Gov. Terry E. Branstad orders flags at half-staff Friday to honor U.S. Marine Cpl. Zachary C. Reiff

State of Iowa Seal

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry Branstad has ordered all flags in Iowa be flown at half-staff Friday, December 2, 2011 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in honor of U.S. Marine Cpl. Zachary C. Reiff, 22, formerly of Preston, Iowa.

Cpl. Reiff was injured in action on November 18, 2011, when he was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. He later died from wounds related to the explosion.

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.

Cpl. Reiff is survived by his parents, Matthew and Marcia Reiff; his brother, Kolby Reiff; his sister, Emily Reiff; his maternal grandmother, and a nephew.

Memorial services for Cpl. Reiff will be held Friday, December 2, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. in Preston, Iowa. Gen. Jodi Tymeson, Executive Director of Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, will attend on behalf of the governor and lt. governor.

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