needed advice, encouragement, or simply a listening ear, Riley was there. His sincerity and compassion earned him lasting respect and deep friendships.
In May 2022, Riley was diagnosed with a serious medical condition that required surgery and immunotherapy. Throughout the challenging times, he held onto a line from Masters of the Air: "We're gonna sit here and take it," This inspiration from World War II Airmen became a quiet reminder of his determination to face whatever came next. That steady resilience carried him through, and in May 2024, he graduated from the United States Air Force Academy.
Outside of his military and academic achievements, Riley had a passion for life's simple joys. He loved playing golf, cooking exquisite meals for friends and family, and was an avid fan of college baseball and Nebraska Husker football. These interests brought him happiness and a sense of connection to family, community, and tradition.
Throughout his life, Riley remained a source of strength and integrity. In recognition of his impact, his fellow cadets created the "Open-Door Award," which reads: "Your open door isn't just a physical entryway; it's a symbol of your welcoming spirit and genuine kindness." A fitting tribute to a man who lived in service to others.
Riley leaves behind a legacy of honor, humility, and compassion. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow Airmen, and Academy classmates.
Riley's legacy will be carried on by mother and stepfather, Linda and Andrew Trainer; father: Arthur Hoven; siblings: Alec and Shanna Hoven, Kori Woolford and Blaire Hoven (niece); stepsiblings: Mary, John, Stephen, Julia and Paul Trainer; grandparents: Mary and Gerald Specht; his extended family, friends he considered family, 38th/45th squadron mates, and Academy Classmates.
Riley was greeted in heaven by great-grandparents: Agnes and Chester Knuth, Wilma and Gordon Specht, Tillie Short, Arthur Hoven, and Clara Wilkinson; and great aunt: Linda Specht.
June 11, 1997 - May 19, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Riley Hoven, Cadet First Class (C1C), Retired United States Air Force Academy, Class of 2024, a beloved son, friend, Airman, and cadet, whose strength, kindness, and courage touched all who knew him.
Riley was born on June 11, 1997, at RAF Lakenheath in England, where his journey began as part of a proud military family. From the very beginning, Riley embodied the values of service and resilience that would define his life.
He was a proud graduate of Bishop Neumann High School in Wahoo, Nebraska, where he was known for his character, determination, and quiet leadership. His time there laid the foundation for a life of integrity and purpose.
After completing advanced training, Riley was assigned to Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, where he served aboard the RC-135 Rivet Joint, an airborne command and electronic intelligence aircraft affectionately known as "The RJ." As a Senior Airman, Riley quickly distinguished himself, volunteering for deployments and logging over 783 flight hours on the RJ, Combat Sent and Cobra Ball, directly contributing to the targeting of five high-value threats. His performance reflected not only technical skill, but an unwavering commitment to duty.
In 2019, Riley was selected as one of just 85 enlisted members-out of more than 10,000 applicants-to attend the United States Air Force Academy. There, he was known as a wise, welcoming, and selfless cadet whose door was always open-both literally and in spirit. Whether classmates needed advice, encouragement, or simply a listening ear, Riley was there. His sincerity and compassion earned him lasting respect and deep friendships.
In May 2022, Riley was diagnosed with a serious medical condition that required surgery and immunotherapy. Throughout the challenging times, he held onto a line from Masters of the Air: "We're gonna sit here and take it," This inspiration from World War II Airmen became a quiet reminder of his determination to face whatever came next. That steady resilience carried him through, and in May 2024, he graduated from the United States Air Force Academy.
Outside of his military and academic achievements, Riley had a passion for life's simple joys. He loved playing golf, cooking exquisite meals for friends and family, and was an avid fan of college baseball and Nebraska Husker football. These interests brought him happiness and a sense of connection to family, community, and tradition.
Throughout his life, Riley remained a source of strength and integrity. In recognition of his impact, his fellow cadets created the "Open-Door Award," which reads: "Your open door isn't just a physical entryway; it's a symbol of your welcoming spirit and genuine kindness." A fitting tribute to a man who lived in service to others.
Riley leaves behind a legacy of honor, humility, and compassion. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow Airmen, and Academy classmates.
Riley's legacy will be carried on by mother and stepfather, Linda and Andrew Trainer; father: Arthur Hoven; siblings: Alec and Shanna Hoven, Kori Woolford and Blaire Hoven (niece); stepsiblings: Mary, John, Stephen, Julia and Paul Trainer; grandparents: Mary and Gerald Specht; his extended family, friends he considered family, 38th/45th squadron mates, and Academy Classmates.
Riley was greeted in heaven by great-grandparents: Agnes and Chester Knuth, Wilma and Gordon Specht, Tillie Short, Arthur Hoven, and Clara Wilkinson; and great aunt: Linda Specht.
