U.S. Army Specialist Miguel A. Villalon was killed in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, while conducting operations as part of Freedom’s Sentinel. Texas is proud of this brave native Texan who gave the last full measure of devotion to his country. It is appropriate that flags fly at half-staff in his honor.

Therefore, pursuant to Sections 3100.065 and 443.024(e) of the Texas Government Code and Title 4 of the U.S. Code (4 U.S.C. § 1 et seq), the flags of the State of Texas and the United States of America shall be lowered to half-staff at the Capitol building on Saturday, January 25, 2020, in honor of the life and military service of U.S. Army Specialist Miguel A. Villalon. Flags at the Capitol should return to full-staff at sunset on the same day.

Pursuant to the direction of the Cameron County Judge, U.S. and Texas flags may be lowered to halfstaff immediately in the county and in any surrounding counties through the date of the final interment on January 25, 2020. Individuals, businesses, municipalities, and other political subdivisions and entities are encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the same length of time.

Our prayers for comfort are extended to the Villalon family in their time of grief. I urge all Texans to appropriately remember the sacrifice Specialist Villalon made for Texas and the United States.