Flags in Michigan lowered to honor airman

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff within the State Capitol Complex and on all state buildings on Monday, Oct. 26 in honor of Master Sgt. Gregory Kuhse, who died Sunday, Oct. 11.

Kuhse died in a helicopter crash in Kabul, Afghanistan while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. Major Phyllis Pelky, of New Mexico, and three others, including two members of the British Royal Air Force also died in the crash.

“Our servicemen and women put their lives at risk every day to protect our freedoms,” Snyder said. “Master Sgt. Gregory Kuhse died honorably defending his country and our state, and we should always be mindful of that ultimate sacrifice and grateful for his selfless service. On behalf of all Michiganders, I send my deepest condolences to his family, friends and fellow military colleagues.”

Kuhse, a Kalamazoo native, was a 38-year old airman assigned to the 3rd Manpower Requirements Squadron at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. He was a class of 1995 graduate of Comstock High School and enlisted in the Air Force in 1996.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, Oct. 24 at 1 p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, at 6080 Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m.

This flag order is in accordance with Executive Order 2013-10. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

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.