Flags at Half-Staff Friday to Honor Michigan Man

Gov. Rick Snyder ordered U.S. flags throughout the state to be lowered to half-staff in honor of U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Matthew “Matt” S. Schwartz on Friday.

Schwartz, 34, of Traverse City, died Jan. 5 in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. He was an explosive ordinance disposal specialist assigned to the 90^th Civil Engineer Squadron at F.E.Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming.

“Tech. Sgt. Schwartz paid the ultimate price in service to our country,” Snyder said. “All of Michigan honors this courageous young man and I offer my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”

Schwartz was a 1996 graduate of Traverse City Central High School and served 12 years in the U.S. Air Force. He was on his sixth deployment.

His awards and decorations include: the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Combat Action Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, three Bronze Stars with two oak leaf clusters and one V device (the final bronze star issued for heroism).

A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday at Christ the King Catholic Church in Acme Township, Grand Traverse County.

When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the U.S. 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.

Source: The Executive Office of the Governor