Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs News

Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin Friday for Army Staff Sergeant Joseph Altman

Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Friday (Jan. 6) in honor of Army Staff Sgt. Joseph J. Altmann of Marshfield, Wis., who lost his life while serving his country in Afghanistan. The Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Scott Walker.

EXECUTIVE ORDER # 55 reads:

Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Staff Sergeant Joseph J. Altmann of the United States Army Who Lost His Life While Serving His Country During Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan

WHEREAS, on December 25, 2011, Staff Sergeant Joseph J. Altmann, a member of 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, United States Army, died while serving his country in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Joseph J. Altmann provided faithful and honorable service to the people of the State of Wisconsin and the people of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the people of Wisconsin mourn the death of Staff Sergeant Joseph J. Altmann; and

WHEREAS, a memorial service will be held for Staff Sergeant Joseph J. Altmann on January 6, 2012;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SCOTT WALKER, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, by the authority vested in me by Federal and State law, do hereby order that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin shall be flown at half-staff at all buildings, grounds, and military installations of the State of Wisconsin equipped with such flags beginning at sunrise on Friday, January 6, 2012, and ending at sunset on that date.

—————

All Wisconsin state government facilities are covered by the governor’s order and a 2007 amendment to the U.S. Flag Code now requires all federal facilities in Wisconsin to comply. Other government agencies, businesses and private residences with flagpoles may also honor Staff Sgt. Joseph Altmann by lowering their U.S. and Wisconsin state flags to half-staff during the daylight hours on Jan. 6.