LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags lowered to half-staff throughout Michigan today, April 8 to honor the service of United States Army Specialist Clay Welch.

Welch hailed from Dearborn Heights, Mich. He graduated from Truman High School. On Sept. 7, 2017, Welch joined the United States Army. He served as a combat medic with the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley in Kansas.

Spc. Welch was on a nine-month rotation in Seoul, South Korea when he passed away at the age of 20 on March 22, 2020. He is survived by his wife, parents, siblings, and grandparents.

Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.