June 03, 2011
Contact: Sara Wurfel
Office: 517-335-6397
Email: wurfels@michigan.gov
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder ordered United States flags throughout the state to be lowered to half-staff in honor of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ergin V. Osman on Monday, June 6. Flags should be returned to full-staff Tuesday, June 7.
Osman, 35, a native of Harrison Township, was killed along with five other soldiers by an improvised explosive device on May 26 in Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), in Fort Campbell, Ky. This was his ninth deployment and he received numerous decorations.
Funeral services are pending.
"The thoughts and prayers of the entire state are with Staff Sgt. Osman's family, friends and community at this difficult time. He will be remembered as brave hero who served our country with pride and honor," Snyder said.
When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the United States flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position. The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
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