Flags to be lowered for downstate soldier

Lansing – Gov. Rick Snyder has ordered U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Marine Sgt. Justin M. Hansen, of Traverse City, on Friday, Aug. 3. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Saturday, Aug. 4.

Hansen, 26, died July 24 while conducting combat operations in Badghis province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

“Sgt. Hansen will long be remembered for his sacrifice,” said Snyder. “He bravely served this state and nation. Our thoughts are with his entire family during this difficult time.”

Hansen graduated from Kingsley High School in 2003, joined the Marines in 2005 and attended the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, Calif. He was first stationed at the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, and later deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Hansen joined the Special Operations Command in June 2009. He served a tour of duty in Iraq and was serving his second tour in Afghanistan.

Hansen received a Purple Heart, two Combat Action Ribbons and two Good Conduct Medals.

Services will be Saturday, Aug. 4 at 1 p.m. at Kingsley High School. Visitation begins at 11 a.m.

When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the U.S. 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.