November 10, 2003
November 10, 2003
LANSING – In recognition of Veterans Day on Tuesday, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm ordered all United States flags lowered to half-staff throughout the state of Michigan to honor every Michigan serviceman and servicewoman who has been killed in action.
"For more than 228 years, our servicemen and servicewomen have underwritten our freedom with their duty, honor, and selfless service. Across our great country and throughout the world, Americans will pause tomorrow to honor our heroes," Granholm said.
"We recognize that all our veterans have given something of themselves to this country, and some have given all – laying down their lives to defend the freedoms we hold so dear. While we recognize all who have honorably worn the uniforms of this great nation, we especially pause to honor those great veterans who have given their lives in the defense of liberty.
Executive Order 2003-21, signed today by Governor Granholm, orders that the U.S. flag be lowered to half-staff throughout the state of Michigan on Tuesday, November 11, to honor all Michigan servicemen and servicewomen killed in the line of duty, and particularly those killed during the last year in Afghanistan and Iraq, including Staff Sgt. Mark Vasquez of Port Huron who was killed in the line of duty in Iraq on Saturday. (A complete list of Michigan service personnel killed during the last year complied by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is attached).
"Veterans Day is especially poignant this year as we honor not just those who have served in the past, but those who are actively putting their lives on the line in Iraq and the Middle East. In 120 countries around the world, our soldiers voluntarily forego comfort and wealth, willingly facing hardships and deployments away from family and loved ones. They sometimes confront danger and face death in defending the nation's security. To all of you on point for our country, whether far from home or here in the United States, thank you for your contributions and your countless sacrifices," Granholm added.
Casualty List of Michigan Military Personnel (Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom) November 11, 2002 – November 10, 2003
SGT Trevor A. Blumberg, age 22 of Canton – United States Army (September 14, 2003)
SP4 Artimus Brassfield, age 22 of Flint – United States Army (October 24, 2003)
CPT Paul J. Cassidy, age 36 of Laingsburg – United States Army Reserve (July 13, 2003)
PFC Juan Garza, age 20 of Temperance – United States Marine Corps (April 8, 2003)
SP4 Richard Goward, age 32 of Midland – United States Army National Guard (April 14, 2003)
SSG Paul J. Johnson, age 29 of Calumet – United States Army (October 20, 2003)
PFC Jason Meyer, age 23 of Swartz Creek – United States Army (April 8, 2003)
MAJ Kevin Nave, age 36 of Union Lake – United States Marine Corps (March 26, 2003)
MSG William L. Payne, age 46 of Otsego – United States Army (May 16, 2003)
SGT Michael Pederson, age 26 of Flint – United States Army (April 2, 2003)
SSG Brett M. Petriken, age 30 of Flint – United States Army (May 26, 2003
AIRMAN Jason Plite, age 21 of Delta Township – United States Air Force (March 23, 2003)
SGT Sean Reynolds, age 25 of East Lansing – United States Air Force (May 3, 2003)
SGT Todd J. Robbins, age 33 of Pentwater – United States Army (April 3, 2003)
SSG Scott D. Sather, age 29 of Clio – United States Air Force (April 8, 2003)
SSG Mark D. Vasquez, age 35 of Port Huron – United States Army (November 8, 2003)
SP4 Donald Wheeler, age 22 of Concord – United States Army (October 13, 2003)
