Gov. Terry E. Branstad orders flags at half-staff Friday to honor Petty Officer Jon T. Tumilson

State of Iowa Seal

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry Branstad has ordered all flags in Iowa be flown at half-staff Friday, August 19, 2011 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in honor of Petty Officer Jon T. Tumilson, 35, formerly of Rockford, Iowa.

Petty Officer Tumilson was killed in action Saturday, August 6, 2011, when a Taliban rocket-propelled grenade shot down a helicopter carrying 30 Americans, including Tumilson and 21 other Navy SEALs. Tumilson was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

The Governor’s directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state. H.R. 692, signed in 2007, requires federal government agencies in the state to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces.

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

Petty Officer Tumilson is survived by his parents, George and Kathleen Tumilson; two sisters, Kristie Pohlman and Joy (Scott) McMeekan, and 21 aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorial services for Petty Officer Tumilson will be held Friday, August 19, 2011 at 10 a.m. Gov. Branstad has cleared his schedule to attend the services.

The U.S. flag flown over the state Capitol on the day of the funeral will be presented to Petty Officer Tumilson’s family at a later date, along with a proclamation honoring him.

For more information, please visit www.Governor.Iowa.gov