Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today ordered United States flags throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters lowered for on Friday, January 22, in honor of Army Sergeant Lucas T. Beachnaw of Lowell who died January 13 in Darya Ya, Afghanistan, while on active duty supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Flags should be returned to full-staff Saturday, January 23.

Sgt. Beachnaw, age 23, died from wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Camp Ederle, Italy. Sgt. Beachnaw had served one month of his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 22, at Ada Bible Church in Ada, Michigan, with burial in South Bingham Cemetery, St. Johns, Michigan.