U.S. Army Spc. Robert L. Voakes Jr.
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Gov. Rick Snyder will order United States flags throughout the state to be lowered to half-staff in honor of U.S. Army Spc. Robert L. Voakes Jr. on Monday, June 20. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Tuesday, June 21.Voakes, 21, of L’Anse, was among four soldiers who died from an improvised explosive device on June 4, in Laghman province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 793rd Military Police Battalion, 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Voakes’ awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, in addition to his promotion to Specialist posthumously.
“This young man courageously served our country with pride and honor. My thoughts and prayers are with Spec. Voakes’ family at this very difficult time,” Snyder said.
When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the United States flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position. The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
Friends and family have set up a facebook page in his memory.
