Major Jeffrey Hoernemann Memorial Scholarship

The Major Jeffrey Hoernemann Memorial Scholarship was formed to honor the life of US Air Force pilot and instructor, Major Jeffrey Hoernemann. Jeff was a native of Andover, MN, and proud graduate of Andover High School, class of 2009.

Jeff went on to attend North Dakota State University, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He commissioned through the Air Force ROTC while attending NDSU and entered active-duty March 1, 2015. He went on to be a CV-22 pilot and instructor for the Special Operations Squadrons at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and Yokota Air Base, Japan.

Tragically, Jeff, along with the 7 other crew members, lost his life, on November 29, 2023, when their CV-22 Osprey aircraft was overcome by an unrecoverable mechanical failure and crashed off the coast of Yakushima Island, Japan.

Jeff was a selfless leader by example, a warrior and patriot, as well as an outstanding pilot and instructor. He deployed multiple times in support of Operation FREEDOM SENTINAL and was granted many service and achievement medals during his Air Force career.

But Jeff was more than his accomplishments. Jeff found meaning in life through his passions and love. He was kind, comforting, and had a great sense of humor. Always quick with a joke, smiling, humble and compassionate beyond measure, every encounter with Jeff left you feeling better.

Jeff had a passion for flying, learning, and mentoring. It is through this scholarship that we strive to embody who Jeff was and what he stood for, tell his story, continue to pay it forward, and keep his legacy alive.