U.S. Flags Lowered Firday to Honor Downstate Soldier

Lt. Gov. Brian Calley today ordered U.S. flags throughout the state to be lowered to half-staff in honor of U.S. Army Specialist Chazray C. Clark on Friday, Sept. 30. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Saturday, Oct. 1.

Article V Section 26 of the Michigan Constitution gives authority to the lieutenant governor when the governor is outside the state.

Clark, 24, of Ecorse, died Sept.18 of injuries sustained during an attack by insurgents with an improvised explosive device in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

“Specialist Clark protected our nation with honor and Michigan is grateful for his service,” Snyder said. “We pray for his family, friends and community. May his memory never be forgotten.”

Clark was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. He joined the Army in 2009 and deployed to Afghanistan with the 4-4 Calvary in February 2011.

Clark was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Service Medal with Bronze service star, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge, the Combat and Special Skill Badge, the Basic Marksmanship Qualifications Badge, the Rifle Expert Marksmanship Badge and the Overseas Service Bar. He received the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal and the NATO Medal posthumously.