Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, May 2, to honor the life and service of Army Staff Sergeant Troy S. Knutson-Collins, who passed away at the age of 28 during a training accident in Lithuania. The flag lowering will coincide with the day of the funeral.

“Sergeant Knutson-Collins represented the best of Michigan as he served our nation in uniform,” said Governor Whitmer. “A fierce friend and proud son, he leaves behind a legacy we should all strive to live up to. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.”

Staff Sergeant Knutson-Collins grew up in Battle Creek. He joined the Army in 2018, serving as an artillery mechanic for over seven years. His first deployment was to Korea in 2020.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Master Technician Badge.

Knutson-Collins, along with two other soldiers who passed in the training accident, were promoted to staff sergeant posthumously.

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and selfless service of Staff Sergeant Troy S. Knutson-Collins by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

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 Saturday, May 3, 2025.