Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin today for Army Spc. Chad Coleman

Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff today (Sept. 7) in honor of U.S. Army Spc. Chad Coleman, who lost his life while serving his country in Operation Enduring Freedom. The Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Jim Doyle.

EXECUTIVE ORDER # 325 reads:

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 Specialist Chad Coleman of the United States Army Who Lost His Life While Serving His Country in Operation Enduring Freedom.


WHEREAS, on August 30, 2010, Specialist Chad Coleman, who was assigned to 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ken., died while serving his country in Afghanistan; and


WHEREAS, Specialist Chad Coleman 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 Specialist Chad Coleman; and


WHEREAS, a memorial service will be held for Specialist Chad Coleman on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010;


NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIM DOYLE, 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 Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010, and ending at sundown on that date.

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 Spc. Chad Coleman by lowering their U.S. and Wisconsin state flags to half-staff during the daylight hours on Sept. 7.