Governor Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Master Sergeant Jeffrey Saum

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff immediately on Saturday, January 9 to honor the service of United States Army Master Sergeant Jeffrey Saum and coincide with his funeral. 

“Our state mourns the loss of Army Master Sergeant Jeffrey Saum as he is laid to rest today,” Whitmer said. “The flags will be lowered to honor his life and signal our gratitude for his selfless service to our state and nation in the United States Army. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.” 

Master Sergeant Jeffrey Saum was born in the Republic of Panama on June 22, 1987 and grew up in Big Rapids, Michigan. After graduating from Big Rapids High School in 2006, Saum enlisted in the United States Army. 

Master Sergeant Jeffrey Saum had spent his entire career in active duty when he passed away on December 7, 2021 at the age of 33 years old. He was previously deployed in support of Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom, Special Operations Joint Task Force to Afghanistan, Operation Atlantic Resolve, and the CENTCOM Commanders Counter Terrorism Crisis Response Force to Iraq.   

His remains were transported to Big Rapids, Michigan where a funeral service will be held before he is laid to rest on Saturday, January 9.  

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Master Sergeant Jeffrey Saum 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 Sunday, January 10.