Governor Branstad has ordered all flags in Iowa to be flown at half staff in honor of a western Iowa Sergent killed in Afghanistan.

Flags will be flown at half staff starting tomorrow at 5 PM until Monday at 8 AM in honor of 25-year-old Sgt. James Skalberg of Emerson.  The governor’s directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state.

Skalberg was killed on June 27 by an IED (improvised explosive device) in Afghanistan near the vehicle he was driving.  Another soldier was also killed in that attack.

The funeral service for Sgt. James Skalberg will be held on Saturday at 10 AM the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Red Oak.  Sgt. Skalberg is survived by his wife, Jessica and his son, Carter.  The U.S. flag flown over the state Capitol on the day of the funeral will be presented to Sgt. Skalberg’s family at a later date, along with a proclamation honoring him.

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.