Gov. Jim Justice has issued a proclamation ordering that all State flags on all State-owned facilities throughout West Virginia, along with the United States flag, be displayed at half-staff IMMEDIATELY and until sunset on Tuesday, June 18, 2019, in honor of the interment ceremony of West Virginia Army National Guard Master Sgt. Nicholas Sheperty.

MSG Sheperty was fatally injured during a training exercise in Suffolk, Virginia on April 17, 2019.

Prior to his service with the West Virginia National Guard, Sheperty served with the Marine Corps Special Operations Command. He enlisted into the United States military in 2002 and served multiple tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He is the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Navy/Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, and NATO medal among numerous other awards and decorations. He was a resident of Baltimore City, Maryland, and native Virginian.