Gov. Terry Branstad has ordered all flags in Iowa to be flown at half-staff following the death of Sgt. James Skalberg, Jr., according to a news release from the governor’s office. 

Branstad’s order applied to all flags controlled by public institutions in Iowa. The flags were ordered to be flown half-staff beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, July 13 to 8 a.m. Monday, July 16.

Skalberg was killed by an improvised explosive device that exploded near his vehicle. Skalberg is survived by his wife, Jessica; his son, Carter; his parents, James and Kelli; and his grandparents, John and Bonnie Stephens and Karen Brewer.

Skalberg died on active duty in the Army, on patrol in Afghanistan.  His family requests that well-wishers send memorials to the Carter Skalberg Education Fund, 705 E. Corning St., Red Oak, Iowa, 51566.