Governor Tim Pawlenty today ordered that all U.S. and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at the Capitol Complex, including state buildings, monuments and grounds in proximity to and including the Minnesota State Capitol, from sunrise until sunset, on Friday, June 17, 2005, in honor and remembrance of First Lieutenant Michael John Fasnacht.  First Lieutenant Fasnacht died a hero near Tikrit, Iraq on Wednesday, June 8, 2005, while serving his country and fighting for freedom.

The funeral service for First Lieutenant Fasnacht will be held Friday, June 17, 2005 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato.

The following is the text of the Governor's official proclamation:

WHEREAS: First Lieutenant Michael John Fasnacht was born to Ray and Marny (Sexton) Fasnacht on February 8, 1980, in Mankato, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: First Lieutenant Michael J. Fasnacht grew up in Janesville, Minnesota, and graduated from Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton High School in 1998, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Microbiology from Mankato State University in 2003; and

WHEREAS: First Lieutenant Michael J. Fasnacht attended Army Basic Training and Advance Individual Training in 2000 at Fort Leonard, Missouri, where he was the Honor Graduate of his class; and

WHEREAS: First Lieutenant Michael J. Fasnacht was united in marriage to Tresa Rongitsch at Saint Bridget's Catholic Church in Lindstrom, Minnesota, on December 21, 2002; and

WHEREAS: As a Distinguished Military Graduate, Michael J. Fasnacht was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, Infantry.  Michael and Tresa were stationed at Ft. Benning, Georgia, where he graduated with Honors from Infantry Officer Basic Course and completed Ranger School.  He was assigned to 2nd platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division.  On November 30, 2004, Michael was promoted to First Lieutenant.  In January 2005, he was deployed to Iraq.  Michael's awards include Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Basic Parachutist's Badge, and Air Assault Badge; and

WHEREAS: First Lieutenant Michael J. Fasnacht died a hero near Tikrit, Iraq, on Wednesday, June 8, 2005, while serving his country and fighting for freedom.  He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart; and

WHEREAS: First Lieutenant Michael J. Fasnacht was dedicated and loyal to his Wife, God, Family, and his Country; and

WHEREAS: First Lieutenant Michael J. Fasnacht is survived by his wife, Tresa; his parents, Ray and Marny Fasnacht; his siblings, Sam, Matt, Chris (Becky), Julie, Jonathan, and Mary Beth; grandparents, Jack and Peggy Sexton; father and mother-in-law, Thomas and Teresa Rongitsch; brothers-in-law, Jesse (Andria) Rongitsch, Thomas Rongitsch, and Joshua Rongitsch; and many other family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Mass of Christian Burial for First Lieutenant Michael J. Fasnacht will be held Friday, June 17, 2005, at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato.  Interment with full military honors will take place at Saint Ann's Catholic Church Cemetery in Janesville; and

WHEREAS: The citizens of Minnesota are deeply grateful to the family of First Lieutenant Michael J. Fasnacht for his dedicated service to the people of this country and want the family to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all U.S. and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at the Capitol Complex, including state buildings, monuments and grounds in proximity to and including the Minnesota State Capitol, from sunrise until sunset on Friday, June 17, 2005, in honor and remembrance of First Lieutenant Michael John Fasnacht.