November 05, 2009

Flags lowered to honor war casualty

Under a proclamation signed by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, the United States flag and the Illinois flag are to be at half-staff at all State of Illinois facilities in honor of a U.S. Army soldier killed earlier this month while serving the military in the war in Afghanistan.

Flags are to be flown at half-staff beginning today (Thursday, Nov. 5) until sunset, Saturday. Nov. 7, in honor of U.S. Army Pfc. Devin J. Michel.

Reports indicate that Michel, 19, of Stockton, died Sept. 24, from injuries received when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan’s Zhari District, Kandahar Province.

Michel joined the U.S. Army after graduation. He was stationed in Fort Carson, Colo., in the 4th Infantry after basic training. He was deployed in his first tour of duty in May.