Flags lowered to half-staff Monday in Wisconsin for U.S. Army Sgt. Chester Stoda

Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Monday (Sept. 19) in honor of U.S. Army Sgt. Chester G. Stoda of Black River Falls, Wis., who lost his life while serving his country supporting Operation Enduring Freedom according to a Department of Defense release received late Friday. The Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order that will be issued by Gov. Scott Walker Monday.

EXECUTIVE ORDER:

Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Sergeant Chester G. Stoda of the United States Army Who Lost His Life While Serving His Country Supporting Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan

WHEREAS, Sergeant Chester G. Stoda provided faithful and honorable service to the people of the State of Wisconsin and the people of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the people of Wisconsin mourn the death of Sergeant Chester G. Stoda; and

WHEREAS, a memorial service will be held for Sergeant Chester G. Stoda on September 19, 2011;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SCOTT WALKER, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, by the authority vested in me by Federal and State law, do hereby order that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin shall be flown at half-staff at all buildings, grounds, and military installations of the State of Wisconsin equipped with such flags beginning at sunrise on Monday, September 19, 2011, and ending at sunset on that date.

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All Wisconsin state government facilities are covered by the governor's order and a 2007 amendment to the U.S. Flag Code now requires all federal facilities in Wisconsin to comply. Other government agencies, businesses and private residences with flagpoles may also honor Sergeant Chester G. Stoda by lowering their U.S. and Wisconsin state flags to half-staff during the daylight hours on September 19.