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LANSING, MI - Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday, July 17, to honor the life and service of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Saul Fabian Gonzalez. Gonzalez, 26, passed away in a non-combat related incident in Erbil, Iraq while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. The flag lowering date was selected in coordination with Gonzalez’s family to coincide with the one-month anniversary of his passing.
“Staff Sergeant Gonzalez represented the best of us as he served our nation in uniform,” said Governor Whitmer. “He was an incredible father, devoted husband, and loving brother, son, and uncle. He stepped up every day to protect Michigan and serve his community, and he leaves behind a legacy we will not forget. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.”
Staff Sgt. Gonzalez was a native of Pullman, Michigan. He joined the Army in 2018 and served as an Apache helicopter mechanic. Eight months after enlisting, Gonzalez was assigned to D Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
During his more than seven years of service, Gonzalez earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal with "C" device, the Army Achievement Medal with six oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal with bronze clasp and one loop, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Aviation Badge, and the Army Air Assault Badge.
Staff Sgt. Gonzalez is survived by his mother, father, brother, sisters, wife, and three children.
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and selfless service of Staff Sgt. Saul Fabian Gonzalez by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are also encouraged to display the flag at half-staff in tribute.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should be returned to full staff on Friday, July 18, 2025.