Flags lowered for Michigan soldier killed in AfghanistanSept. 18, 2009 LANSING, Mich.--By order of Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, U.S. flags on all campuses of Western Michigan University and throughout Michigan will be lowered for one day, Monday, Sept. 21, in honor of Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Benjamin P. Castiglione of Howell, Mich., who died Sept. 3 while on active duty in Afghanistan's Helmand province. Castiglione, age 21, died from injuries he sustained while supporting combat operations. He served as a Navy hospitalman, the equivalent of an Army medic. He was assigned to the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Battalion, at Camp Lejeune, N.C. In December 2003, Gov. Granholm issued a proclamation requiring U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters to honor Michigan servicemen and servicewomen killed in the line of duty. Michigan was among the first states to honor its fallen sons and daughters by lowering flags. Media contact: Tonya Durlach, (269) 387-8400, tonya.durlach@wmich.edu WMU News |
