Camille Mortensen, a Cache Valley resident, is using the upcoming 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks to remember her brother, Brady Howell, who was killed while working at the Pentagon. Mortensen, the wife of Utah State University President Brad Mortensen, said she seeks opportunities to share his story to help those in the West feel connected to the tragic events of that day.
Brady Kay Howell was a 26-year-old Utah State University alumnus working in Naval Intelligence at the Pentagon when he was killed during the September 11, 2001, attacks. Howell had earned his undergraduate degree in political science from Utah State University and later pursued a master's in public administration at Syracuse University. Before his death, he worked as a district manager in circulation for The Herald Journal.
Mortensen recalled that her family initially hoped Howell was simply too busy helping others to answer his phone. The family eventually learned from Navy officials that he was listed as missing. Mortensen noted that Howell's character was shaped by his time as an Eagle Scout, his service as a high school student body president in Idaho, and a mission to the Canary Islands for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
To honor Howell, the Mortensens plan to participate in service events in Cache Valley during the anniversary. Mortensen expressed a desire to teach her children to find someone who needs a friend, reflecting how her brother made others feel. She also discussed the responsibility of higher education institutions like Utah State University to provide environments where students can learn to engage in difficult discussions and find common ground.
Howell is survived by a wife who continues to support his family in sharing his story. Memorial services for Howell were held in both Washington D.C. and his hometown of Sugar City, Idaho, following the attacks.
