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06/06/2011: "Flags At Half-Staff"

Gov. Chris Gregoire directed that flags at all Washington state agency buildings be lowered to half-staff Tuesday, June 7th, in memory of Special operations Capt. Joseph W. Schultz, 36, of Port Angeles, Wash. Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join in this recognition.

Capt, Schultz and two other Special Forces men and their dog died May 29, in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device.


( (U.S. Army team transfers remains of Army Capt. Schultz -Air Force photo ))

Capt. Schultz was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C. His military education includes: the Military Intelligence Officer Course, Infantry Captain Career Course, Defense Strategic Debriefer Course, Airborne School, Ranger School, and the Special Forces Qualification Course.

Schultz's military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal with one campaign star; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Overseas Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; and the Combat Infantryman Badge

He is survived by his wife, Kelly; and his mother, Betsy Reed Schultz of Port Angeles, Wash.

Congress amended the U.S. Flag Code to give governors the authority to lower flags when a state resident in the military is killed in the line of duty.