LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Tuesday, Governor Whitmer will be ordering U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered at half-staff in honor of Army Staff Sgt. Kelly Richards, which coincides with his military funeral.
According to an official press release, Staff Sgt. Richards passed away Wednesday, September 25 at 32 years old while competing for an expert field medical badge at Camp Casey in Seoul, South Korea.
“Staff Sgt. Richards embodied everything that makes our state so great, and his passing is a tremendous loss,” Whitmer said in the press release. “He was a leader through and through who maintained a commitment to bettering himself and his team to make sure that they were prepared at all times. We are grateful for his service, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Richards was born in Petoskey and raised in Boyne City and Grayling. He joined the army after graduating from Grayling High School in 2005. He was a fan of outdoor activities such as riding his motorcycle and mountain biking.
Whitmer is encouraging all Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations to display the flag at half-staff.
The flags are expected to return to full-staff on Wednesday, October 9th.
