I am directing flags be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for Army 1st Lt. William “Blake” Pickel, who died in the line of duty during a training exercise at Fort Rucker on Sunday, September 1, 2019.

Let us remember the life and service of Pickel, who was serving in the 1st Aviation Brigade at Fort Rucker. Pickel, a native of Cleveland, Tennessee, had served in the Army since 2007 and had combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as an enlisted soldier and medic. We offer our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his two children, wife and entire family.

The flags should be flown at half-staff on the day of his interment Thursday, September 12, 2019 until sunset.