Branstad Orders Flags Flown At Half-Staff For Iowa Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan

Spc. Don Nichols (left) and Sgt. Brent Maher.

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By Richard Pratt

Story Created: Apr 21, 2011 at 9:56 AM CDT

Story Updated: Apr 21, 2011 at 6:49 PM CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The governor has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of two Iowa National Guardsmen who were killed in Afghanistan.

A news release from the office of Gov. Terry Branstad says flags should be lowered from 8 a.m. Friday through 8 a.m. Monday in honor of Sgt. Brent Maher and Spc. Donald Nichols.

A funeral is scheduled Friday in Council Bluffs for Maher, of Honey Creek. The 31-year-old was killed by a roadside bomb on April 11.

On Saturday, a funeral will be held in Waverly for Nichols, of Shell Rock. The 21-year-old soldier died April 13 when his vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb.

The governor's office says his order applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state.

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