Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty has ordered that all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, August 14, in honor and remembrance of Major Michael H. Freyholtz.

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

WHEREAS: Major Michael H. Freyholtz was born in Bemidji, Minnesota, on July 22, 1976; and

WHEREAS: Major Michael H. Freyholtz graduated from Blackduck High School, Blackduck, Minnesota, in 1994 and from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1998; and WHEREAS: Major Michael H. Freyholtz joined the United States Air Force in May 1998 and received his officer commission as a Second Lieutenant through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at the University of Minnesota Duluth; and

WHEREAS: Major Michael H. Freyholtz was a member of the Alaska Air National Guard since May 2007; and

WHEREAS: Major Michael H. Freyholtz flew 608 combat hours in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, for which he received the Air Medal; and

WHEREAS: Major Michael H. Freyholtz was a devoted airman and selfless leader. He was a beloved family man and enjoyed nothing more than family activities; and WHEREAS: Major Michael H. Freyholtz died a hero on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska; and

WHEREAS: Major Michael H. Freyholtz is survived by his children, Trevor and Fiona; parents, Harvey and Mary; sisters, Teresa (Max) and Susan (Rodney); brother; Shawn; niece and nephew, Sari and Micah; and other loving family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Major Michael H. Freyholtz was preceded in death by his grandparents, Daniel and Maud and Floyd and Vina; and

WHEREAS: Visitation for Major Michael H. Freyholtz will be held Saturday, August 14, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at Blackduck High School, Blackduck, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Funeral service for Major Michael H. Freyholtz will be held Saturday, August 14, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at Blackduck High School, Blackduck, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Interment with full military honors will be held Saturday, August 14, 2010, at Hines Cemetery, Hines, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Major Michael H. Freyholtz for his dedicated service to and sacrifice for the people of this country with our deepest gratitude, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, August 14, 2010, in honor and remembrance of Major Michael H. Freyholtz.